GLASS OR ACRYLIC

Float glass is one of the most widely used glazing options and is perfect for everyday low-value artwork.

Pros 

• Easy to clean 
• Easy to use
• Near perfect, flat, clear glass
• Comes in a variety of thicknesses from 2 - 6 m
• UV rated options available * see Artglass for more information *

Cons

• Regular Float is not UV rated 
• Green colour cast can darken and dull images
• Breakable
• Heavy in larger thicknesses

 Also known as diffused glass, it's acid etched to give a non-glare, diffused finish.  

Pros

• Use on artwork that is going to be placed in a room with a high volume of uncontrolled light.
• Use to frame items that do not require a lot of depth.  
• Use when bad glare is the problem
• Reduces the 'mirror effect' of unwanted reflections

Cons

• Diffused Glass is not suitable for deep box framing or multi-layered mounts over 3mm. 
• Can soften details in images

Manufactures of glass with high-performance coatings. 

Artglass AR coating alters the light transmission qualities of glass surfaces, virtually eliminating reflections.

 Artglass AR has the most neutral reflected colour in the industry

making it practically invisible, so all the viewer observes is pure art. 

• AR70 - 70% UV Filtration
• AR92 - 92% UV Filtration
• AR99WW - 99% UV filtration with White Water
• ArtGlass99 - Excellent quality float glass with 99% UV Filtration

 Cons

• Breakable
• Heavy in larger thicknesses

Acrylic glass is a good quality, lightweight and shatter-resistant glazing material. Ideal for the larger frames or where safety is a consideration.  Specailst acrylic products such as Artglass Life time Acrylic, feature high UV filtering with anti-reflective and or scratch-resistant coatings.

Pros

• Lighter than glass 
• Anti-reflecitve products available 
• Cololurs appear more neutral compared with Float glass
• Bright glossy appearence

Cons

• Can be prone to scratches
• Visual distortions can be seen on thinner sizes
• Acrylic glazing is unsuitable for pastel artworks due to static charge build-up.

 Artglass Lifetime Acrylic addresses the main limitations of plastic glazing and brings it to museum-grade standards. This anti-reflective, scratch-resistant, and anti-static product combines the best benefits of glass and acrylic and provides maximum UV protection for your art. 

Pros

• Maximum UV protection
• Shatter-resistant and lightweight
• Supreme clarity and color precision

Cons

• High invsetmnent cost
• Specialized Cleaning Required 
• XL sheets prone to bowing