Abstract: A reflective article such as a mirror or an energy-screening transparent panel comprises a reflective metal coating deposited on a glass substrate. The metal coating comprises a reflective layer of silver and has been treated with a solution containing ions of at least one of the group consisting of: Cr (II); V (II or III); Ti (III or II); Fe (II); In (I or II); Cu (I); and Al (III). Such a treatment affords protection of the reflective coating against corrosion.

Abstract: A reflective article such as a mirror or an energy-screening transparent panel comprises a reflective metal coating deposited on a glass substrate. The metal coating comprises a reflective layer of silver and has been treated with a solution containing ions of at least one of the group consisting of: Cr(II); V(II or III); Ti(III or II); Fe(II); In(I or II); Cu(I); and Al(III). Such a treatment affords protection of the reflective coating against corrosion.

Abstract: A reflective article includes a glass substrate and a reflective metal coating deposited on the glass substrate including a reflective layer of silver and having a surface stratum which has a population of tin atoms which is augmented as compared with the population of tin atoms (if any) in an underlying subsurface stratum by at least one tin atom per hundred metal atoms thereby conferring on the reflective metal coating an enhanced resistance to corrosion. The reflective layer of silver is treated with an acidified aqueous solution of a stannous salt, which solution is free from opalescence, thereby to augment tin atom population in a surface stratum of the reflective metal coating.

Abstract: A mirror comprises a transparent glass sheet having a reflective metal coating deposited on the glass and a protective coating applied to the reflective coating. The protective coating comprises a paint having a residual internal stress S.sub.R equal to or less than 1 MPa, measured by the Cantilever method (as defined) at a temperature above its glass transition temperature. One suitable paint used in coating the mirror has the following composition:50% pigments:10% titanium dioxide45% barium sulphate25% talc15% lead pigment5% coloring pigment and carbon black15% binder100% epoxy resin ester with 45% castor oil35% solvents5% butanol and isobutanol95% xylene.The glass transition temperature of the paint is approximately 10.degree. C., the residual internal stress at 20.degree. C. is approximately 0.05 MPa and the Persoz hardness is approximately 120.

Abstract: A copper mirror having improved resistance to aging as having a factor of luminous reflection which is stable and which, after the copper mirror has been subjected to a CASS Test for 120 hours, is at least 0.9 times what it was before the copper mirror was subjected to the CASS Test, the copper mirror including a transparent glass sheet bearing a copper reflective layer and at least one protective layer provided on the copper reflective layer, wherein the copper reflective layer is chemically desposited layer having an oxygen content which is low so as to be effective to provide the stable factor of luminous reflection.

Abstract: A decorative mirror, including a transparent sheet; and at least one reflective silver layer comprised of silver deposited on one face of the transparent sheet, wherein a first silver layer of said at least one reflective silver layer has randomly distributed therein areas containing reaction products including non-metallic silver formed by reacting at least a part of the silver of said first silver layer with a substance which reacts with silver to provide reaction products including non-metallic silver so that the visible light reflectance of the decorative mirror is modified or interrupted.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a mirror, including forming on a transparent glass sheet a copper reflective layer by chemical deposition from contact with a coppering solution; and coating the copper reflective layer with at least one protective layer effective to protect the copper reflective layer from corrosion by the atmosphere, wherein the copper reflective layer is formed under conditions effective to provide a mirror which, after having been subjected to a CASS Test for 120 hours, has a factor of luminous reflection which is at least 0.90 times what it was before the mirror was subjected to the CASS Test.

Abstract: A decorative mirror having a reflective silver layer deposited on a transparent sheet. A substance which reacts with silver is applied to the silver layer to create randomly distributed areas containing reaction products including non-metallic silver where the visible light reflectance of the mirror is modified or interrupted. In order to manufacture the mirror, a transparent sheet is wetted with a silvering solution to form a reflective silver layer, and while the sheet is still wet with the silvering solution the sheet is contacted with randomly distributed droplets of a solution of a substance which reacts with silver, the two solutions being made up using different solvents. The substance which reacts with silver may be a tin compound in an alcoholic solution, the silvering being effected with an aqueous solution. The silver layer whose reflective properties have been modified may be overcoated with a second silver layer, and the whole protected with further layers, for example of copper and paint.

Abstract: A method of modifying the light-reflecting properties of a surface of a glass article by etching the surface with acid. The method includes the steps of smoothly applying to the surface of the article a uniform film of acid that is sufficiently thin so that quantities of the acid are prevented from flowing across the surface of the article and subsequently rinsing the article.