Studio 93 Framing
Selecting the Right Materials
A bit of info about glass ...
UV Light - from the sun or from harsh UV light sources - will cause most printed material to fade over time. Sadly, the fading is irreversible, so protecting artwork that is special to you comes down to the type of glass or acrylic that is used in the frame, as well as where the frame is positioned in the house. Direct sunlight can also cause paper to deteriorate and become brittle, so the glazing choice is important.
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Glass for framing comes in several different qualities of manufacture and finish, each with its own function (and price!). Here are some examples:
Float Glass - the type of glass you would typically get in a pre-made frame from a department store. Float glass is generally the cheapest glass available and prevents dust or dirt from getting onto the art, but offers little to no protection from UV light.
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UV-protective glass has a coating on one side to absorb UV light, but reflections can still be easily seen. It is a good budget-option for protecting a special photo or piece of art.
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Anti-Reflective (AR) glass is self-explanatory; it is manufactured in a way that reduces reflections to a minimum, leaving the art clearer to the viewer. The UV-protective qualities of AR glass do vary, from little protection to museum-quality glass with maximum UV-absorbance.
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The price of the best quality glass can therefore be quite high, meaning that the glass can be the most expensive item of the framing materials.
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Acrylic glazing is an option, particularly for very large pieces as it is lighter than glass and less likely to shatter if knocked or dropped. Specialist manufacturing processes can produce optically-clear acrylics, some of which are scratch-resistant and scratches can sometimes be polished out. High-end acrylics can be expensive but are often used in museums and art galleries.
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At Studio 93 Framing, we can offer advice on any form of glazing product for your artwork and budget.
Selection of the right materials for the artwork to be framed is a fundamental part of bespoke framing. At Studio 93 Framing you can choose from a wide range of mouldings, mountboard, glass and finish to create the perfect frame for your art.
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A frame has two main functions; to protect the artwork and to enhance and complement the displayed art. The frame should not become the focus of attention in itself. Highly decorative mouldings, decorative mounts and strong colours have their place but need careful consideration when selecting the materials. I can advise you on these considerations during the consultation process.
Mountboard samples
A sample shadow box showing the difference between Regular Glass and AR Glass. Yes, there is a layer of glass on the left!
Sample courtesy of Larson-Juhl
