Acrylic or glass: A comprehensive guide to framing artworks

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

A well-made individual frame is of fundamental importance in order to present and enhance photographs and works of art appropriately.

The choice is often made between acrylic glass and standard glass for covering the frame, especially when it comes to showcasing a particular portrait or poster to its best advantage. After all, the artwork should not only look good but also be protected in the long term – especially if it is displayed in a gallery or art exhibition.

Before choosing an acrylic or glass picture frame, it's worth reading this guide . This way, you can ensure that the piece shines and sparkles exactly as desired.

Differences between acrylic and glass when framing artwork

The choice between glass and acrylic frames depends on various factors – both aesthetic and practical. 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 Plexiglas or polycarbonate , is durable, lightweight, and shatterproof – however, it should be noted that this material is somewhat more susceptible to scratches. Its impact resistance, however, usually makes it the ideal choice for areas with high foot traffic or for transporting artworks over long distances.

While glass a higher degree of clarity and fewer reflections , acrylic is distinguished by its shatter resistance and UV protection properties .

In any case, the following should be considered when making a decision :

• How can the work be best presented?
• Which material offers the best protection?
• And which framing option best emphasizes the uniqueness of the work?

Regardless of which material is ultimately chosen – with the right frame , any photo or work of art can be perfectly showcased.

Let's delve into the subject in a little more detail in the following sections!

Advantages and disadvantages of acrylic

Acrylic for framing artwork offers a number of advantages that artists and art lovers appreciate. The lightweight nature of acrylic makes it easier to handle and mount, and reduces the risk of accidents during the framing process.

Furthermore, Plexiglas is known for its exceptional clarity, which allows artworks to shine without distortion. Its shatterproof properties provide added safety, especially in high-traffic areas or in households with children and pets.

Acrylic also offers UV protection, protecting your artwork from harmful sunlight that can cause fading over time.

These advantages make acrylic a popular choice for those seeking a modern, elegant look for their framed artwork while ensuring durability and protection.

Advantages at a glance

• Acrylic has half the density of glass and is many times more impact-resistant, which significantly facilitates transport without damage and is therefore more cost-effective
• It is more transparent because it has no tint, and therefore shows the true colors of a work of art
• Its production requires less energy than that of glass, making acrylic a more environmentally friendly option for single-use purchases
• Plexiglas does not shatter when it breaks, making it a safer choice than glass
• Acrylic is resistant to condensation, thus preventing moisture from damaging the artwork

Disadvantages at a glance

• Acrylic can be scratched more easily than glass, but this can be avoided with careful cleaning
• Certain acrylic materials are not as easy to recycle as glass.
• Plexiglas easily generates static electricity, which is not a problem for most art media. However, pastel colors must be kept at a distance from the acrylic glass.
• Polycarbonate can warp under extreme conditions such as sudden changes in heat and humidity.

Advantages and disadvantages of glass

When framing artwork, glass offers a timeless elegance and unparalleled clarity , faithfully reproducing the colors and details of your artwork. Due to its classic appearance, glass is the traditional choice for framing, providing a crisp, clear viewing experience where every brushstroke and detail shines through with precision.

Glass frames are also easy to clean and maintain , so your artwork will remain in pristine condition for years to come.

Furthermore, glass is available in custom sizes and thicknesses, making it a versatile option for any framing project.

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 suits a variety of artistic styles.

Advantages at a glance

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

Disadvantages at a glance

• It is very fragile and brittle, which makes undamaged transport difficult
• Due to its slightly greenish tint, it is less transparent than acrylic
• When glass breaks, it shatters, which can damage the framed artwork or, worse, cause injury
• Glass is prone to condensation because it is an excellent thermal insulator. Therefore, there is a risk that moisture will damage the artwork in a frame

Clear vs. Anti-reflective – The options for glazing

options for these acrylic and glass frame glazing surfaces :

Clear

Picture frames made of glass and acrylic are both available in a transparent "Clear" . This choice is common for most artworks and photographs, especially those with vibrant colors.

They offer a clear, window-like transparency, allowing all details to stand out directly from the frame. Unfortunately, transparent surfaces also tend to reflect light strongly, making them prone to glare when displayed near direct light sources.

Anti-reflective / Glare-free

Glare-free surfaces, also known as anti-reflective coatings, can prevent glare from sunlight hitting the frame.

The properties of glare-free acrylic for picture frames, in particular, diffuse sunlight and improve the overall visibility of the artwork. However, glare-free surfaces can also make colors appear somewhat dull. This shouldn't pose a problem for black and white artwork or photographs.

UV protection: How do acrylic and glass perform?

Besides visibility problems, the sun also poses the danger of ultraviolet (UV) rays , which can damage your valuable prints. Some artificial light sources also contain UV rays. Over time, UV rays can cause irreparable damage to artwork.

Standard glass and plexiglass for picture frames do offer some UV protection, but this is often insufficient – ​​especially if your artwork is displayed in a well-lit gallery or a room with plenty of natural light.

Fortunately, there are UV-protected acrylic and glass frames with coatings that offer much better protection. With these UV-protected picture frames, your beautiful photos and posters will last longer. UV-protected acrylic is particularly distinguished by its protective properties, which perfectly complement its strength and durability.

Glass vs. Acrylic – A Direct Comparison

PETG – Thermoplastic polymer as a third alternative

PETG plastic is somewhat less well-known than acrylic or plexiglass in connection with picture frames and the glazing of artworks. However, it boasts a number of interesting properties that could make it a good alternative to glass and acrylic.

What is PETG?

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET for short) is a versatile thermoplastic that most of us know in the form of PET bottles. PETG, on the other hand, is a further development of PET in which glycol is added. This modification provides impressive transparency and low viscosity, 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 thickness), while being half the weight compared to conventional glass and having 25 times the load-bearing capacity.

It is extremely impact-resistant, has excellent insulating properties and is robust and flame-retardant – in accordance with fire protection class B, s1, d0 according to DIN EN 13501.

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

Unfortunately, it lacks UV stabilization and can therefore yellow from sun exposure, making it more suitable for indoor use without direct sunlight.

Factors to consider when making a selection

When choosing a material for a picture frame project, in addition to the aforementioned advantages and disadvantages, various individual aspects must also be considered. Only then can you make the right choice for your specific situation.

Planned exhibition venue

The location where the framed object is displayed can influence the choice of glazing material. For example, robust materials such as acrylic can be advantageous if the objects are displayed in high-traffic or impact-prone areas.

On the other hand, glass may be better suited for objects that are presented in controlled, low-traffic environments due to its excellent clarity and durability.

Size of the framed object

The dimensions and shape of the framed object can influence the choice of different glazing materials. For example, materials such as acrylic may be necessary for larger objects for safety reasons, while glass may be more suitable for smaller objects, as the added weight enhances the perceived quality.

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

budget

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

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

Environmental impacts

Polycarbonate is a versatile material that proves particularly advantageous in recycling. In contrast, the production and transport of acrylic requires more energy compared to glass. Glass, on the other hand, can be recycled repeatedly as long as it is not anti-reflective.

Although glass production is more energy-intensive, it offers the advantage of unlimited recyclability. Ultimately, the decision between acrylic and glass should consider the environmental impact and long-term sustainability.

Further considerations

Other aspects that can influence the choice of glass material include the design or appearance of the frame, the variety of available materials, and the customer's individual requirements or preferences regarding the frame.