We stock regular & nonglare framing glass and Groglass conservation UV Artglass products. Regular, nonglare, and museum Acrylic glass products are available to suit your specialty framing needs. Glass products are in stock ready to cut to order for your framing specifications.

 

 

The Art of Picture Framing: Exploring the World of Glass Types

When it comes to preserving and showcasing your most treasured memories or artworks, the choice of materials can make all the difference. Picture frames not only encase your precious pieces but also act as a lens through which your art is viewed. The selection of glass or acrylic for your frames plays a pivotal role in the presentation and protection of what lies within. Here, we will embark on a journey through time, exploring the evolution of glass and the versatility of acrylic in the world of framing. We will delve into various types of glass, including regular, art, non-glare, and museum glass, while also considering the unique qualities of acrylic. Discover the advantages, disadvantages, and trends that can help you make informed choices when framing your cherished artwork and photographs.

A Brief Historical Review

Before we delve into the different types of glass used in picture framing today, let's take a quick trip through history. Glass as a protective covering for artwork and photographs dates back to ancient times. In ancient Egypt and Rome, glass was used to shield precious papyrus scrolls and delicate artworks.

However, the glass used in those times was far from perfect. It was often irregular in thickness, prone to distortion, and lacked the clarity we expect today. The art of glassmaking gradually improved over centuries, and by the Middle Ages, Europe was producing higher-quality glass, making it more accessible for framing.

In the 19th century, the introduction of sheet glass and the development of glass manufacturing techniques marked a significant leap forward in the quality and availability of glass for framing. This innovation allowed for larger pieces of glass to be produced, making it easier to protect and showcase larger artworks.

Current Trends in Glass for Picture Framing

Fast forward to today, and we have a plethora of options when it comes to choosing glass for framing. Here are some of the most popular choices at Redleaf Moulding:

Regular Glass

Regular glass, often referred to as "float glass," is the most basic and budget-friendly option. It provides a clear and transparent view of your artwork. However, it has some drawbacks. It reflects light and can cause glare, making it challenging to view your framed piece in certain lighting conditions. It also provides limited UV protection, leaving your artwork vulnerable to fading over time.

Advantages of Regular Glass:

  • Economical

  • Offers a clear view of the artwork

Disadvantages of Regular Glass:

  • Prone to glare

  • Limited UV protection

 Art Glass

Art glass is a premium option for framing that aims to enhance the visual appeal of your artwork. It comes in various finishes that significantly reduce glare and make it resistant to scratches, enabling optimal presentation of the framed piece. Art glass also often includes efficient UV protection to safeguard your artwork from fading due to exposure to sunlight.

Advantages of Art Glass:

  • Enhances the visual appeal of artwork

  • Provides UV protection

Disadvantages of Art Glass:

  • More expensive than regular glass

 Non-Glare Glass

Non-glare glass, as the name suggests, is designed to minimize reflections and glare. It achieves this by having a microscopically etched surface that scatters light instead of allowing it to bounce back. This makes it an excellent choice for displaying artwork in areas with bright lighting.

Advantages of Non-Glare Glass:

  • Reduces reflections and glare

  • Suitable for artworks displayed in well-lit areas

Disadvantages of Non-Glare Glass:

  • Slightly reduces clarity compared to regular glass

  • More expensive than regular glass

  • Limited UV protection

Museum Glass

Museum glass is the crème de la crème of picture framing glass. It combines the best of both worlds, offering exceptional clarity, UV protection, and anti-reflective properties. It's called "museum glass" because it is often used in museums to protect and display priceless artworks. However, this high level of quality comes at a premium price.

Advantages of Museum Glass:

  • Unparalleled clarity

  • UV protection

  • Anti-reflective properties

Disadvantages of Museum Glass:

  • Expensive

The Importance of Glass Thickness

Beyond the type of glass, the thickness of the glass used in framing can also significantly impact the final presentation of your artwork. Thicker glass can add depth and dimension to your framed piece, giving it a more substantial and substantial appearance. However, it's essential to strike a balance between thickness and weight, as overly thick glass can make your framed piece too heavy.

