When framing artwork, photographs, or valuable prints, the cover you choose matters more than most people realize. Many people assume standard glass is the default option for picture frames, but acrylic glass has become the preferred choice for many professional framers and museums.
In this guide, we’ll explain the differences between glass and acrylic, the types of acrylic available, and which option best protects your artwork.
Glass vs Acrylic: Understanding the Basics
Traditional picture frames often use standard glass as the protective cover. Glass is widely available and inexpensive, which is why it is commonly found in many ready-made frames.
However, glass also has several limitations. It is significantly heavier than acrylic and can easily break if a frame is dropped or bumped. In larger frames, the added weight can make handling and hanging more difficult, and broken glass can potentially damage the artwork inside.
Acrylic, sometimes referred to as acrylic glass, is a lightweight and shatter-resistant alternative that has become increasingly popular in professional framing. Because it is far less likely to break and weighs much less than glass, acrylic is often preferred for larger frames, shipped artwork, and pieces that require greater protection.
For these reasons, many custom framers and museums choose acrylic when framing valuable artwork.
Not All Acrylic Is the Same
One important thing many people don’t realize is that not all acrylic used in picture frames is the same quality. While professional framing materials are designed for durability and clarity, many inexpensive frames use very thin acrylic sheets to reduce costs.
Lower-quality acrylic can feel flexible or flimsy, especially in larger frames. It may also scratch more easily and typically offers little protection from harmful UV light that can fade artwork over time.
Higher-quality acrylic used in professional framing is thicker, clearer, and engineered specifically to protect artwork. These materials are designed to remain rigid in larger frames, provide better optical clarity, and offer UV protection that helps preserve colors and paper for years to come.
Protecting Your Artwork From UV Damage
One of the biggest threats to artwork over time is ultraviolet (UV) light. Exposure to UV rays can gradually cause photographs, prints, posters, and original artwork to fade or discolor. Even indoor lighting and indirect sunlight can contribute to this damage over long periods of time.
Standard picture frame glass offers very little protection from UV light. While it protects artwork from dust and physical damage, it does little to prevent fading caused by light exposure.
For this reason, many professional framing shops prioritize acrylic with built-in UV protection. Higher-quality acrylic can block around 90% of harmful UV light, helping slow the fading process and preserve the colors of your artwork.
For artwork that needs even greater protection, conservation-grade acrylic can block up to 99% of UV light. This level of protection is often recommended for valuable prints, photography, and original artwork where preserving color and paper quality over time is especially important.
Non-Glare Acrylic: Reducing Reflections
Another common issue with framed artwork is glare caused by reflections from surrounding lights or windows. Reflections can make artwork difficult to see clearly, especially in bright rooms or areas with overhead lighting.
Non-glare acrylic is designed to reduce these reflections and make artwork easier to view from different angles. It works by using a lightly textured surface that diffuses reflected light rather than bouncing it directly back toward the viewer.
The trade-off is that this subtle matte finish can slightly soften the appearance of the artwork compared to perfectly clear acrylic. For many spaces with bright lighting, however, the reduction in glare can make the artwork far easier to enjoy.
Some higher-end acrylic options like Non-glare Conservation grade combine non-glare properties with UV protection, helping reduce reflections while still protecting artwork from light damage.
Museum Acrylic: The Highest Level of Clarity and Protection
For the highest level of clarity and protection, professional framers often use museum acrylic. These advanced acrylic materials are designed to provide exceptional visibility while offering the strongest protection for valuable artwork.
Museum acrylic uses specialized anti-reflective coatings that dramatically reduce reflections, making the cover appear nearly invisible when viewing the artwork. In many lighting conditions, it can look almost as if there is no cover at all, allowing the colors and details of the artwork to stand out clearly.
In addition to reducing glare, museum acrylic typically includes several advanced features such as 99% UV protection, scratch resistance, and anti-static properties that help prevent dust from being attracted to the surface.
One of the most advanced examples of this technology is Optium Museum Acrylic by Tru Vue, which is widely used in professional framing when maximum clarity and long-term protection are important.
Because of its exceptional clarity and protective features, museum acrylic is often chosen when framing valuable artwork, limited edition prints, photography, or pieces intended for long-term preservation.
Which Option Is Best for Your Artwork?
While traditional glass is still used in many picture frames, acrylic has become the preferred choice for professional framing. Acrylic is significantly lighter, far more resistant to breaking, and offers protective features that standard glass simply cannot provide.
High-quality acrylic also allows for built-in UV protection, helping preserve the colors and details of artwork over time. Premium acrylic options can block around 90% of harmful UV light, while conservation-grade acrylic can block up to 99%, providing exceptional protection for valuable prints, photography, and original artwork.
For the highest level of clarity and protection, museum acrylic offers anti-reflective technology that can appear nearly invisible while protecting artwork from damaging UV exposure.
Because of its durability, clarity, and protective benefits, acrylic has become the standard choice for professional framers and museums. Choosing premium acrylic picture frames helps ensure your artwork remains protected and vibrant for years to come.
