Did you know there is a way to tell if you’re being bamboozled by a two way mirror? They call it the fingernail test. If you hold up your finger to the mirror and there’s no space it’s a two way mirror. “If there is no space, leave that place!” I saw a video on IG where a girl was moved into a corner room of a motel. It was next to a maintenance closet. It did not pass the fingernail test.
- One Way Glass Mirror
- Two Way Acrylic Mirror
- Two Way Glass Mirror
According to http://www.twowaymirrors.com/fingernail-test/ “70% reflective with 25% light transmission on a grey substrate, acrylic two way mirror is reflective from both sides of the substrate. Meaning it can be installed either way. If installed backwards ( the coated side on the back ) it can cheat the fingernail test looking like the reflection of a standard mirror! Something to think about if you are testing a questionable mirror. Acrylic tends to have a different feel than glass. Rubbing your nail gently across the surface may help you determine if you have found an acrylic two way mirror, or a standard glass mirror.”
There are other ways to tell including using lights and tapping for a hollow sound.
I plan to do the fingernail test from now on when traveling. Just to be safe maybe I’ll cover all mirrors with a sheet or something. There are also tools that allow you to detect even the smallest of cameras! I think these type of dangers are especially common when traveling abroad.
Better safe than sorry! Have you ever tried the fingernail test?
Redheaded Jill 
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