How to Make a DIY Dichroic Mirror for Home Décor, Art, and More!

Dichroic Glass and Film

What is Dichroic Glass?

Dichroic Glass, also known as living glass, is an iridescent color effect mirror that’s semi transparent.

Dichroic glass is a type of metallic oxide layered onto the glass to create a multi-colored piece of glass. When light shines on it, this unique glass displays two different colors, which change simply by changing your position relative to it.

The word “Dichroic’ comes from the two Greek words, ‘Di’ means two, and ‘chroma’ means color.

For example, on a Blue-Gold Dichroic piece of glass you will see both colors. When light shines on it, on side will reflect a blue tint and one side will reflect a gold tint.

It can be ordered as a film which comes in rolls, or the actual mirrors on glass substrate, which have a hard, durable coating applied at the factory.

What is Dichroic glass used for?

You can use the dichroic glass for multiple occasions! It is common in: jewelry, memorials, decorative glass, fused art, scientific operations, tile, ceramics, pottery, gems, buttons, blown glass, and even mosaic glass art!

Dichroic glass is great for any type of project where you would need decorative glass.

There are multiple combinations of dichroic glass colors. There is Blue-Gold, Blue-Green, Green, May-Green, Orange, and Yellow!

Dichroic glass can be difficult to find, but here is one where the have different color options and they can cut it to custom sizes (which seems great for DIY projects): https://www.twowaymirrors.com/dichroic-glass/

Is there a Dichroic Film?

After doing research, I located film options! (I love to DIY, and Dichroic is fantastic to use for adding color into any room!) The film is cheaper, and easy to apply. They are sold by the same company who had the dichroic glass I listed earlier!

Just like any window film, dichroic mirrors are easily made using simple tools. A window film installation kit from your local hardware store can be used for application and to smooth out the bubbles.

How to make your own dichroic mirror?

If you want to use a film and create your own dichroic mirror here are the steps!

Method 1: Applying it to Glass

Step 1: Clean your glass, acrylic, or polycarbonate, so there aren’t any fingerprints or particles on the surface.

Step 2: Spray your surface with application solution and apply the dichroic film.

Step 3: Squeegee out the bubbles working your way from the inside slowly, working the excess liquid out and preventing creases from forming.

Step 4: Trim the excess film around the edges with a blade.

Step 5: Allow the film to set for 24 hours. The mild adhesive cures during this time, bonding it to the surface of your material.

With practice, dichroic film can also be used on curved surfaces for exhibits, costumes, and vehicles.

Method 2: Stretching the Film around a Frame

If you’re looking to create a lightweight dichroic mirror, the film can be stretched and pulled tight on a frame.

By affixing it with equal tension on all sides, it makes a huge dichroic mirror.

This is perfect for theater performances, magic shows, and any application where you need a giant lightweight mirror.

Step 1: Cut the film larger than the frame.

Step 2: Lay it across the frame. Tape the sides down. Make sure it is really tight to reduce any wrinkles.

Step 3: Continue taping around the edges so the frame is secure.

Step 4: After it’s attached to your frame, you can use a heat gun around the edges to tighten it.

How to take care of a Dichroic Mirror:

With proper handing, your dichroic film can last for years. Simply use a slightly damp, lint free microfiber cloth to clean it.

A dichroic mirror is more scratch resistant, which makes it perfect for applications which require cleaning. You can simply use any type of glass cleaner for cleaning the glass.

You’ll want to be careful with your dichroic film not to scratch it.