Acrylic or glass: a comprehensive guide to frame works of art

In the field of artistic presentation of paintings , art prints and photographs, the choice between acrylic glass and traditional glass be decisive.

A well -made individual frame is of fundamental importance to adequately present and upgrade photographs and works of art.

The selection between acrylic glass and standard glass is often made for covering the frame, especially when it comes to optimal a special portrait or poster. After all, the work should not only look good, but also be protected in the long term - especially if it is shown in a gallery or art exhibition.

So before you choose an acrylic plate or glass as a picture frame, it is worth reading guide So you can make sure that the piece shines and shines as desired.

Differences between acrylic and glass when framing works of art

The choice between glass and acrylic frames depends on various factors- both aesthetic and practical nature. Both materials have their advantages and disadvantages that should be taken into account.

Glass panes, for example, are classically beautiful to look at and convey elegance; However, they can be heavier and break more easily.

On the other hand acrylic , also plexiglass or polycarbonate , is durable, long -lasting and lightweight and breakproof - however, it must be noted that this material is a little more susceptible to scratches. its impact resistance usually makes it an ideal choice for areas with high visitor volumes or for the transport of works of art over large distances.

While glass a higher level of clarity and fewer reflections , acrylic is characterized by its fragment strength and its UV protection properties .

In any case, it should be considered making decisions

• How best does the work work?
• What material does the best protection offer?
• And which framework option best underlines the uniqueness of the work?

Regardless of which material is ultimately chosen - with the right frame, every photo or work of art can be perfectly staged.

In the following sections we immerse yourself a little more detail into the matter!

Advantages and disadvantages of acrylic

Acrylic to frame works of art offers a number of advantages that artists and lovers appreciate. The slight nature of acrylic makes handling and assembly facilitates and reduces the risk of accidents during the framing process.

In addition, plexiglass is known for its extraordinary clarity, which enables works of art to shine without distortion. Its frosted properties ensure additional security, especially in heavily frequented areas or in households with children and pets.

Acrylic also offers UV protection and protects your work of art from harmful sunlight, which can lead to bleaching over time.

These advantages make acrylic a popular choice for those who are looking for a modern, elegant look for their framed works of art and at the same time want to ensure durability and protection.

Advantages at a glance

• Acrylic has half the density of glass and is many times more impact -resistant, which is considerably easier to transport without damage and is therefore cheaper
• It is more transparent because it has no tinting and therefore shows the true colors of a work of art
• The production requires less energy than that of glass, which makes acrylic a more environmentally friendly option for disposable purchase
• Plexi does not split up when it breaks, which makes it a safer choice as a glass
• Acrylic is resistant to condensation, which prevents moisture from damaging the work of art

Disadvantages at a glance

• Acrylic can be scratched more easily than glass, but can be avoided with careful cleaning
• Certain acrylic materials are not as easy to recycle as glass.
• Plexed flaps easily produces static electricity, which is not a problem for most art media. However, pastel colors must have a distance to acrylic glazing.
• Polycarbonate can be warped under extreme conditions such as sudden heat and moisture fluctuations.

Advantages and disadvantages of glass

When framing works of art, glass offers timeless elegance and incomparable clarity , which reproduces the colors and details of your work of art in detail. Due to its classic appearance, glass is the traditional choice for the frame and offers a razor -sharp, clear visual experience in which every brush line and every detail shines through precisely.

Glass frames are also easy to clean and maintain , so that their works of art remain in flawless condition for years.

In addition, glass is available in customer -specific sizes and strengths, which makes it a varied option for every framework project.

Regardless of whether you opt for standard clear glass or are interested in options such as UV protection or anti-reflective coatings , glass frames offer a sophisticated touch that fits a variety of artistic styles.

Advantages at a glance

• Glass has a robust surface, which makes it difficult to scratch and easy to clean
• It will not worsen over time and remains stable over hundreds of years
• Glass can be recycled easily and without loss of quality and is therefore the more environmentally friendly choice

Disadvantages at a glance

• It is very fragile and brittle, which makes it difficult for a unscathed transport
• Due to its slightly greenish color, it is less transparent than acrylic
• When glass breaks, it fragments what the framed work of art can damage or, worse, still cause injuries
• Glass is susceptible to condensation because it is an excellent heat insulator. Therefore there is a risk that moisture is damaged in a frame

Clear vs. anti -reflex - the options for glazing

In addition to the advantages and disadvantages of acrylic and glass listed above, you must consider these frame glazing surfaces made of acrylic and glass :

Clear

Picture frames made of glass and acrylic are both available in transparent version "clear" . This choice is common in most works of art and photographs, especially for works with bright colors.

