A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Glass for Framing

When people think about fine art framing, they often focus on the perfect frame — the wood grain, the color, the texture that ties a piece to its surroundings. But the unsung hero of every frame is the glass. 

The right glass for framing doesn’t simply shield your artwork; it enhances it. It defines how colors appear, how light interacts with the surface, and how long your art will remain as vivid as the day it was created.

Choosing the right framing glass means balancing beauty, clarity, and protection. It keeps dust, humidity, and ultraviolet light from dulling your artwork while giving it a professional, gallery-quality finish. 

Whether you’re framing a family photograph, a signed print, or an original painting, your glazing choice determines how the piece will look and how well it will last.

This comprehensive guide will help you understand every aspect of glass selection. You’ll learn the differences between various types of glass and acrylic, how lighting and environment affect your choice, and why professional advice from a local custom framing expert makes all the difference. 

By the end, you’ll know exactly how to choose glass that protects your art, elevates your décor, and transforms every frame into a timeless display.

Common types of glass used in framing

Selecting the right glass for framing means understanding how each type performs in clarity, protection, and presentation. Every option offers distinct benefits, depending on your artwork, lighting, and budget. 

Below are the most popular types used in fine art framing and local custom framing — each designed to balance beauty and preservation.

Premium clear glass

Premium clear glass is the standard choice for everyday framing. It provides crisp visibility and a clean, polished look at an affordable price. This glass works well for posters, prints, and decorative art where cost efficiency and simplicity matter most. 

However, it reflects light and offers minimal UV protection, which may lead to glare and gradual fading over time. It’s best suited for pieces displayed in areas with controlled lighting and limited sun exposure.

Conservation clear glass

Conservation clear glass offers the same clarity as premium clear but includes a powerful advantage — up to 99% UV protection. This glazing blocks harmful ultraviolet rays that cause fading, discoloration, and paper brittleness. 

It’s the go-to choice for protecting valuable or sentimental works like photographs, limited editions, or heirloom prints. Conservation clear glass delivers a classic, slightly reflective finish that preserves art beautifully without altering its natural colors.

Ultra Vue UV-70 glass

Ultra Vue UV-70 glass combines high transparency with impressive UV protection. It filters out 70% of harmful ultraviolet light while maintaining stunning color accuracy and sharpness.

This glass offers an almost invisible appearance, minimizing reflection and distortion. It’s ideal for art displayed under mixed lighting or where true-to-life color and fine detail matter most. Collectors and designers appreciate it for its balance of clarity, protection, and cost efficiency.

Museum glass

Museum glass represents the pinnacle of professional fine art framing. It blocks 99% of UV rays and provides a virtually invisible, anti-reflective surface that allows artwork to shine without glare. 

Museum glass enhances color depth, contrast, and texture, preserving the integrity of every brush stroke or photograph. Its clarity makes it look as though no glass is present. For original paintings, gallery pieces, and priceless collections, museum glass offers unmatched presentation and long-term preservation.

Reflection control glass

Reflection control glass — often called non-glare glass — reduces surface reflection through a finely etched matte finish. This makes it ideal for rooms with abundant light or large windows. 

While it softens glare, it can slightly diffuse sharp details or deepen tones. It’s perfect for decorative framing in bright environments where readability and visibility matter more than microscopic precision. Reflection control glass provides a subtle, professional finish that enhances distraction-free comfort.

Premium clear acrylic

Premium clear acrylic (sometimes known as plexiglass) is a lightweight, shatter-resistant alternative to traditional glass. It provides excellent clarity and durability, making it a smart choice for oversized art, children’s rooms, and high-traffic spaces. 

Acrylic is easier to handle than glass and resists breakage during transport or hanging. While it may scratch more easily, specialized cleaning cloths and proper care prevent damage. Optional UV-filtering versions protect art from sunlight while maintaining a crystal-clear view.

