Glass guide
Glass options for picture framing
The glass on the front of a frame does two jobs - it protects the piece and it controls how you see it. There are three options we use day-to-day in the workshop. Here is when each one is the right call.
Standard glass
Clear float glass. This is the default for everyday art, posters, prints and decorative pieces that aren't going to live in direct sun. It's affordable, it's strong, and visually it does the job. Where it lets you down is UV protection - over years in a sunlit room, colours and ink will fade noticeably. Reflections are also more visible under spotlights or lamps. If the piece is replaceable, standard glass is fine. If it isn't, keep reading.
Conservation glass
UV-filtering glass that blocks around 99% of damaging ultraviolet light. This is the biggest single thing you can do to make a piece last. We use it as standard on signed memorabilia, sports jerseys, degrees and certificates, original art, photography and anything with sentimental or financial value. Visually it looks the same as standard glass. If the piece is going on a wall that ever sees sunlight - even reflected light - conservation glass pays for itself within a couple of years by stopping fade.
Museum glass
The premium option. Museum glass combines the same UV protection as conservation glass with an anti-reflective coating that makes the glass almost invisible. You're left looking at the artwork, not at a reflection of the lights behind you. Used for valuable originals, fine-art photography, gallery exhibitions and pieces that need to be viewed cleanly under spotlights. It's the most expensive option, but for the right piece it's the difference between a frame and a presentation.
Side-by-side comparison
| Standard | Conservation | Museum | |
|---|---|---|---|
| UV protection | None | ~99% blocked | ~99% blocked |
| Glare / reflection | Standard reflection | Standard reflection | Anti-reflective coating |
| Clarity | Good | Good | Near-invisible |
| Price range | $ | $$ | $$$ |
| Typical use | Posters, decorative prints | Memorabilia, degrees, art, photos | Valuable originals, gallery work |
How to choose
- Is the piece replaceable and never in direct light? Standard glass is fine.
- Is it signed, sentimental, original art, a degree or memorabilia? Conservation glass, minimum.
- Is it valuable original art, fine-art photography or going under gallery lighting? Museum glass.
- Still not sure? Bring the piece in. Stu will tell you straight, no upsell.
Ready to frame?
Talk through the right glass for your piece
Used on custom framing, memorabilia and jerseys, and corporate framing.