Glazing…is it the final delicious step when making donuts? Or is it what your eyes do when your framer excitedly tells you about their great glass and plexi options? Glazing refers to the glass or acrylic within your framing project. In most scenarios glazing choices primarily come down to two factors: clarity and UV protection. Detailed below are the most commonly used glazing choices, the differences between them, and the scenario when which would be most appropriate.
GLASS
Premium Clear
Regular, every day, “hardware store” glass. Protects your artwork from dust, scratches, and not much else. This is typically the glass included with most retailers’ ready-made frames. There’s not much special about it, but if you’re not looking for anything special… then this is the glass for you!
Recommended for items that can be easily replaced or reproduced when UV exposure is not a concern. Blocks approximately 45% of UV rays.
Reflection Control
Regular glass with a matte or frosted look finish. Reflects a softer and less harsh glare. It may be the perfect choice for a soft focus bridal portrait or print with a muted color scheme, but when you have a diploma or map with fine lettering or a colorful graphic piece, you may prefer to use clear glass as it works to keep lines crisp and colors vibrant.
Blocks approximately 45% of UV rays.
Conservation Clear
Has a comparable glare to the regular Premium Clear glass but (and this is the important part) blocks 99% of harmful UV rays. This is the most important factor in framing artwork properly to last for generations.
Use this when framing limited edition prints or posters, original works of art, or to protect any item of sentimental or monetary value.
UltraVue
Has remarkably little glare. However, only blocks 70% of UV rays. Which is very good, but not conservation quality.
For use when clarity is more important than conservation. For items that are not sensitive to UV damage or will be displayed in a controlled environment to limit UV exposure.
Museum
The best of the best. The Cadillac of framing glass. Glass so clear it makes Fiji water look like a mud puddle. Called “museum” glass for a reason.
All the clarity of UltraVue with the added benefit of 99% UV protection.
Downsides include wiping your guests’ fingerprints off when they don’t believe there’s actually glass in front of your artwork.
ACRYLIC
Also commonly called plexi (short for plexiglass), we offer high-quality framing grade acrylic as an alternative to glass. All acrylic options are lightweight and shatter-resistant. We advise acrylic for pieces in a kid’s room, high traffic areas, or to keep the weight down on larger pieces. It is also beneficial when art needs to be shipped or will be carried to different events, etc. And many are safe to be in direct contact with most types of works on paper.
Recommended for:
– high traffic areas where safety is a concern
– reducing the weight on large items
– items that will be shipped, transported, or mailed
NOT recommended for:
friable media (pastel or charcoal artwork). Most acrylic options carry a static charge which can attract some of the artwork from the paper onto the inside of the glass. Always consult your framer to select the best option for your project.
Premium Clear Acrylic (FF3)
Blocks 66% of UV rays
Conservation Clear Acrylic (OP3)
Blocks 99% of UV rays
Reflection Control Acrylic (P99)
Non-Glare (frosted look)
Blocks 66% of UV rays
Conservation Reflection Control Acrylic (OP3/P99)
Non-Glare (frosted look)
Blocks 99% of UV rays
Optium Museum Acrylic
Anti-reflective
Blocks 99% of UV rays
Maybe one of your pieces has broken glass? Sure, you can find “Glass Heal Spray” or “Crack-B-Gone” at any hardware store, but why go through the trouble and expense. Bring it in and we’ll take care of it!
