Picture Frame Glass- 101

Picture frame glass is not typically high on the list when you start learning how to make your own frames. Once you reach the stage of needing it though, it can cause a bit of a dilemma. 

Questions pop up about real glass versus plexi-glass, standard glass or UV protected glass, where can you get glass cut or can you cut your own?

These are just a few. There will be more, trust me.... 

But don't let doubt shatter your confidence!

I'm putting together some pages here with cutting edge info!  OK, enough with the bad puns!!  

Below you'll find the basics you need to know to get started. 

I've added a page on how to cut your own glass, along with pictures and a video. Check-it out here.


Picture Frame Glass - options

Each type of picture frame glass has pros and cons and is used for different purposes. Below is a chart that will help you figure out what makes most sense for you and the project you are working on. 


Basic (clear) Glass

Pros

  • Cheap
  • Easy to get
  • Easy to clean
  • Hardest to scratch

Cons

  • Heavy
  • Lower UV protection (approximately 50% blocked)
  • Safety - when using large pieces

When having custom frames made or talking to most, if not all, professional framers one thing they will tell you is that basic glass is not usually recommended for framing.

While this may be accurate in many cases, it is not accurate in ALL cases. Many of the things that we may make frames for are not museum quality and are not intended to last for 30 years etc...



Conservation Glass 

Pros

  • Highest UV protection available                               (approximately 99% blocked)
  • Harder to scratch than Acrylic

Cons

  • More expensive
  • Heavy
  • More caution needed when cleaning
  • Scratches a bit more easily than basic glass 
  • Safety - when using larger pieces

As mentioned above, standard glass blocks approximately 50% of UV rays (the industry standard is 97%). Depending on where you hang the frame (avoid placing near windows or in well lighted areas) it may not be exposed to as much anyway. As for sun light, keep in mind that the windows the sun light comes in through block about 50% of the UV light before it enters the room. 



Museum Glass

Pros

  • Highest UV protection available                           (approximately 99% blocked)          
  • Also treated with non-reflective coating so the art work has the most visible and clear appearance under glass as possible.

Cons

  • Most Expensive
  • Heavy
  • More caution needed when cleaning
  • Scratches a bit more easily than basic glass because of the UV and reflective coating
  • Safety - when using larger pieces

I'm not suggesting you should never use the more expensive types of protective glass, I'm just suggesting you think about the value (financial and sentimental), the intended longevity, where you're hanging the frame and the budget you are working with when deciding. In many cases, standard glass may well be the answer for your project.



Acrylic

Pros

  • Safety
  • Light weight compared to glass

Cons

  • More expensive than basic glass
  • Hard to clean (static charge builds quickly causing dust and particles to cling to the glass)
  • Scratches VERY easily


So there you have it. You now know about the different types of picture frame glass you have access to and the pros and cons of each! Use this info to decide what's right for your project.

Leave any questions, thoughts, tips or suggestions below!

Have a question or a comment? This space is for you! Leave it in the box below.



© Copyright  2012 -2022 by Al Pilato, picture-frame-it-yourself.com

Privacy Policy       Disclaimers

Updated November 18, 2022