What is a front surface mirror?
A front surface (or first surface) mirror is usually defined as a mirror having the metallic reflective coating on the front side. Ordinary mirrors, including automotive mirrors and common bathroom mirrors, have the reflective coating on the back surface – we look through the glass at a reflection coming off the back side. The advantage to front surface mirrors is that you eliminate the possibility of seeing a somewhat confusing double image of two reflections: the reflection from the front surface of the glass and the more prominent reflection from the silvering on the back of the mirror.
