WHICH GLAZING OPTION SHOULD I USE FOR MY FRAME?

Regular plexiglass: $ (70% UV Protection) Regular plexiglass is a good choice for general framing applications where optical clarity and protection against breakage is important. It is lightweight and shatter-resistant, making it easy to handle and safe to use in areas where breakage may be a concern. Regular plexiglass can provide some level of protection against UV radiation, but it is not designed specifically for this purpose.

UV plexiglass: $$ (99% UV Protection) UV plexiglass, also known as UV-blocking plexiglass, is designed specifically to protect artwork from fading and damage caused by exposure to UV radiation. It is a good choice for framing valuable or sensitive artwork that may be displayed in areas with high levels of natural or artificial light.

Non-glare plexiglass: $$$ (99% UV Protection) Non-glare plexiglass, also known as anti-reflective plexiglass, is designed to reduce glare and reflections on framed artwork. It has a special coating that helps to diffuse light and minimize reflections, making it a good choice for artwork that will be displayed in areas with bright lighting or that may be viewed from different angles. Non-glare plexiglass can also provide some level of UV protection, but it is typically not designed specifically for this purpose. It is not recommended for shadow box frames and is better suited for matted works. 

AR glass: $$$ (70% UV Protection) AR (anti-reflective) glass is designed to minimize glare and reflection, allowing viewers to see artwork with maximum clarity and detail. It is made by applying a special coating to the glass that reduces reflections and increases light transmission. AR glass is a good choice for framing pieces that will be displayed in bright environments, as it helps to minimize distracting reflections and improve visibility. (Do not clean with windex. Use your breath and microfiber cloth to clean smudges)

Museum glass: $$$$ (99% UV Protection) Museum glass is designed to provide the highest level of protection for artwork. It is made with UV-blocking technology to prevent fading and damage from sunlight and other sources of UV radiation. Museum glass also has anti-reflective properties, making it ideal for framing pieces that will be displayed in museums, galleries, and other high-end settings. It is usually a thicker glass, making it less fragile than other glasses. 

Conservation Glass: $$ (99% UV Protection) Similar to museum glass, conservation glass provides the highest level of protection for artwork. The UV-blocking film prevents fading and damage from sunlight and other sources of UV radiation. However, conservation glass does not have anti-reflective properties. It is most similar to UV Plexi, except more fragile.   

Optium plexi: $$$$$ (99% UV Protection) Optium plexi is a shatter-resistant, high-clarity plastic material that is often used as a substitute for glass in framing applications. It offers excellent UV protection and anti-reflective properties, as well as superior scratch resistance and durability compared to traditional acrylic. Optium plexi is a good choice for framing pieces that will be exposed to high levels of traffic or handling, as well as for pieces that require the highest level of protection from UV radiation.

Overall, the choice between plexiglass, AR glass, museum glass, and Optium plexi will depend on the specific needs of your artwork and the conditions in which it will be displayed. Regular Plexiglas is a good choice for general framing applications where optical clarity and UV protection are important, but not necessarily the highest priority. UV plexi is the preferred choice for applications that require the highest level of optical clarity and UV protection, as well as superior scratch resistance. AR glass is a good choice for reducing glare and reflection, museum glass provides the highest level of protection, and Optium plexi offers superior durability and scratch resistance.