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Custom Framing Design Ideas Framing Services Our Staff Fine Art Gallery Our Artists Gallery Events Artistic Gifts Shop History Links Our Blog Home		Glazing One of the most common misconceptions in framing today is that picture framing glass is the same as any other window glass. While they may occasionally look the same, there are some major differences to consider, such as reflectiveness, clarity, weight, and UV protection. Some qualities common to all picture framing glass, regardless of finish, are: It is thinner than window glass, which makes it lighter. This is so that the completed picture frame is not excessively heavy. It is pre-cleaned from the factory, so there is no powdery residue on it. Picture glass is checked for flaws, such as scratches, roller marks, inclusions, and bubbles. Glass that doesn't meet our exacting standards will not be used for picture framing. It is iron reduced, so it doesn't look as green as plain window glass. Now for the different types of finishes! Regular: A clear glass, which is not treated to block ultraviolet light. Regular glass does reflect more than any other, which gives it a mirror-like appearance in some settings. Naturally filters about 45% of UV light Non-glare: An etched glass, not treated to block ultraviolet light. Non-glare glass doesn't reflect like regular glass, but because of the etching can mute colors and blur detail if there is too much space between it and the art it covers. Naturally filters about 45% of UV light. Anti-reflective (or A/R): A clear glass which has been coated with an anti-reflective, "invisible" coating. This glass is the clearest and the least reflective of the three - it can even look as if there isn't any glass in the frame! Not treated to block ultraviolet light, it still naturally filters about 75% of UV light. All three of these finishes are also available in ultraviolet filtering types. These are coated on one side with a film that blocks 98% of harmful UV rays. The different types are, respectively: Conservation Clear: Similar in appearance to Regular glass, this is a clear glass with a special coating on one side designed to filter 98% of harmful UV light. This is the most economic choice, while still maintaining conservation quality. Conservation Non-glare: Similar in appearance to Non-glare glass, this is an etched glass with a special coating on one side designed to filter 98% of harmful UV light. Non-glare finishes appear softly etched and muted. Good where reflection control is necessary, and a diffused appearance is desirable, non-glare glass isn't appropriate for frames with substantial depth. Museum: When nothing but the best will do, Museum glass is anti-reflective and filters 98% of harmful UV light. This glass is the clearest and least reflective glass we offer. It is "water white", meaning that the iron has been reduced to eliminate the greenish cast from other types of glass. Beautiful! Acrylic: We use acrylic in framing when a shatter-proof glazing is called for. It also is lighter than any type of glass, so if weight is a concern, acrylic glazing is the appropriate choice. We only use the best grade of acrylic in our framing applications. It has the appearance of glass, is non-yellowing, and doesn't scratch easily. Available in Regular, Non-Glare, and Anti-reflective finishes. Glazing as a part of Conservation Framing: If the item you are framing has sentimental or monetary value of any kind, or if you just don't want to see it fade over time, we strongly recommend using conservation glass as a part of its preservation! Along with proper matting, backing, and handling, UV filtering glass is integral to the longevity of your framed artwork, heirloom or collectible. click here to go back to the services page All images and content Copyright © 2008 by the Frame & I or by their represented artists and may not be reproduced in any way without expressed written permission