Specialist Glass and Acrylic
We stock a range of glazing suitable for fine art and custom framing. There are many factors to be considered when selecting a glazing for a frame. Discussions of glazing form an important part of our consultation process. Glazing is offered as part of a framing package or retrofitting existing frames, we do not supply it on its own.
Clear Float Glass
An economical picture framing grade glass, clear and free from defects. Only 50-60% of UV light is filtered making it suitable for general use with work know to be light fast.
Non Reflective Diffused Glass
This glass has been around for many years and for a long time was the only practical option for reducing reflection. The reduced reflection is achieved through diffusing the light by etching the surface of the glass. Unfortunately a by-product is a reduction in clarity which we find unsatisfactory in most cases.
Boards and other materials remain in good condition for as long as possible. Suitable for conservation archival grade framing.
Tru Vue Conservation Clear
A clear glass providing 99% protection against UV light. UV light is present in sunlight from windows as well as fluorescent and halogen lights commonly found inside. This is the minimum level of protection used for conservation grade framing. UV glazing also protects other elements within the frame ensuring mount boards and other materials remain in good condition for as long as possible. Suitable for conservation archival grade framing.
AR70 Water White Anti-Reflective Glass
A clear glass with anti-reflective coating that minimises reflections without altering the clarity of the work. The water white nature of the glass reduces colour tints often associated with glass. Especially suited to dark images where reflections can overwhelm the work. Our most economical anti reflective glazing option. Suitable for use with light fast media.
Tru Vue Museum Glass
A premium glazing with similar properties and appearance to the anti reflective glass with an added 99% UV filtering. Works with dark tones and those that will be installed in bright areas benefit from this glazing. Suitable for conservation archival grade framing.
Clear Cast Acrylic
Cast Acrylic is an alternative to glass with a similar clarity offering benefits of being both lightweight and shatterproof. Acrylic therefore provides a safe option for oversized frames and frames that will be hung in areas with safety concerns such as public areas. Frames that need to be frequently relocated or shifted can benefit from the safety of acrylic glazing. The shatter resistant properties of acrylic offer extra protection for framed items, reducing the risk of breakage.
Disadvantages of acrylic are it’s vulnerability to scratching, a static charge rendering it unsuitable for framing of charcoal, pastels etc. and it is more expensive that regular glass. Suitable for use with light fast media.
UV Acrylic
Similar in properties to the above with added UV filtering properties often used for exhibition and fine art photographic framing. Suitable for archival conservation grade framing.
Optium Acrylic
Premium picture framing glazing, used in museums and galleries around the world. Optium has all the advantages of being optically coated for near invisibility and 99% UV protection with none of the disadvantages of acrylic. Its anti static properties make it ideally suited to framing of charcoal and pastel artworks, brittle documents and works on delicate papers. It is also extremely durable and scratch resistant when compared to standard acrylic. Unfortunately, it is very expensive. Suitable for Archival Conservation Grade Framing.