Selecting the Right Plexiglass for Picture Framing

Plexiglass, also known as Acrylic Glass, has received its share of bad publicity, due to cheap imported materials during the past 50 years. However, with the emergence of new technology we now have a superior competitor to Glass.

It is fabricated in two different ways: It is either Extruded or Cast. Cast Plexi glass is superior and a little more costly than Extruded. Both varieties are available in various thicknesses.

Plexiglass is significantly more durable than Glass and is the ideal choice if you are considering transporting/moving your picture frames.

It is the only choice when you are framing an oversized art. Picture framing glass is only available in limited sizes. Cutting and handling a large piece of glass can not only be dangerous, but it is also very challenging. It can be a little lighter than glass depending on its thickness.

Acrylic is transparent and offers excellent Optical Clarity. Glass has a green tinge. Manufacturers have also managed to create a product that is Abrasion Resistance to a varying degree. Obviously, you get what you paid for!

Plexiglass is available with up to 99% UV-filtering properties, that safeguards your valuable pieces from harmful ultraviolet radiation. This feature makes it an excellent choice for framing artwork that will be displayed in well-lit areas. We recommend that you should never display any valuable art under direct sunlight. The heat created within the frame will almost certainly damage your treasured art.

Old Non-Glare option is still available. You can even purchase one which filters out 99% of the U.V. lights. The main drawback is the fuzziness. It distorts light just like it’s glass version.

Museum Plexiglass offers valuable features including 99% U.V. Filtration, Clear Anti-Reflective (without fuzziness), Anti- Static (perfect for framing Pastels), Abrasion Resistance, and Shatter Resistance. It is the perfect choice for investment art, or irreplaceable works of art.

Currently there are a few manufacturers offering this product, with “Tru Vue” being the pioneer and offers Museum Plexiglass under the brand name of “Optium Museum Acrylic.”

Plexiglass can be cut to any size, bent, shaped or polished, allowing for greater design flexibility. It can be engraved or etched. It is available in various colors and finishes, including glossy, matte, and non-glare.

Plexi Boxes are fabricated in various shapes to incase the art.

Plexi Sandwiches are used when we sandwich the art between 2 sheets.

Pedestals are made to prop up the object on a stand.

Display boxes….. are amongst some of the most popular varieties that lend themselves for framing/displaying objects as well as other art forms that require a more frameless and modern framing style.

Regular Plexiglass is less prone to smudges and fingerprints. It can be cleaned with regular glass cleaners. Specially formulated acrylic cleaning products are also widely available. Always choose a non-Ammonia glass/Plexiglass cleaner whenever you are cleaning U.V. Plexiglass or Optium. Irrespective of what king of cleaner you choose, always use soft, non-abrasive cloths to prevent scratching the surface. The same goes with your eyeglasses, especially if the lenses are U.V. and or Non-glare coated.