Optium acrylic

Optium acrylic is the luxury choice for museum and private collections. It combines the best features of glass and acrylic — anti-reflective coating, 99% UV protection, anti-static properties, and scratch resistance. It’s nearly weightless yet provides superior clarity and protection, making it ideal for delicate or high-value pieces. 

Optium acrylic prevents static buildup that may attract dust, a common concern with traditional acrylic. Its unmatched optical quality gives art a vivid, lifelike presence while ensuring maximum preservation.

Each of these glazing options serves a distinct purpose. Whether you’re framing a family portrait, a rare print, or an original painting, the right framing glass will protect your investment and elevate its visual impact. 

Consulting a local custom framing professional can help you choose the perfect material for your art, lighting, and space, balancing beauty with preservation that lasts a lifetime.

What to consider before choosing your glass

Selecting the right glass for framing involves more than picking something that looks clear and clean. The right glazing protects your art, complements your space, and ensures the piece retains its brilliance for decades. 

When investing in fine art framing or working with local custom framing experts, think beyond aesthetics. Consider the environment, lighting, and long-term preservation of your artwork.

Lighting conditions

Light transforms how your artwork appears and also determines how long it lasts. Direct sunlight or bright artificial lighting can fade pigments and create harsh reflections. If your piece will hang in a room with windows or track lighting, choose glass that reduces glare and filters ultraviolet rays.

·         UV-protective glass and museum glass safeguard art from fading while preserving vibrancy.

·         Reflection control glass minimizes glare in well-lit spaces but slightly softens image sharpness.

·         Ultra Vue UV-70 glass balances protection and clarity beautifully for bright or rotating light sources.

Proper lighting paired with the right glazing prevents visual strain and irreversible color loss.

Type of artwork

Different art mediums demand different levels of protection and presentation. 

Fine art, photographs, and limited editions require UV-filtering or anti-reflective glass to prevent fading and distortion.

Oil paintings or textured art often don’t need glazing, but they may use Optium acrylic or museum glass in gallery settings to add protection without dulling dimension.

Textiles, memorabilia, or 3D pieces benefit from shadow boxes with durable acrylic glazing that protects while providing depth.

Choosing glass that complements the medium ensures the artwork’s texture, color, and character stay true to its original intent.

Environment and placement

Where your artwork lives affects how well it ages. Rooms with high humidity, temperature changes, or frequent movement — like bathrooms, kitchens, or hallways — require durable, moisture-resistant glazing. Acrylic glazing resists warping and shattering, making it ideal for busy or humid areas.

For controlled environments like living rooms or galleries, conservation clear or museum glass provides the highest visual fidelity.

Framing experts at local custom framing shops often assess your space’s conditions before recommending the best material. Their insight ensures your art remains stable and protected in any setting.

Size and weight of the artwork

Large pieces demand lighter materials to prevent stress on walls and frames. Premium clear acrylic and Optium acrylic offer lightweight strength for oversized or high-mounted art. Smaller or standard-size pieces can safely use glass for a more traditional, refined look. Balancing weight with clarity ensures your framing feels secure, elegant, and proportional.

Budget and long-term value

Think of your framing glass as an investment in preservation. While basic options like premium clear glass are cost-effective upfront, higher-quality glazing like conservation clear, Ultra Vue, or museum glass prevents expensive restoration down the line.

Quality glazing protects your artwork’s emotional and financial value. The right choice ensures that every color, texture, and brush stroke remains as vivid as the day it was framed.

Choose the perfect glass with Framing Establishment

Every artwork deserves protection that matches its beauty. 

At Framing Establishment, we treat every piece — a cherished family portrait or a valuable fine art print — with the care it deserves. Our experts guide you through each decision, from selecting the right framing glass to designing a custom frame that enhances your artwork and space.

With decades of experience in fine art framing and local custom framing, we use only premium materials to ensure your art remains vibrant, secure, and beautifully displayed for years. 

Whether you visit one of our locations or explore our custom options online, you’ll find personalized service and craftsmanship that turn every piece into a masterpiece.

Preserve your art. Elevate your space. Frame it beautifully with Framing Establishment.