Picture Frame Glass

Picture frame glass (glazing) is an important consideration in the picture framing process. Its main purpose is to protect the artwork from humidity, heat and other everyday atmospheric conditions. All Frame Today stores work with a wide range of glass and acrylic available, providing you with a glazing solution for all picture framing needs, sizes and budgets.

Whether you are after picture frames with uv protection glass, non-non reflective qualities, or a complete alternative to regular glass, we have something on offer. Here are the main types of glass for picture frames we work with:

Clear Glass

Due to its availability and low cost, clear float glass is the most common choice of glass for picture framing. Clear glass will protect against dust and marks although it provides no ultra-violet (UV) protection.

We recommend using clear glass for reproduction prints, posters and artwork of little value or importance.

Non-Reflective Glass

Non-reflective (anti-glare) glass contains a clear film designed to diffuse reflection. It is this non-reflective property that ensures you can see your artwork, even when hung in an area with high exposure to sunlight or interior lighting. It is important to note that non-reflective glass does not reflect UV light rays and therefore provides no protection against UV light fading. Find out more about our UV filters for picture framing below.

It is not recommended for picture framing with fine detail as some clarity will be lost. This loss of clarity is further emphasised when the glass is spaced away from the artwork, such as in the event of when using mat boards or framing spacers are used.

We recommend non-reflective glass for most reproduction prints, posters and artwork of little value or importance which is likely to hang on a wall with reflective light.

UV Conservation Clear Glass

This is one of our recommended UV filters for picture frames. Clear Conservation UV glass is used to protect art and objects of importance from fading when framed. The UV glass we use cuts out 99% of ultraviolet light, protecting your artwork from fading through light damage.

We recommend using UV conservation glass when the artwork being framed is important, of high value or irreplaceable.

When to use:

• Custom framing original art, limited edition prints and posters
• To help protect items of personal or monetary value

Features:

• Blocks up to 99% of UV rays
• No ripple or “orange peel” effect on glass surface
• Proprietary coating is engineered for permanence
• Premium 2.5mm thickness provides better strength and rigidity

UV Non-Reflective Glass

Non-reflective, conservation UV glass has the same ultra-violet protective properties as clear conservation UV glass, with the addition of non-reflective glass to diffuse reflection.

We recommend using UV non-reflective, conservation glass when the artwork being framed is important, highly valuable, or irreplaceable, and is likely to be hung on a wall with exposure to with reflective light.

When to use:

• Custom framing original art, limited edition prints and posters
• To reduce glare in rooms with uncontrolled lighting leading to reflection
• For items that don’t require a lot of depth (single or double mats)

Features:

• Matte finish reduces glare
• Blocks up to 99% of UV rays
• Proprietary coating is engineered for permanence

Museum Glass

Museum glass is a premium picture frame glass offering 99% UV protection and less than 1% reflection. Museum glass has the highest brightness and contrast levels available and an optical coating for true colour transmission. In fact, it’s near invisible!

This premium museum glass is ideal for dimensional and object framing or when framing is spaced away from the glass, providing a quality, non-reflective finish.

When to use:

• Custom framing original art, limited edition prints, posters and shadowboxes for objects including memorabilia, souvenirs family heirlooms and personal mementos
• To protect items of personal or monetary value
• Highly detailed and colourful works of art

Features:

• Virtually eliminates reflections
• Blocks up to 99% of UV rays
• Optimal light transmission brighten colours
• Enhanced surface for better durability and easy cleaning
• No ripple or “orange peel” effect on glass surface
• Proprietary coatings are engineered for permanence
• Premium 2.5mm thickness provides better strength and rigidity

Acrylic

Clear acrylic (Perspex) and non-reflective acrylic are suitable alternatives to glass, offering a lightweight and shatterproof option. As with standard clear and non-reflective glass, there are no UV filtering or protective qualities.

It is not recommended for pastels or charcoals due to the static electric charge held by acrylic. This charge can cause dust particles to stick to the surface and detract from the clarity of the image.

We recommend acrylic glazing as a safe option for oversized frames, display cases or areas with safety concerns.

When to use:

• Oversized works where weight is a factor
• Framing for high traffic areas or where safety is a concern

Features:

• Light weight for easy hanging
• Shatter resistance to safeguard against injury and damage to artwork

UV Low Reflective Acrylic

A low-reflective UV acrylic provides the ultimate glazing protection for picture framing, providing 99% UV protection and less than 1% reflection.

Due to its lightweight and shatterproof nature, along with its anti-static properties, it is ideal for pastels and charcoal artwork needing protection from ultra-violet light and a non-reflective finish. For this reason, UV low reflective acrylic is used in museums and art galleries worldwide.

When to use:

• Framing or displaying cultural heritage and fine art collections, oversized works and irreplaceable works of art
• Static sensitive materials including textiles charcoals and pastels
• When the lighting environment is controlled to limit UV exposure
• Framing for high traffic areas or where safety is a concern

Features:

• Virtually eliminates reflections
• Filters up to 93% of UV rays
• Light transmission brighten colours and contrast levels
• Anti-static protection that immediately dissipates static
• Durable hard coat protects against scratches
• Shatter resistance to safeguard against injury and damage to artwork
• Cleans like glass – no special acrylic cleaners needed
• Proprietary coating is engineered for permanence

What Type of Picture Framing Glass/Glazing Do I Need?

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