Glazing
Choosing the right glass is one of the most important parts of making a bespoke frame - different glazings offer different levels of protection and clarity to an artwork.
The main differences in types of glazing are:
-
MATERIAL (glass/acrylic)
-
UV Filtration (slows artwork deterioration)
-
Light reflection (some glazings are treated to minimise reflections & glare)
-
Clarity (some glazings are treated to enhance clarity)
Obviously, the more treatments a glazing has the more expensive it is! However, for important, irreplaceable items like one-off works of art or family heirlooms, choosing a high-end glazing can help to protect the framed item, and keep it in good condition for as long as possible.
We recommend glass for most framing, except for things that are particularly large or heavy - here we suggest using acrylic instead. We also recommend acrylic for any safety concerns - e.g. if the item is to go in a child's bedroom.
We recommend using mirror for when you want...well...a mirror!
Explore the different types of glass, acrylic & mirror we have on offer below...
Glass
Glass is the classic glazing material. At Ochre Moon, we offer five different types of glass depending on the level of protection and clarity that you want for your items.
If you have specific requirements for your glazing not covered here, we do have other varieties to offer - just ask!
Float Glass
Used for day to day framing
Items that can be replaced or reproduced easily.
Conservation Clear
Use where maximum UV protection is required
Items such as limited edition prints, original works of art and posters. To help protect items of sentimental or monetary value. Blocks up to 99% of UV rays
UltraVue 70
Use where maximum CLARITY is required
Items that are NOT sensitive to UV damage. Items that will be displayed in a controlled light environment to limit UV exposure. Items that can be reproduced or replaced easily. Virtually eliminates reflections. Water white substrate provides crystal clear colour transmission which brightens colours and contrast levels. Enhanced surface for better durability and easy cleaning.
UltraVue 92
Use where maximum CLARITY is required plus some UV protection
When placing a piece of art work in a position where light reflection will be an issue. Items that are going to be placed in an area susceptible to scratching or finger smudges. Virtually eliminates reflections. Advanced scratch resistance. Enhanced cleanability. 98.5% Light transmission. 92% UV filtering in the 300 - 380nm range slows deterioration. Less than 1.5% light reflection.
Museum Glass
Use where maximum CLARITY and maximum UV protection is required
Limited edition prints, original works of art, posters, shadowboxes for objects including keepsakes, heirlooms or souvenirs. To help protect items of sentimental or monetary value. Highly detailed and colourful works of art. Virtually eliminates reflections. Blocks up to 99% of UV rays in the 300 - 380nm range. Optimal light transmission brightens colours and provides amazing clarity. Enhanced surface for better durability and easy cleaning. Premium 2.5mm thickness provides better strength and rigidity.
Acrylic
Acrylic has come a long way in recent years! Although there are still the budget options, some acrylics now offer the same levels of protection and clarity as glass. We recommend using acrylic when the item to be framed is particularly large or heavy; if the item is to be displayed in a public or high-traffic area; or if other safety concerns are important, such as the item will be displayed in a child's bedroom.
We offer four types of acrylic glazing at Ochre Moon Framing. However, if you have a very particular job in mind, we can source other glazings with additional treatments - just ask!
Clear Styrene
Used for day to day framing
Items that can be replaced or reproduced easily.
Clear UV Acrylic
Use where maximum UV protection is required
Items such as limited edition prints, original works of art and posters. To help protect items of sentimental or monetary value. Blocks up to 99% of UV rays
Clear Cast Acrylic
Use where CLARITY & DURABILITY is required
Items that are NOT sensitive to UV damage. Items that will be displayed in a busy area. Items that can be reproduced or replaced easily. Optically clearer than extruded acrylics Harder and more resilient.
Artshield Acrylic
Use where maximum CLARITY is required plus MAXIMUM UV protection
Items such as limited edition prints, original works of art and posters. To help protect items of sentimental or monetary value. Items that are going to be placed in an area susceptible to scratching or where frequent cleaning will be necessary Advanced scratch resistance. Enhanced cleanability. Blocks over 99% of UV light