Glazing Options, When the Difference Isn’t Clear

By April Hann Lanford

With the variety of glazing options now available in the industry, selecting the right glazing can be a daunting task.  There are many options available with UV protection as well as standard glass with none.  Glass should not only be created with aesthetics in mind but also protect your artwork while on view. 

Here are a few questions to initially consider when reviewing glazing options for a frame:

Where will the piece be installed?

What are the lighting conditions?

What is the medium of the artwork?

Does it contain pastel, charcoal, or other friable elements?

Once completed, will be piece be transported, or shipped?

Given the nominal additional cost involved to provide the highest level of UV protection available in the industry, the following is a breakdown of attributes and considerations for the preferred glazing options available.

Optium Museum Acrylic

The preferred glazing of museums and collectors. Versatile, and providing optimal viewing, it can be seamed for oversize pieces.  With its shatter resistance, anti-static, and abrasion-resistant properties, it is the ideal choice for works on loan, in public view, or items that may be transported.

Anti-Reflective – virtually eliminates reflection in the most lighting conditions

Blocks up to 99% UV rays – helps deter fading

Anti-static surface – ideal for works that have friable media

Abrasion-resistant – the surface is protected against scratches

Shatter-resistant – acrylic substrate that is resistant to impact and ideal for handling and transport

Considerations – When light is reflected, there is a slight cast color.

UltraVue Laminated Glass

The water-white glass substrate provides crystal clear color transmission.

Anti-Reflective – virtually eliminates reflection in most lighting conditions.   The water-white glass substrate provides crystal clear color transmission.

Blocks up to 99% UV rays – helps deter fading

Abrasion-resistant – the surface is protected against scratches

Shatter-resistant – laminated glass substrate that is resistant to impact and ideal for handling and transport

Considerations – The double layer of glass increases the weight of the sheet.

Museum Glass

Its anti-reflective properties provide optimal viewing for smaller works at a lower price point than Optium and UltraVue.

Anti-Reflective – virtually eliminates reflection in most lighting conditions.

Blocks up to 99% UV rays – helps deter fading

Considerations – When light is reflected, there is a slight cast color.  Not available in oversized dimensions. The glass is sensitive to impact.

Conservation Reflection Control Acrylic

The surface has a matte finish that softly diffuses reflected light.

Non-Glare – has a matte finish that softens reflection

Blocks up to 99% UV rays – helps deter fading

Shatter-resistant – acrylic substrate that is resistant to impact and ideal for handling and transport

Considerations-The matte finish tends to soften the image it is covering.  Should not be used for depths over .25”. The acrylic surface can abrade and scratch over time.  Due to inherent static charge, should not be used with friable media.  Optium Museum Acrylic is often the preferred choice when viewed side-by-side when reflection and clarity are a concern.

Conservation Reflection Control Glass

The surface has a matte finish that softly diffuses reflected light.

Non-Glare – has a matte finish that softens reflection

Blocks up to 99% UV rays – helps deter fading

Considerations – The matte finish tends to soften the image it is covering.  Should not be used for depths over .25”. The acrylic surface can abrade and scratch over time.  Due to inherent static charge, should not be used with friable media. Museum Glass is often the preferred choice when viewed side-by-side when reflection and clarity are a concern.

Conservation Clear Acrylic

UV protective clear acrylic.  The standard option to protect against fading when reflection is not a concern.

Blocks up to 99% UV rays – helps deter fading

Shatter resistant – acrylic substrate that is resistant to impact and ideal for handling and transport

Considerations – The acrylic surface can abrade and scratch over time.  Due to inherent static charge, should not be used with friable media.

Conservation Clear Glass

UV protective clear glass.  The standard option to protect against fading when reflection is not a concern.

Blocks up to 99% UV rays – helps deter fading

Considerations – Not available in oversized dimensions. The glass is sensitive to impact.

In conclusion, selecting the right glazing is as important as choosing the right frame and mat for your artwork. When meeting with your framing specialist, review samples in various lighting conditions, and discuss the potential considerations to determine which is the best fit for the project.

If you have any questions or if you would like to make an appointment, please contact us at:

312-344-0331

[email protected]