How Are Vinyl Record Mirrors Made? The Sustainable Process Explained!
Being an eco-conscious human, you would be aware of the arrival of eco-friendly mirror options in the market like those of vinyl. Are you? Great! But do you know the whole sustainable process that goes into making these sustainable mirrors? Are you curious to know? Let's go then.
Step 1: Sourcing the vinyl records
The very first step to making a vinyl record mirror is collecting the raw materials. And what are the raw materials for these mirrors? The old vinyl records. So, the environmentally conscious brands and manufacturers working on these sustainable mirrors first all collect scratched, damaged, or unwanted records from different places. After collecting the raw materials, they work on repurposing them. Most of the old records are collected from thrift shops and garage sales.
You need to note that not all vinyl records are created equal. In some, you might find more flexibility and durability while others might be easier to cut and give shape. Most of the brands go with classic albums having interesting labels or iconic covers on them as they give more visual appeal to the final vinyl mirror.
Step 2: Cutting the Vinyl Record
After sourcing the right raw materials, it is time to cut the vinyl into the shape of a mirror. To create a mirror vinyl, many people choose to leave the record in its original circular shape. However, it can be given any shape depending on the desired style of the mirror.
Do you want to know which tool is used to cut the vinyl records? It's the ‘cutting tool.’ It's specifically designed to handle the thick material of recycled vinyl records. You can also find many manufacturers using rotary cutters or saws with fine teeth to cut the vinyl smoothly.
During the whole cutting process, safety is very important. The vinyl dust can be sharp and cause injury if proper precautions are not taken.
The right cutting tools and safety measures through gloves and goggles are important. They make sure that the vinyl gets cut easily and smoothly. This leaves the original grooves of the old record intact in the final sustainable mirror of vinyl.
Step 3: Preparing the Mirror Surface
After giving the desired shape to the vinyl, the manufacturers of Vinylize go ahead to prepare the surface of the mirror. For most vinyl record mirrors, the circular mirror is often placed in the center of the vinyl for a more appealing look.
You can easily find the mirrors available in the market in various sizes. However, the size of the record usually determines the diameter of the mirror you will get.
After this comes the step of attaching the mirror to the vinyl. For this purpose, the manufacturers used adhesive or mirror glue. It is very important to use a durable and strong enough adhesive so that it can hold the mirror firmly in place. During the fitting, the manufacturers also need to pay careful attention so that the mirror fits perfectly in the center. It is also to be made sure that the edges of the vinyl are left visible to let the iconic grooves be a part of the design of the final sustainable mirror of vinyl.
Step 4: Attaching the backing and hooking mechanism
To complete the process, the fourth step involves attaching a sturdy backing to the rear of the recycled vinyl records. It will give proper structural support to the mirror. The eco-conscious brands use a lot of backing materials from cardboard to a thin wooden panel, depending on the design.
In this step, there is also the attachment of a small hanging mechanism like a picture hook or a D-ring to the back of the mirror. This way, it becomes easier to hang it on the wall. However, the consumers can also place the mirror in a frame to give a decorative touch to their place. It's all up to you how you style your vinyl mirror for a more minimalist, modern aesthetic.
Step 5: Final touches and customization
In the last step of vinyl recycling, personalized touches can be given to the mirror. You can customize the frame, paint the grooves for an added effect, or also use special mirror designs if you want to. You can also find many makers going with painting the edges of the vinyl with metallic colors. This approach enhances the visual appeal of the mirror.
If you want a truly unique product made specifically for you only, you can go beyond customization. What about including etching designs in your eco-friendly mirror? How fascinating is adding LED lights to it! It will give a more dynamic, eye-catching display to your workspace.
