silver markers/paint

[Description]

How are the molecules persuaded to align at the surface so that a respectable reflection is produced with minimal scatter? What chemicals are used for this?

 

[Witling]

The quality of reflecting almost all visible light is inherent in some molecules, just as the quality of reflecting green is inherent in clorophyll. The reflectivity can be enhanced by the smoothness of the surface onto which the molecules are deposited and the quality of the deposition process. Here's a link about silvering mirrors. Link. They use silver nitrate. Silver paint is a suspension of reflective particles in a liquid medium.