Frame Glass

All glass is not created equal. In order to preserve, protect and get the most out of your artwork, you have some choices to make.  And with a little knowledge, those choices will be very easy. Creative Framing & Gallery uses exclusive TRU-VUE top-of-the-line picture frame glazing, whether it be glass or acrylic. Below explains the difference between the types of glazing we offer so you can make the right choice for your framing package. Remember, glass is much heaver than acrylic, so when framing very large artwork you may want to use acrylic due to weight. If art is moved a lot, such as to shows, you may want to consider acrylics due to it being less likely broken, although most acrylics will scratch easer.  When framing chalk or charcoal-based artwork, we would recommend glass because acrylics can attract dust due to the static charge, therefore damaging the artwork.

Premium Clear Glass

This glass is 2.5mm thick (0.98”), also available in 2mm slightly thinner for shallower depth rabbets.   Although this glass blocks up to 45% of the UV rays it is not considered conservation grade glass.  Applications include general purpose framing where UV exposure is not a concern such as sunlight entering through windows or near florescent lighting.  Only items that can be reproduced or replaced easily should be framed with this glass.

Reflection Control Glass

With its matte finish, the glass is able to scatter light and diminish unwanted glare.  This glass has all the characteristics of the Premium Clear Glass except available only in 2.5mm. It is not recommended with more than two mats although we have used three mats with acceptable results. This glass is more expensive than the Premium Clear Glass.

AR Reflection Control Glass

This product delivers on its product name. Its anti-reflective coating virtually eliminates reflections leaving viewers to enjoy the finer details of the art not their reflections. Virtually eliminates reflections, filters up to 78% of the UV rays, light transmission brighten colors and contrast levels, enhanced surface for better durability and easy cleaning. It’s Proprietary coating is engineered for permanence. Although this glass filters out 78% of the UV rays, it is not considered conservation glass. Applications include custom framing items that are not sensitive to UV damage or items that will be displayed in controlled light environment to limit UV exposure. Items that can be reproduced or replaced easily. This glass can be used with multiple mats and shadow box framing.

Conservation Clear Glass

This ultra-protective glass is a staple for custom framing. It is tried and true, standing the test of time, safeguarding the personal mementoes and works of art on consumer’s walls every day for years to come. Blocks up to 99% of UV rays, proprietary coating is engineered for permanence. Applications include custom framing, limited edition prints, original works of art, posters, and any irreplaceable items.

Conservation Reflection Control Glass

This ultra-protective glass scatters and diffuses light to reduce unwanted glare and helps to protect against UV damage. Matte finish reduces glare, blocks up to 99% of UV rays and its Proprietary coating is engineered for permanence. Applications include custom framing limited edition prints, original works of art and posters. It is used to reduce glare in rooms with high volume of uncontrolled light and to frame items that don’t require a lot of depth, maximum of 2 mat boards stacked is recommended.

Museum Glass

When it comes to custom framing, this glass product is unmatched with its amazing clarity and uncompromised protection. It virtually eliminates reflections, blocks up to 99% of UV rays, has optimal light transmission and protects and brightens colors. It also has enhanced surface for better durability and easy cleaning.  Proprietary coatings are engineered for permanence. Applications include custom framing Limited Edition Prints, Original Works of Art, Posters, and Shadowboxes for Objects Including Keepsakes or Souvenirs.

Premium Clear Acrylic

This high quality clear acrylic product provides safety and security from injury and breakage. This general-purpose framing grade acrylic, which is shatter resistance and safeguards against injury and damage to art work. Applications include general purpose framing when UV exposure is not a concern, items that can be reproduced or replaced easily. It is good for earthquake prone or high traffic areas where safety is a concern.

Reflection Control Acrylic

This matte finished acrylic scatters and diffuses light to reduce unwanted glare and provides safety and security from injury and breakage. Matte finish reduces glare, and is shatter resistance. It safeguards against injury and damage to artwork. Applications include custom framing items that are not sensitive to UV damage or items that will be displayed in controlled light environment to limit UV exposure and items that can be reproduced or replaced easily. It is good for earthquake prone or high traffic areas where safety is a concern.

Conservation Clear Acrylic

Rest assured you won’t get burned by this ultra-protective crystal-clear acrylic that strikes the perfect balance between color neutrality and protection. It blocks up to 99% of the UV rays. It is shatter resistance and safeguards against injury and damage to artwork. Applications include framing or displaying Cultural Heritage and Fine Art Collections, Oversized Works, Irreplaceable Works of Art. It is good for earthquake prone or high traffic areas where safety is a concern.

Optium Museum Acrylic

Trusted by the world’s most renowned museums, this state-of-the-art glazing boasts a virtually invisible anti-reflective coating allowing viewers to see the finest details in crystal clear color neutrality, while its UV-filtering, abrasion resistant acrylic, and anti-static coating offer uncompromising protection and preservation. It virtually eliminates reflections, blocks up to 99% of UV rays. Optimal light transmission protects and brightens colors and has Anti-static protection that immediately dissipates static. Durable hard coat protects against scratches and its shatter resistance safeguards against injury and damage to artwork. Cleans like glass-no special cleaners needed and the proprietary coating is engineered for permanence. Applications include custom framing or display cases for Cultural Heritage and Fine Art Collections, Traveling Exhibits, Static Sensitive Materials Including Textiles, Charcoals and Pastels, Oversized works, Irreplaceable Works of art, Shadowboxes for displaying objects including Family Heirlooms or Personal Mementoes, it is good for earthquake prone or high traffic areas where safety is a concern.

Cleaning Glass and Acrylic

Cleaning Glass

All of our Tru Vue glass can be cleaned by spraying a small amount of ammonia-free glass cleaner on a micro-fiber cloth or a clean lint-free cotton rag. To prevent overspray, do not spray the cleaner directly on the glass, if sprayed on the glass it can run into the frame causing damage to the inter package of the frame. Press the cloth against the glass and clean in a round, circular motions.

Cleaning Acrylic

For Conservation Clear, Premium Clear and Reflection Control Acrylics, use the following cleaning techniques: Place the acrylic on a clean, none-abrasive surface for cleaning if not in a frame. Use an acrylic cleaner and a clean damp cleaning cloth. Apply only light pressure, use clean water on a cloth and wipe the surface again being careful not to let any water get inside the frame and dry by blotting with a clean, damp cloth or chamois. Do not use dry or gritty cloths, as they may cause surface scratches and create a static electric charge on the surface. Do not use glass cleaning sprays, kitchen scouring compounds or solvents such as acetone, gasoline or lacquer to clean Acrylic.

Cleaning Opium Museum Acrylic

 Do not use Acrylic cleaners on this product. Use the same procedures as outlined above for cleaning glass.