They offer clear, window -like transparency, so that all details come from the frame. Unfortunately, transparent surfaces also tend to reflect heavily, which means that they are susceptible to glare if they are exhibited near direct light sources.

Anti -reflex / glare -free

Blend -free surfaces, also known as anti -reflection coatings, can prevent the glare from sunlight that hits the frame.

In particular, the properties of glare -free acrylic for picture frames dispel the sunlight and improve the overall visibility of the artwork. However, glare -free surfaces can also make the colors look a bit dull. However, this should not be a problem with black and white works of art or photographs.

UV protection: How do acrylic and glass cut off?

In addition to the visibility problems, the sun also harbors the risk of ultraviolets (UV) that can damage their valuable prints. Some artificial light sources also contain UV rays. Over time, UV rays can cause irreparable damage.

Standard glass and plexiglass for picture frames offer a certain UV protection, but this is often not sufficient-especially if your work of art is exhibited in a well-lit gallery or a room with a lot of natural light.

Fortunately, there is UV acrylic and glass with coatings that offer much better protection. With these UV-protected picture frames, your beautiful photos and posters remain longer. UV acrylic is particularly characterized by its protection and perfectly complements its strength and durability.

Glass vs. acrylic - the direct comparison

PETG - thermoplastic plastic as the third alternative

The plastic PETG is somewhat less known as acrylic or plexiglass in connection with picture frames and glazing of works of art. However, he captivates with a number of interesting properties, which could make him a good alternative to glass and acrylic.

What is PETG?

Polyethylenterephthalat (PET for short) is a versatile thermoplastic plastic, which most of us know in the form of PET bottles. PETG, on the other hand, is a further development of the PET, in which glycol is mixed. This modification ensures impressive transparency and low viscosity, which PETG a particularly high -quality and practical material.

The specific properties of PET-G plates

This type of plastic glass is characterized by high transparency (90% at 3 mm thick), with half weight compared to conventional glass and 25 times higher resilience.

It is extremely impact, has excellent insulating properties and is robust and flammable - according to fire protection class B, S1, D0 according to DIN EN 13501.

It is highly elastic and is provided with a protective film on both sides, is easy to clean and resistant to most common chemicals.

Unfortunately, it has no UV stabilization and can therefore yellow by sunlight, which is why it is more suitable for the interior without direct sunlight.

When selecting, factors to be taken into account

When deciding on a material for a picture frame project, in addition to the advantages and disadvantages mentioned, various individual aspects must also be taken into account. This is the only way to make the right choice in your personal individual case.

Planned exhibition location

The place where the framed object is presented can influence the choice of glazing material. For example, robust materials such as acrylic can be an advantage if the objects are exhibited in heavily frequented or impaired areas.

On the other hand, glass can be more suitable for objects that are presented in controlled, less frequented environments due to its excellent clarity and durability.

Size of the framed object

The dimensions and the shape of the framed object can influence the selection of various glazing materials. For example, materials such as acrylic may be required for larger objects, while glass may be more suitable for smaller objects, since the additional weight increases the perceived quality.

In fact, the purchase of large frames is often difficult, which is why we have created a helpful guide.

budget

The prices for different glazing materials can play a role. Glass is generally more expensive than acrylic, but in some cases it offers a higher value overall.

It is crucial to consider the initial and long -term costs of each material in relation to the project budget. Further information on framework costs and savings options can be found here (in English).

Environmental impacts

Polycarbonate is a versatile material that proves to be particularly advantageous in recycling. In contrast, the production and transport of acrylic needs more energy compared to glass. Glass, on the other hand, can be recycled again and again as long as it is mirrors .

Even if the production of glass is more energy -intensive, it offers the advantage of unlimited recycling. Ultimately, the ecological balance and long -term sustainability should be taken into account in the decision between acrylic and glass.

Further considerations

Other aspects that can influence the selection of the glass material are the design or look of the frame, the variety of materials available as well as individual requirements or preferences of the customer in relation to the frame.