Exploring Acrylic as an Alternative to Glass

In addition to traditional glass options, another popular choice for picture framing is acrylic. Acrylic, often referred to as plexiglass, has gained popularity as a versatile and practical alternative to traditional glass. Similar to glass, acrylic also comes in various types with specific features tailored to meet your framing needs. Here, we'll explore some of the key aspects of acrylic, including regular acrylic, non-glare acrylic, UV protection acrylic, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of using acrylic for framing.

Types of Acrylic

 Regular Acrylic: Regular acrylic, also known as standard acrylic, offers a clear and transparent view of your framed artwork or photographs. It is the basic option for acrylic framing and is a cost-effective choice for those who prioritize clarity without the added features of non-glare or UV protection. While it lacks the anti-reflective properties of non-glare acrylic and the UV-blocking capabilities of UV-protective acrylic, regular acrylic remains a popular choice for many framing projects, especially when budget considerations are important.

 Non-Glare Acrylic: Non-glare acrylic is engineered with a matte finish on one or both sides to reduce reflections and eliminate glare. This makes it an excellent choice for artworks displayed in well-lit areas or spaces with bright lighting, ensuring your framed piece remains easily visible without the distraction of reflections.

 UV-Protective Acrylic: Just like glass, acrylic can also be formulated with UV-blocking properties. UV-protective acrylic helps shield your artwork from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays, which can cause fading and deterioration over time. This is particularly important when framing valuable or irreplaceable pieces.

Advantages of Acrylic

  • Lightweight: One of the significant advantages of acrylic is its weight. Acrylic is much lighter than glass, making it an excellent choice for large or oversized frames. Its lightweight nature also reduces the risk of breakage during handling and transportation.

  • Shatterproof: Acrylic is shatterproof, unlike glass, which can break into sharp shards if accidentally dropped or damaged. This property makes acrylic a safer choice, especially in environments where safety is a concern, such as children's rooms or public spaces.

  • Clarity: High-quality acrylic offers excellent clarity, allowing your artwork or photographs to shine through without distortion. It's a suitable option for those who seek a glass-like appearance without the fragility of traditional glass.

Disadvantages of Acrylic

  • Scratches: Acrylic is more prone to scratching than glass. Care must be taken when cleaning and handling acrylic to avoid fine scratches that can accumulate over time. Special cleaning materials and techniques may be required to maintain its pristine appearance.

  • Static Electricity: Acrylic can generate static electricity, which can attract dust and debris. Regular cleaning may be necessary to prevent particles from settling on the surface of the acrylic and impacting the view of your framed piece.

  • Cost: High-quality UV-protective and non-glare acrylic options can be more expensive than regular acrylic or standard glass. While the cost may be higher, many find the added benefits of acrylic, such as UV protection and shatter resistance, well worth the investment.

Eventually, acrylic has become a compelling alternative to traditional glass in picture framing due to its lightweight, shatterproof nature and the availability of options like regular acrylic, non-glare acrylic, and UV-protective acrylic. When deciding between glass and acrylic, consider your specific framing needs, the importance of UV protection, and your budget. Each type of acrylic has its unique advantages and disadvantages, allowing you to select the one that best complements the presentation and preservation of your cherished artworks and photographs.

In Conclusion: Glass and Acrylic – A Spectrum of Choices

In the world of picture framing, the selection of materials extends beyond tradition and enters a realm where innovation meets preservation. From the classic clarity of regular glass to the pinnacle of protection offered by museum glass, there's a glass type to suit every need and aesthetic. But let's not forget the versatile contender: acrylic. With its lightweight nature, shatterproof resilience, and options like non-glare and UV-protective varieties, acrylic has become a compelling alternative to traditional glass.

As you embark on your framing journey, remember that the choice between glass and acrylic should reflect your unique preferences, budget, and the specific needs of your framed pieces. Whether you opt for the timeless charm of glass or the modern versatility of acrylic, your decision will help you transform your artwork or photographs into cherished masterpieces, preserving their beauty for generations to come.