Some choices are better than others when encasing your valuables.
When framing a cherished art piece, photograph, poster, document or memorabilia, selecting the right frame moulding and mat colour actually aren’t the only customizable factors that go into play.
In fact, our Toronto framers offer two main types of glass to encase your special items: regular or clear conservation glass, and anti-reflective glass, otherwise known as non-glare or museum glass. With that said, both of these framing glass types come with their own set of unique characteristics and considerations, meaning that one type may be more suitable than the other for a certain framing project.
In this article, we’ll detail some noteworthy factors to consider when deciding between clear/ regular glass and non-reflective/museum glass, to help you make an informed decision the next time you set out for a custom frame.
What Is Clear (Regular) Picture Framing Glass?
Clear or regular conservation picture framing glass is the most popular type of glass used for picture framing, and for good reason. At Allen Gallery Framing, we use Conservation Clear® Glass when framing your artwork, photographs or items, as it offers conservation-grade protection to ensure the proper safeguarding and preservation of your beloved possessions.
What is Anti-Reflective (Museum) Picture Framing Glass?
Non-reflective or museum glass, on the other hand, is a type of glass specially designed with a unique coating to minimize any light reflection or glare, which can be distracting in certain settings. Made from either acrylic materials or from traditional glass, anti-reflective glass can offer a clearer and unobstructed view of the framed subject, which has made it a popular choice for artworks displayed in museums.
Which Glass Type Should I Choose For My Framed Item?
When thinking about whether to choose clear (regular) or anti-reflective (museum) picture framing glass for your artwork, photograph, document or memorabilia, you should first consider where you plan to display it. If you’re going to be displaying your framed item in an environment containing especially bright or overhead lighting, near any windows projecting strong direct sunlight, or by any other kinds of light sources that would create glare, it might be more suitable to go with museum glass.
Contrarily, if you are planning on displaying your artwork in an area with minimal or controlled lighting or in an area where lighting isn’t particularly intense, clear picture framing glass can be a great choice. It is also a more budget-friendly option compared to museum glass, as the specialized non-reflective coating in museum glass does place the product at a higher price point.
Furthermore, you may also consider the general appearance and visual characteristics of your framed item when deciding whether to frame with regular or anti-reflective glass. If your item contains a lot of fine detail, such as a document containing important writing or information, anti-reflective glass may make for a better option as to avoid any potential visual obstructions that may interfere with the clarity of these details.
Still need help deciding on the right glass? Speak with our expert Leslieville framers today.
From choosing the right moulding and mat to selecting the appropriate type of glass for your custom frame, our experienced artists will work with you to ensure the best choices are made every step of the way.
Together, we’ll create the perfect custom frame to elevate your artwork while preserving it for generations to come.
Get in touch with us to learn more about the customization options we offer, or to schedule your consultation at our framing shop today!