Choosing the Right Glass: A Guide to Conservation and Non-Glare Glass Options

Glass is a vital component in various display applications, including framing artworks, photographs, and important documents. However, not all glasses are the same, and choosing the right glass can significantly affect the preservation and presentation of your displayed items. In this blog post, we will explore various types of glass options available for framing and display, with a particular focus on conservation, non-glare, and museum glass.

Conservation Glass

Conservation glass, or preservation glass, is designed to protect and preserve displayed items from harmful UV rays, pollutants, and other environmental factors that cause fading, yellowing, or deterioration. This type of glass has a coating that blocks up to 99% of UV light and minimizes glare, ensuring that your artwork or documents remain protected and vibrant for years to come.

There are two main types of conservation glass: UV filtering glass and UV blocking glass. UV filtering glass is designed to block most UV radiation, while UV blocking glass is designed to block all UV radiation. Both types of conservation glass offer excellent protection and are suitable for valuable or irreplaceable artworks and documents.

Non-Glare Glass

Non-glare glass, also known as anti-reflective glass, is designed to minimize reflection and glare, providing a clear view of the artwork or documents behind it. This type of glass is particularly useful when displaying artwork or documents in brightly lit areas or areas with direct sunlight.

Non-glare glass glass is designed to reduce surface reflection and diffuse light, ensuring that viewers can see the artwork or documents without any annoying glare or reflections. However, etched non-glare glass can scatter light and create a dull, hazy look. In contrast, coated museum glass maintains crystal clarity, allowing viewers to see the displayed item in its truest form.

Museum Glass

Museum glass is the highest quality of glass available for displaying valuable or irreplaceable artworks and documents. This type of glass has a coating that provides the ultimate protection against UV rays, reflection, and glare. The coating is engineered to enhance the clarity and vibrancy of the displayed item, offering the best possible viewing experience for viewers.

Museum glass is the ideal choice for displaying priceless items, or anything where reduced reflections are desired, as it offers unparalleled protection against fading, yellowing, and deterioration. It also maintains the crystal clarity of the displayed item, ensuring that viewers can appreciate every detail and colour of the artwork or document.

Regular Framing Grade Glass

In addition to conservation, non-glare, and museum glass options, regular framing grade glass is another option available for displaying artworks and documents. This type of glass is the most affordable option and is suitable for displaying items that do not require protection against UV rays or glare.

However, regular framing grade glass does not offer any protection against UV rays, and its reflection can cause glare, making it less suitable for displaying items in bright or direct sunlight. Regular framing grade glass is an excellent option for decorative pieces or artwork that does not require long-term preservation.

It is essential to note that while regular framing grade glass is the most affordable option, it may not offer sufficient protection for valuable or irreplaceable items. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the value and significance of the displayed item when choosing the type of glass to use in framing and display.

Choosing the Right Glass

When choosing the right glass for your display, consider the type of artwork or documents you will be displaying, as well as the environment in which they will be displayed. For valuable or irreplaceable items, conservation or museum glass is recommended to ensure their long-term preservation. For artwork or documents displayed in brightly lit areas or areas with direct sunlight, museum glass is recommended to minimize reflection and glare while maintaining crystal clarity.

Choosing the right glass for your display is essential to preserve and present your artwork or documents correctly. Conservation glass is ideal for preserving valuable or irreplaceable items, and museum glass is the ultimate choice for displaying priceless items or eliminating reflections. Consult with us here at Dandelion Art Framing & Gallery to determine the best glass option for your unique display.