Glazing is used to protect your artwork from dust, moisture, and other environmental factors, preserving and enhancing your pieces and allowing you to enjoy your treasured items for years to come. While glass has been the common choice for many years the advances in production mean you can now get similar qualities out of acrylic panels. Both glass and acrylic have options for conservation (up to 99% UV protection), anti-reflection capabilities, and higher-quality options that are often used to protect artwork in museums.
Do I have to use glass?
There are several types of framed art that do not require glass. These options can provide a unique and stylish look for your customers' artwork and decor. Here are some ideas to describe on your website:
Canvas Prints: Canvas prints are a popular choice for art that doesn't require glass. The canvas material itself provides a textured and tactile feel to the artwork. Customers can choose from stretched canvases or canvas panels for a sleek, frameless appearance or opt for a floating frame for added elegance.
Oil or Acrylic Paintings: Original oil or acrylic paintings often don't require glass as they are created on a sturdy canvas or panel. However, framing these paintings can still enhance their presentation and protection. Customers can choose from a variety of frames to complement their artwork.
Some textiles, collages, textured art, or art printed on metal, wood or acrylic can also be framed without protective glass
Advantages of Glass
Clarity – At lower levels of glazing, glass still tends to have better clarity and colour reproduction.
Durability – Glass is less prone to scratching than acrylic
Low-Static – The anti-static properties of glass help ensure that the artwork remains clear, protected, and free of dust and other debris. This can be important in artwork involving pastels, chalks, charcoals, and fabrics that may have loose strands.
Affordability – While both have options up to museum quality and a variety of prices, like-for-like glass tends to be more affordable.
Non-Conservation
Sheet Glass
UltraVue Anti-Reflection - One of our most popular choices.
UltraVue® glass is a type of glass specifically designed for picture framing that offers exceptional clarity and protection for artwork. It is a high-quality glazing option that enhances the viewing experience of framed art while safeguarding it from potential damage.
Conservation Grade - Provides 99% UV protection
Conservation Clear
Conservation Anti-Reflection
Museum Glass
When it comes to custom framing, Museum Glass is unmatched with its amazing clarity and uncompromised protection. And now it is better to handle with its easy-to-clean, more durable surface.
Advantages of Acrylic
Lightweight – Acrylic is significantly lighter than glass, making it a good choice for large pieces that need to be hung on the wall.
Safety – Acrylic is much less likely to break than glass, and it doesn’t shatter into sharp pieces if it does break. Hence Acrylic is the preferred option for larger pieces, high-traffic areas like stairways and corridors, or artwork placed over sitting or sleeping areas.
Moisture Resistant – Prevents moisture buildup on the inside surface and protects artwork from damage caused by moisture.
Non-Conservation
Standard Acrylic
Reflection Control Acrylic
Conservation Grade
Conservation Clear Acrylic
Conservation, Reflection Control Acrylic
Optium Museum Acrylic
The virtually invisible acrylic performs like glass and is trusted by the world’s most renowned museums. Optium also adds abrasion resistance and anti-static protection over most acrylics, making it the perfect lightweight alternative for any artwork.
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