Plastic Mirrors

[Brian Degulis]

When I was at the Miami show I saw that some of the new Hatts and some other boats had mirrors on the ceiling in the heads. I liked the look it takes away some of the closed in feeling gives it the apearance of being larger than it is. I was thinking about doing this on my 61 MY and I am wondering if the mirrored plastic might work. I'm thinking plastic for safety and also because I could do it my self. Anyone done this? Any thoughts?. I also noticed on the newer boats Hatt was using a wall paper that looked like any epoxy bonded stone. Anyone know what that stuff is or have a source for it?

Thanks in advance
Brian

 

[SKYCHENEY]

I don't know where to get that stuff buy maybe Sam's would know. I like the look and I asked one of the Hatt sales guys about it at the show. He claims that Hatteras started doing that a few years back and now just about every builder has copied them. I did notice it in a couple of other makes as well, so maybe he's right.

 

[Diver Down]

Regarding the wallpaper, my wife has been looking at paintable, texture wallpaper. She did a google and found dozens of designs. The stuff can be left unpainted, multi-toned, painted solid colors,... She even found specific instructions on the internet for installing wallpaper over laminates (e.g. Formica). I'm not big on wallpaper but looks like I better get used to the idea!

 

[Capt.Erich]

Typically, the owner (or wife) will pick a wall paper to go in the new boats. Unfortunately, the interior designers don't seem to get the fact that they are working in an environment that is humid. I have seen many new Hatts with really really expensive wall paper only to have it fixed or even replaced before leaving the factory due to the fact it doesn't hold up in the "boating environment".

The miror they use is a simple plexiglass type of material. I does give the desired effect of making the room feel bigger and less cave like.

 

[REBrueckner]

I would only use a vinyl wallpaper aboard, never typical homestyle paper. We copied some textured vinyl wallpaper in a 1961 Matthews when we added some wallpaper over painted interior cabin surfaces adjacent to bunks. It lasted over twenty years we owned the boat without any problems. We found it in a local wallpaper store. Vinyl wallpapers have the added benefit that they stand up to washing should that be required. Likely they are an ideal type for bathrooms ashore or aboard.

 

[jim rosenthal]

Plastic mirrors are available in glass shops. I used one in Blue Note when I had to cut down a glass mirror frame for a remodel of the V-berth. It's worked great. Lots lighter, and can't break and cut you. (well, less likely, anyway)

 

[yachtsmanbill]

That stuff is just like plexiglass. Scribe and snap. BUY THE TOOL !! The 58s 3 heads are loaded with that stuff. Slide the DRUG cabinet open and the mirror obscures the portlite. All in due time...

 

[bostonhatteras]

a couple notes about plexiglass mirrors. yes you will purchase it from a glass shop, up to 4'x8'. be absolutely certain to check the mirrors backing for scratches-they WILL be obvious after installation and they won't take it back once it leaves their store. if you have any curves or other openings (recepticle or light fixture) you cannot score and snap, use the finest tooth jigsaw blade you can buy and cut slowly, too fast and you will melt the plastic behind the blade. when you make a template (you must make a template, first paper then transfer to 1/4 ply and trial fit) allow for movement. don't forget that your boat changes shape slightly when hauled and heavy seas. one more thing, use a drill for glass, not wood or metal
good luck, it is a huge improvement
Russ

 

[yachtsmanbill]

Ive gotta add on thing. whenever you drill the stuff, leave the paper on it to prevent cracking. I wouldnt take it off until installation is imminent. ws

 

[Starman]

Brian,

couple ways to go here. The "plastic" is really plexiglass mirrors or you can get Lexan in the mirror also.

I do not jig saw any plexi or Lexan. Instead I make a jig and use a router ending with a very smooth cut. Plexi will chip !

You can buy this material in 1/8 and up thicknesses. Been awhile since I have ordered mirrored plexi from my supplier but seems to me it was around 150.00 for a 1/4 by 4X8 sheet.

The properties :

Plexi is durable and can be washed/cleaned easily. If fastening by screw, make the hole larger than the actual screw threads. If not, it will spider crack. To apply without screws, a window shop can get you the heavy duty sticky film to cover the back side of the plexi, then use a mirror mastic to hold in place.

You can sand and torch the edges of plexi for a glossy finish or sand then buff the edges. You can route the edges with a round over bit and get a nice finish that was as well.

Lexan will not break. bend it, cut it, beat it with a hammer and it will not break. But Lexan has more water in it, and therefore is softer. It will and can scratch terrible, especially the mirror finish even with a wet and very soft paper towel.

It can be drilled and attached to the ceilings the same way as Plexi.

Again, like veneer, make pattern using rosin paper, and since there is no forgiveness on plexi or lexan, make the first cut with some door skin or Luan. Get it to fit right, then use that as your pattern to cut/route the actual piece.

If attaching with mastic, practice the test fit a couple times first. Then adhere it to the ceiling.

I use button caps when using screw to fasten to the ceiling. Those little plastic caps that cover the screw heads.

 

[Brian Degulis]

OK So I quess from what you guys are telling me that the mirrored ceilings often are plastic that's good because in looking at them I never picked that up. We get all of our glazing supplies fron a company called CR Laurence and they have all the adhesives moldings edge pieces etc. My local plastic supplier has the mirrored sheet plastic so that's no problem. Paul mentioned using the plastic caps over the screws sounds like a good Idea are you using some sort of chrome or mirror finish cap? If so do you have a source?

Thanks
Brian

 

[StratPlan61]

Brian, my 61' has a wall-to-wall plexi mirror in the guest SR. You can have it if you'd like it. It has gotten 'foggy' over the years and I plan to discard it as soon as I rip it out. It is cloudy and does not clean up. It probably looked great when installed - but it is butt ugly now.
I'm hoping the original wood under it is OK.

Bear'
1984 61' MY Strategic Plan

 

[thoward]

Same here. We have mirrored walls in the saloon and master SR. They are not really my cup of tea. We are thinking of having the one in the saloon etched and pulling the one in the master. A mirrored celing in the head might be cool though.

 

[Starman]

I am out of the silver caps, but the place I get them is strictly a wholesaler. I will be making an order in the next week or so for some more hardware type items.

These same caps, although for larger screws, can be found in some auto part stores. They are used to cover the screw on the license plate brackets.