by David Heyman
Many artists, photographers and creative people choose to frame their own artwork, saving lots of money over the costs of taking pieces into a frame store and maintaing a greater degree of control over the finished work. When framing a work on paper or any more fragile items, a glazing is needed to protect the work from damage and the effects of dust, sunlight and humidity.
Nowadays, there are so many glazing options to choose from, it is easy to get confused on which type is appropriate for your needs. Here is a run-down of all of the major types available, and their uses:
• Clear Glass – The standard for many years, today’s clear glass is more optically clear and stable then ever. New technologies have emerged to reduce color shift, yellowing and increase clarity of the product. Use for all standard framing applications where conservation or breakability is not a major concern.
• Non-Glare Glass – The same clarity and composition as clear glass, with one sided etched to reduce reflection and glare. As with clear glass, major advances in technology have dramatically reduced the problems of “milkiness” and clarity that have been an issue with this product in the past. Nearly eliminates glare, stray light reflections and presentation issues. Use for all applications where the finished frame will be hung in areas with bright light, backlighting or glare.
• Ultraviolet-Filtering Glass – UV glass has revolutionized conservation framing with its ability to filter out over 97% of the ultraviolet rays present in natural and artificial light. These rays are one of the main causes of fading, color shifts and yellowing of framed items. With this glass, color photographs, newspapers and prints have a much longer lifespan and will be protected for years to come. This is quickly becoming the standard glazing used for framing original works and anything of value.
• Museum Glass – The finest glazing available. Museum Glass combines the conservation protection of UV glass with the reflection control of Non-Glare glass. This product also has the highest light transmission and lowest color shift of any glazing. The end result is a glazing so clear and protective it is nearly invisible when viewed in most lighting conditions. Many major museums use this to frame valuable original masterpieces, to protect them from damage, while giving viewers superior clarity. Use for original works, valuable items, and where superior clarity and conservation is required.
• Clear Plexiglass – For larger, heavier frames, and wherever possible breakage is a concern, Plexiglass is the recommended option. Made of a clear acrylic sheet plastic, it has the same clarity as glass, but is half the weight and will never shatter. Since the glazing is actually bendable, it will protect the item framed in the case of earthquakes, frame damage or other mishaps. Many art galleries require all work to be framed with Plexiglass for this very reason.
• Non-Glare Plexiglass – Lightweight and shatter-resistant like Clear Plexiglass, with the added advantage of glare reduction. This has a coating on one side to nearly eliminate unwanted light spots and glare. For any situations where Non-Glare Glass is warranted, now you have a modern Plexiglass option as well.
• Ultraviolet-Filtering Plexiglass – The preferred choice for larger gallery pieces, as this has the shatter-resistant quality of Plexiglass combined with superior conservation UV protection. Use for framing original works, light-sensitive items, gallery pieces and in any situations where breakage is a concern.
With pre-cut options available in all the standard sizes, as well as custom cuts for your own projects, glazing your own work like a pro is now faster and easier than ever!