custom framing using acrylic or glass?

[stump4545]

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was going to buy some custom frames online but they only ship with UV acrylic not glass?

 

should I stay away or can high quality uv acrylic be as transparent as glass?

 

thanks for the help.

[pedaes]

The acrylic is crystal clear and comes with a protective film on both sides for protection until the framing is being done. It is also much lighter than glass.

[stump4545]

so for highest quality presentation can acrylic be used instead of museum glass?

 

 

thank you.

[sanyasi]

I recently framed eight photos. I would not undertake this project online. You need to see the samples. If I recall, there were three or four options for both glass and acrylic. Factors to consider:

 

Size: We have a painting that we used acrylic for because of weight considerations. The painting is at least 5 feet by 7 feet--actually pen and ink.

 

Location: We had prints hanging in our dining room for years. It gets a lot of sunlight, so anti-reflective qualities are important. On the other hand, the painting referred to above is in a hallway with no sunlight, so we had less concern there.

 

On my eight photographs, we went with glass--not too large 17" by 22". I think we did museum, but chose glass over acrylic because acrylic was museum really expensive--maybe 40% percent more. We've been very happy with the result. No glare or reflection. Be careful with some anti-glare glass--it has an almost frosted look to it, particularly if you are looking at it from an angle.

 

If preserving the photos is important, definitely go with UV.

 

I'll call our framer tomorrow to see exactly what we used. I tossed the receipt with the info on it. The other problem is that the manufacturers are always improving the qualities of the glass or acrylic, which is why you need to see what you are buying.

 

One bit of advice: If you do order online without actually seeing the effect, order only one and if you like, then order the rest.

[platypus]

I have had several photographic art prints custom framed in acrylic recently and like them so much that I would prefer never to use glass again, but the cost is a factor. Living with the acrylic framed photos I am amazed daily by their quality and crisp sharp look. For framing fine art photographs that have a lot of detail it is the way to go for sure.

[Jeff S]

Lots of characteristics to consider, and many variations on glass and acrylic, as demonstrated by some supplier options like Tru-Vue.

 

Jeff