Glazing is the protective covering that goes over your artwork in a frame—typically glass or acrylic. While it might seem like a minor detail, choosing the right glazing can make a significant difference in how your artwork looks and how well it's protected over time.
Glass vs. Acrylic: The Fundamental Choice
Standard Glass
Advantages:
- Crystal-clear optical clarity
- Scratch-resistant surface
- Premium look and feel
- Doesn't yellow over time
- More affordable than specialty options
Disadvantages:
- Heavy, especially in large sizes
- Fragile and can shatter
- Not ideal for shipping or high-traffic areas
- Reflects light more than some acrylic options
Best for: Most standard framing projects, artwork displayed in safe locations, traditional framing applications.
Acrylic (Plexiglass)
Advantages:
- Lightweight (about half the weight of glass)
- Shatter-resistant and safer
- Excellent for shipping
- Good for large frames (over 24×36)
- Better for homes with children or pets
Disadvantages:
- Scratches more easily than glass
- Can attract dust due to static
- May have slight distortion in cheaper versions
- Can yellow over time (in low-quality versions)
Best for: Large frames, frames being shipped, children's rooms, high-traffic areas, lightweight installations.
UV Protection: Essential for Preservation
Ultraviolet (UV) light is one of the biggest enemies of artwork, causing fading, yellowing, and deterioration over time. Protective glazing filters out harmful rays while maintaining clarity.
Standard UV Protection (Framer's Grade Acrylic):
- Blocks 70–99% of UV light
- Moderate price increase over standard glass
- Suitable for most artwork protection needs
- Essential for photographs, prints, and watercolors
Premium UV Protection (Archival Glazing):
- Blocks 99% of UV light
- Professional-grade protection
- Recommended for valuable or irreplaceable artwork
- Investment-grade preservation
When to use UV protection:
- Artwork in rooms with natural light
- Valuable or sentimental pieces
- Photographs (especially color photos)
- Original artwork or limited editions
- Any piece you want to preserve for decades
When to skip it:
- Mass-produced posters you plan to replace
- Artwork in windowless rooms
- Very budget-conscious projects
Non-Glare vs. Clear Glass
Clear Glass (Standard) — Characteristics:
- Maximum clarity and sharpness
- Reflects light and surroundings
- Can create glare in bright rooms
- Best optical quality
Best for: Artwork displayed in controlled lighting, locations without direct light, situations where maximum clarity is priority.
Non-Glare Glass — Characteristics:
- Etched or treated surface reduces reflections
- Eliminates glare from windows or lighting
- Slight reduction in sharpness (subtle "soft" effect)
- Can appear slightly cloudy if not touching artwork
Best for: Bright rooms, areas with unavoidable glare, artwork across from windows, spaces with overhead lighting.
Important note: Non-glare glass works best when it's close to the artwork. If you're using a thick mat or deep frame, non-glare glass may appear hazy. In these cases, standard clear glass might be better.
Gallery-Grade Glazing: The Premium Option
Gallery-grade glazing (also called premium anti-reflective glazing) combines the best features:
- Virtually invisible, with 99% optical clarity
- 99% UV protection
- Anti-reflective coating eliminates glare
- Does not require contact with artwork (unlike non-glare)
- True color representation
Best for: Original artwork, limited edition prints, valuable photographs, family heirlooms, professional or gallery-quality displays.
Making Your Decision: Which Glazing Is Right for You?
- Budget-Friendly Projects: Standard glass or acrylic — mass-produced prints, posters and decorative pieces.
- Everyday Framing: Framer's grade acrylic or protective glass — family photos, personal artwork, most standard framing needs.
- Bright Rooms with Glare: Non-glare glass or gallery-grade glazing.
- Valuable or Irreplaceable Pieces: Gallery-grade glazing with UV protection.
- Large Frames or Shipping: Acrylic (framer's grade acrylic for added protection).
- High-Traffic or Child-Safe Areas: Acrylic (any type).
Special Considerations
Thickness: Standard glazing is typically 2.0–2.5mm thick. For very large frames (over 30×40), consider thicker glazing (3–4mm) for added stability and reduced bowing.
Cleaning and Maintenance: Glass: Easy to clean with standard glass cleaner. Acrylic: Requires special acrylic cleaner (glass cleaner can cause cloudiness). See our care instructions for detailed cleaning guidance.
Climate and Location: High humidity: Glass is better (acrylic can warp). Earthquake zones: Acrylic is safer (won't shatter). Coastal areas: UV protection is essential (sun and salt air).
Glazing Quick Reference
| Glazing Type | Clarity | UV Block | Glare | Price | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Glass | Excellent | None | High | $ | Basic framing |
| UV Glass | Excellent | 70-99% | High | $$ | Photo protection |
| Non-Glare Glass | Good | Varies | None | $$ | Bright rooms |
| Gallery-Grade Glazing | Exceptional | 99% | None | $$$$ | Valuable art |
| Standard Acrylic | Good | None | Medium | $ | Large/shipped |
| UV Acrylic | Good | 70-99% | Medium | $$ | Protected large frames |
Getting Started
When using our frame designer:
- Start by considering where the frame will be displayed
- Assess the value and replaceability of your artwork
- Factor in your budget
- Preview different glazing options in our tool
Ready to design your perfect frame? Visit our frame designer to explore glazing options with live preview.