When you’re designing a custom frame, or selecting the frame for your wall, the questions that almost always pops up is: what picture framing glass type should you use? This is a short and sweet guide to the different types of glazing you can use in your custom frame – we hope it helps!
Standard glass
Standard picture framing glass type, to a picture framer, is a 2mm clear float glass. It is relatively inexpensive and will protect your artwork from dust and physical damage. The downsides? It doesn’t protect your artwork from harmful UV rays, and its shiny surface is highly reflective.
Non-reflective glass
The non-reflective picture framing glass type you may have seen has a matte, almost frosted quality to it. The non-reflective coating certainly does minimise glare, but if you’re looking to protect your artwork from UV damage, non-reflective glass isn’t going to cut it. The other problem? Non-reflective glass loses clarity the further away it is from your artwork. So if you’re looking to create a football jumper frame or a custom frame with similar depth – non-reflective glass might not be for you.
Conservation clear glass
Conservation Clear picture framing glass type is the brand name for a type of clear glass that offers 99% UV protection. What does this mean? It means your artwork won’t fade or discolour when the frame is exposed to light. Frames Now relies on Conservation Clear to provide conservation-grade glazing that is also cost-effective. If you’ve got a delicate artwork you want to protect, Conservation Clear glass is a smart choice.
Museum glass
Don’t be put off by the name! Museum picture framing glass type is not just for museums! If you’ve got an artwork that needs UV protection, Museum glass offers 99% UV protection. But it also offers an anti-glare coating that makes the glass surface almost invisible. Museum glass is great for when you’re hanging your artwork in a light, bright space – you’ll be amazed at how clearly you can view your masterpiece! Or do you have any artwork with lots of small details? Museum glass will help you see it all with perfect clarity.
Acrylic
Acrylic, or ‘Perspex’ as it’s more commonly known, is a lighter-weight alternative to standard glass. It’s also a great shatter-proof option for when your artwork is in danger of being damaged (teenage boys, anyone?). The downside? It’s not as cost-effective as glass, and can scratch easily when cleaned – a soft, microfibre cloth is a must, but it’s not a guarantee against scratches.
So there you have it: a run-down of different types of glass you might come across when framing your artwork. If you need to know any more, drop into your nearest Frames Now store and chat to one of our friendly, knowledgeable consultants. Ask us all about glass – we love to talk glazing!