Glass vs Acrylic: Which is better for your photo frames?

Deciding which cover/glazing to use for your frames can be a chore when one considers several factors. We are going to simplify the process for you by explaining what each glazing option - Glass/Acrylic, brings to the table.

Generally, you can select a glass or acrylic glazing for your frame cover depending on your preference, budget, and other peculiar factors. Glazing is a very important piece of framing components, as not only do they protect and preserve the integrity of the art or picture from external factors like UV rays, temperature, dirt, and humidity, but they also serve as a lens through which the framed art is viewed.

Deciding on your choice of cover material is not as easy as it seems, because you have to properly understand the offerings of both options. Stay glued to find out relevant details about glass frames and acrylic frames that would influence your decision.

Glass Frames:

As a frame covering, glass is shatter-susceptible and scuff-resistant hardware. Most framers use the word conservation glass or museum glass when referring to glass frames that do not have a green hue and are of very high quality.

From this it can be implied that there are two types of glass frames; the traditional reflective one with a green tint and the non-reflective museum glass.

Characteristics of Glass

Heaviness -  Oh yes, one of the characteristics of glass frames, especially large ones, is their heaviness which comes with the additional burden of increased delivery/shipping costs, and the usage of extra installation hardware for more support.

Fragility - Glass is generally known to be fragile, so its brittleness and ability to shatter into shards when little force is applied is a huge disadvantage. Then, there is the increased risk of damage to the framed art during delivery (you don't want to receive your frames all broken). Also, it is not advisable for people with kids or pets to make use of this frame cover since they are highly prone to injuries.

Short-Term Cost-Effectiveness - What makes glass frames a top choice for some customers or framers is their cheapness, albeit short-term. Compared to plexiglass, glass is about half or a third of the cost. Cumulatively, the incurred loss from repeated glass damage will match the cost of purchasing an acrylic frame.

Acrylic Frames:

Acrylic also known as Plexiglass or Perspex is a scuff-prone and shatter-resistant glazing that has been in existence and use for over 8 decades.

Features of Acrylic

Eco-friendliness -  One of the perks of using acrylic for your photo frames is that they are acid-free. Hence if you are seeking an eco-friendly option, an acrylic frame is the best way to go green. Also due to their acid-free properties, they do not cause any negative reaction to the framed art or picture.

Easy mobility - Frames made using Acrylic (plexiglass) end up lighter, which is great when considering shipping fees. Though they are pricey compared to glass, the lesser shipping cost is an advantage.

Susceptibility to scuffs  -  A major issue with purchasing acrylic frames is that they are highly susceptible to scratches during production or installation. Hence it is usually advised to use a microfiber cloth to gently wipe its surface and wrap them with protective sheets i.e bubble wraps, to prevent scuffs during transit.

Minimal risk of injuries - Although acrylic can break, it requires a larger force and it doesn’t shatter into tiny yet dangerous shards. This makes it a good option for people with kids and pets, as the likelihood of injuries is minimal if not unlikely.

Final thoughts

When it comes to deciding on a particular glazing material for your photo frames, there is no right or wrong choice. Rather what exists is a suitable or unsuitable choice.

Before you make that purchase, you should make inquiries about the frame cover options open to you and their benefits.

It is important to note that here at Framegidi, we do not make use of glass when framing. This stems from the need to ensure our products and services comply with the industry's quality and safety standards.

If you need additional help, feel free to reach out to us with all of your framing questions!