A picture frame is a great way to preserve your art for long. Often, when we go for custom made frames, there are many components that are needed to be chosen judicially. One of the main components that often gets neglected but is equally important; to create a visually appealing picture frame is, glazing. Glazing can be made of Standard Glass or Plexiglass. Standard Glass is the most common glazing used and is inexpensive and readily available. Standard glass is the best option for reproduction prints, posters and artwork.
Plexiglass is lighter than glass, and less dangerous to handle. Plexiglass, in its most advanced form, provides most of the benefit of museum glass and has the ability to filter 50-75% of UV rays along with being anti-static and scratch resistant. Plexiglass is a great alternative and preferred choice of framers around the world. Plexiglass is virtually impossible to break and can stand the test of time thus are normally used with art that needs to be preserved, is expensive and requires high viewing quality . On the other hand, Glass is heavy, can break easily and thus difficult to transport. Plexiglass also comes in several forms, with various standards such as coating, tint or matte finish.
For smaller frames, standard glass can sometimes be used, but for large frames, Plexiglass is the nest option as it is able to sustain its own weight. Museums also prefer Plexiglass over standard glass as chances of Plexiglass breaking is less. A standard glass glazing can break with little shock and damage the rare piece of history it is supposed to preserve. As Plexiglass can sustain vibration and mild shock it is preferred choice of framers who wants to give more durability to the frame. Glass on the other hand is good for smaller picture frame with a budget constraint and should be handled with care. So when it comes to durability, cleanliness and light weight, Plexiglass is the material of choice.
However following consideration is taken by framers when they choose Plexiglass
- Framers might not prefer Plexiglass when Painting is made with pastels or charcoals. As Plexiglass holds static electric charge which causes dust particles to stick to the surface and compromise clarity of image.
- If the budget is a constraint, then Plexiglass can be a costly option to fit in. Standard glass can be used especially for frames less than 32x40 inch in dimension.
- If the art to be framed is for reproduction prints, posters and artwork then standard glass can be the best option for framing over Plexiglass.
