Polystyrene

White polystyrene is the absolute classic model making material and with good reason: it is easy to cut, glues well, and lends itself to deformation. Models made from polystyrene should definitely be subsequently coated with varnish because otherwise they will tend to attract dust. In addition, a varnished model will have considerably more plasticity.

Mirrored polystyrene is a reasonably priced and easy to work with alternative to mirrored glass or acrylic. Its surface brilliance, however, is not really comparable to that of a real mirror. The mirror effect is created on the polystyrene by virtue of an extremely thin layer of metal and a polyester film which, on the one hand, protects the metal layer and, on the other, endows the mirror with greater depth.

This product corresponds to the construction material class B2 (German norm), i.e. normal inflammability, which means that it can not be used in public spaces or exhibition rooms without prior consultation with the proper authorities.

Mirrored polystyrene is excellent for making small mirrored interior surfaces in bathrooms and kitchens, for use in jewellery design and handicrafts, for general decoration purposes, etc. One good example is that in the colours ice blue and silver it is an interesting variation for representing water surfaces or mirrored facades in architectural models. The "iridescent green" and "iridescent pink" variants have a special appeal due to their rainbow effect. The green effect film, with its iridescent gradient from green to blue, creates a very special imitation of water surfaces in model making. The iridescent pink surface with its color gradient is reminiscent of an evening sky á la Vanilla Sky in Palm Beach.

The various colours can, of course, come across as somewhat kitschy but when used in moderation they can have their own special attractiveness. Interesting effects, for example, can be achieved when it is used in conjunction with antithetical materials such as stone or rough paper.