Posted by Mike DiVita on February 23, 2008 at 2:40 PM
I wondering what peoples preferences are when it comes to framing prints. There seems to be several choices for glass or acrylic.
For glass I've seen plain glass, conservation clear(UV protective), and non-glare. For acrylic there's standard, UV protect,
non-glare, and UV/non-glare. I don't care for the frosted look of the non-glare. Are there any non-glares that don't have the frosted look? I like the idea of the UV protect but is it really worth 2-3x the cost?
Hi Mike. I use acrylic exclusively now for a couple of reasons. I do a lot of art fairs and exhibits in public spaces, and glass is just too fragile. Art fairs and exhibits involve a lot of packing, unpacking and transport, and I can't take the chance that the glass will break - makes a mess, can damage your prints, and is a safety hazard. Second, glass is much heavier than acrylic which makes it more difficult to transport and hang, especially for large pieces.
I also dislike the frosted look of non-glare and don't use it unless I'm in an exhibit that specifically requires non-glare (a rare occurrence). As far as UV protect, I don't use it because of the cost - something that you will have to pass on to your customers. Only you can decide if customers in your market would be willing to pay the extra expense, and if the extra expense will still keep your work competitive with other area photographers.
Hope this helps. Cheers....Gail.
Posted by Pat Warfield on February 24, 2008 at 4:20 PM
1. I agree with Mike that acrylic is best for situations involving potential breakage - either travel, in
some commercial places or in earthquake zones.
2. Acrylic is more expensive in all the various qualities.
3. Of all the qualities of glass or acrylic - UV inhibitors 'REALLY' prolong the life of both the print & the mats.
To save money your can use special sprays with UV protection on mat & print. Not quite as good as UV
in glazing.
4. Non-glare adds to viewing pleasure from most angles in a room. Unless it is a competition print where
every nuance needs to be seen clearly. Modern non-glare now has only one textured side & is less obvious
5. Museum glass is amazing! It doesn't reflect nor does it use frosted texture. You can't tell it is there
unless you touch it. But 3-6 times cost of regular glass.
6. If you are selling decorator prints, spray the prints & mats with UV & use non-glare glass or acrylic.
As in photography the application dictates the equipment & materials. I have photos that have been framed with UV glass for 25 years & still look like new. Look at photos or other artwork in businesses & hospitals that have turned blue-green from UV damage, because they apparently did not have UV protection.
I use acrylic excluvisely, for all the above reasons. With glass there is some distortion, there is none with acrylic. It is lighter and there is a cream to erase light scratches, which will and do happen from time to time.since it scratches where glass doesn't. If a customer questions me about my use of acrylics, I explain my reasons, he listens and walks away happy with the acrylic over glass. Some of my show frames weigh 13 lb or more. Imagine these with a 24 X 36 glass frame. To me that would be overweight.
Discussion
3 repliesFor glass I've seen plain glass, conservation clear(UV protective), and non-glare. For acrylic there's standard, UV protect,
non-glare, and UV/non-glare. I don't care for the frosted look of the non-glare. Are there any non-glares that don't have the frosted look? I like the idea of the UV protect but is it really worth 2-3x the cost?
Mike
I also dislike the frosted look of non-glare and don't use it unless I'm in an exhibit that specifically requires non-glare (a rare occurrence). As far as UV protect, I don't use it because of the cost - something that you will have to pass on to your customers. Only you can decide if customers in your market would be willing to pay the extra expense, and if the extra expense will still keep your work competitive with other area photographers.
Hope this helps. Cheers....Gail.
some commercial places or in earthquake zones.
2. Acrylic is more expensive in all the various qualities.
3. Of all the qualities of glass or acrylic - UV inhibitors 'REALLY' prolong the life of both the print & the mats.
To save money your can use special sprays with UV protection on mat & print. Not quite as good as UV
in glazing.
4. Non-glare adds to viewing pleasure from most angles in a room. Unless it is a competition print where
every nuance needs to be seen clearly. Modern non-glare now has only one textured side & is less obvious
5. Museum glass is amazing! It doesn't reflect nor does it use frosted texture. You can't tell it is there
unless you touch it. But 3-6 times cost of regular glass.
6. If you are selling decorator prints, spray the prints & mats with UV & use non-glare glass or acrylic.
As in photography the application dictates the equipment & materials. I have photos that have been framed with UV glass for 25 years & still look like new. Look at photos or other artwork in businesses & hospitals that have turned blue-green from UV damage, because they apparently did not have UV protection.
Hope this helps somebody,
Pat Warfield