Choosing the Right Adhesive for Acrylic Mirror Backing

Acrylic mirror is a reflective film applied to an acrylic substrate, protected by a painted back coating. While the front surface looks similar to glass, the backing is far more sensitive—and choosing the wrong adhesive can permanently damage it.

If you’re mounting acrylic mirror, understanding adhesive compatibility is critical.

Why Adhesive Choice Matters

When acrylic mirror is bonded to another surface, both materials will naturally conform to any irregularities in the backing. Uneven surfaces can cause localized bending, which leads to visible distortion in the reflected image.

Even more important: some adhesives contain solvents that can attack the acrylic mirror’s back coating, causing bubbling, discoloration, or complete failure of the reflective layer.

Once that damage occurs, it cannot be repaired.

The following adhesives are suggested for use with FABBACK mirror sheet products.


3M
St Paul, Minnesota
Phone 800.362.3550

Products:

  • 3M560 Polyurethane Sealant
  • 3M Super 77 Clear Spray
  • 9500 PC Double Coated Polyester Tape
  • VHB Tape

Please note: Before using any adhesives, cements or mastics, please test sample for at least 72 hours to determine suitability.

Avoid Solvent-Based Adhesives

Many common construction adhesives contain solvents such as:

  • Toluene
  • Ketones
  • Hexane

Adhesives with 5% or more solvent content are not recommended for acrylic mirror applications. These chemicals can soften or dissolve the protective backcoat, compromising both appearance and longevity.

Because adhesive formulations vary widely, never assume compatibility based on brand alone.

Always Test Before Final Installation

Before using any adhesive, cement, or mastic:

  • Test it on an expendable sample
  • Allow at least 72 hours
  • Inspect for softening, bubbling, or coating damage

This test should confirm compatibility with:

  • The acrylic sheet
  • The reflective layer
  • The painted back coating

Skipping this step is one of the most common causes of acrylic mirror failure.

Backing Surface Still Matters

For best results, acrylic mirror should be mounted to a smooth, rigid, and flat surface, such as MDF or thick hardboard. Proper backing reduces stress on the adhesive and minimizes visual distortion over time.

Need Help Choosing the Right Adhesive?

At Delvie’s Plastics, we work with acrylic mirror every day. If you’re unsure which adhesive is safe for your application, or want recommendations that pair well with our mirror sheets, we’re happy to help before installation begins.

A little planning up front goes a long way toward a clean, distortion-free result.

Back to blog