Glass or acrylic? It is a question most people face when they have a picture framed. Each has real advantages. Traditionalists lean towards glass for its clear view and classic feel. Others prefer acrylic because it is lighter and does not shatter.
Glass has long been favoured for clarity, and it gives a frame a look that many people associate with quality. But it is heavy and it can break, which matters for large frames and busy places.
Acrylic is light and tough, and is the popular choice in homes with children. It also filters some of the UV light that fades pictures. Both come in several finishes.
At a glance
| Glass | Acrylic | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Heavy | About half the weight |
| If knocked or dropped | Can shatter | Shatter-resistant |
| Scratches | Hard to scratch | Scratches more easily |
| Static | None | Can attract dust, unless anti-static |
| UV protection | None in basic picture glass | Some, even in standard acrylic |
| Cleaning | Glass cleaner on a cloth | Soft damp cloth only |
Comparing the materials
Clarity
Glass gives a clean, clear view of a picture and is available in clear and non-glare versions, which helps in brightly lit rooms.
Good acrylic is also very clear, and is often chosen for colourful artwork because it blocks some ultraviolet light and so reduces fading. EasyFrame also offers ArtGlass acrylic, which is virtually invisible as well as anti-reflective and anti-static.
Weight and safety
Glass is much heavier than acrylic. That makes a large frame harder to carry and hang, and puts more strain on the fixings over time.
Acrylic is light and shatter-resistant, so it is safer in homes with children and pets, and the sensible choice for large frames and for anything that will be sent by post.
Durability and care
Acrylic does not shatter, which suits busy areas. Its weakness is that it scratches more easily than glass, so it needs gentle handling.
Clean acrylic with a soft, non-abrasive cloth, slightly damp, and never with glass cleaner. Glass resists scratches and can be cleaned with ordinary glass cleaner on a cloth, though it shows streaks if you are not careful.
Protection and practicality
UV protection
Sunlight fades and degrades artwork and photographs. Basic picture-frame glass gives no UV protection. Acrylic filters some UV even in the standard grade we supply, which makes it the better choice for delicate or valuable pieces if you are not paying for a specialist glazing. Both glass and acrylic are available in higher grades with much greater UV protection.
Handling and hanging
Because it is light and does not break, acrylic is easier to transport and less worrying to hang, which is helpful if you are doing it yourself or move house often. Glass needs more careful handling, and its weight can complicate the hanging of a big frame.
Looks
Both give a clear finish that shows colours well, and both work with any choice of frame and mount. ArtGlass acrylic is chosen when clarity matters most, because its anti-reflective surface all but disappears. Our standard acrylic is a light, versatile alternative.
Cost and the environment
Cost
Acrylic, also known as PMMA or by the trade name Perspex, generally costs more than ordinary glass. Against that, it is cheaper and safer to post, and it is far less likely to need replacing after an accident. Specialist anti-reflective and UV-filtering grades of either material cost more again.
Environment
Neither is a clear winner. Glass is made from abundant raw materials and lasts indefinitely, but it is heavy to transport, and it breaks. Acrylic is a plastic, but it is light to transport and long-lasting. Both can be recycled, though picture glass and acrylic usually need to go to a recycling centre and not into the household bin. The greenest choice is glazing that does not need replacing.
Which to choose where
Homes, schools and offices
For homes and for public spaces such as schools and offices, acrylic is the safer choice. It is light and shatter-resistant, which is what you want with children about or in a corridor. Its low weight is a real advantage for larger pieces. Take care when cleaning it, because it scratches.
Galleries and valuable work
For gallery display and valuable artwork, a museum-grade glazing is worth the cost. ArtGlass acrylic combines high UV protection with an anti-reflective, anti-static surface, is more scratch-resistant than standard acrylic, and does not shatter. That is why artists and collectors choose it.
When glass is better
Glass is the better choice for pastels and charcoal, where static must be avoided unless you use an anti-static acrylic, for small frames where weight does not matter, and anywhere the glazing will be cleaned often.
EasyFrame offers a wide range of made-to-measure frames and glazing, and with long experience we can advise on the right choice for your artwork. Call us on 01234 856 501 or email sales@easyframe.co.uk. We are always happy to talk, whether or not you want to buy.