can a mirror coating be removed from one surface without afftecting the other?

[Dr. Bill Stacy]

I got a pair of polarized 1.67 lenses in today that was supposed to have a mirror blue front side and an AR on the back side, but they came in mirrored on both sides. I called the lab and they claimed that the inside was the "mirror lab's" AR coating, and the only way to get rid of it is to strip it.

1. Is that a common practice? Mirrors on the back side seem to be a very stupid idea.

2. Can she actually strip off that inside mirror without affecting the front surface? I figure they have to use a pretty strong chemical for that.

3. Even if successful, what will that do to my back surface? Strip off the scratch protection?

The only reason I'm asking is because it might take considerably longer to completely redo the job than to just strip it.

[Dustin.B]

I can answer #1, No. Lol... at least I have not seen nor heard of such a silly thing.

[mervinek]

If an AR looks like a mirror, someone messed up. Does not sound good. Who on earth would put a mirror on the backside??? Redo...definitely redo!!!

[Tallboy]

LOL oh man, they are trying to say that its correct AR? Sounds like someone goofed big time.

[BigGuy]

Mirror on the backside would only be good for someone completely self absorbed (so they could look at themselves all the time)

[EyeSore]

If you can, take it to the lab yourself. If not, ask the lab rep to come in, so they can see for themselves.