Picture Frame Glass- 101

Picture frame glass is not typically high on the list when you start learning how to make your own frames. Once you reach the stage of needing it though, it can cause a bit of a dilemma. 

Questions pop up about real glass versus plexi-glass, standard glass or UV protected glass, where can you get glass cut or can you cut your own?

These are just a few. There will be more, trust me.... 

But don't let doubt shatter your confidence!

I'm putting together some pages here with cutting edge info!  OK, enough with the bad puns!!  

Below you'll find the basics you need to know to get started. 

I've added a page on how to cut your own glass, along with pictures and a video. Check-it out here.

Picture Frame Glass - options

Each type of picture frame glass has pros and cons and is used for different purposes. Below is a chart that will help you figure out what makes most sense for you and the project you are working on. 

Basic (clear) Glass

When having custom frames made or talking to most, if not all, professional framers one thing they will tell you is that basic glass is not usually recommended for framing.

While this may be accurate in many cases, it is not accurate in ALL cases. Many of the things that we may make frames for are not museum quality and are not intended to last for 30 years etc...

Conservation Glass 

As mentioned above, standard glass blocks approximately 50% of UV rays (the industry standard is 97%). Depending on where you hang the frame (avoid placing near windows or in well lighted areas) it may not be exposed to as much anyway. As for sun light, keep in mind that the windows the sun light comes in through block about 50% of the UV light before it enters the room. 

Museum Glass

I'm not suggesting you should never use the more expensive types of protective glass, I'm just suggesting you think about the value (financial and sentimental), the intended longevity, where you're hanging the frame and the budget you are working with when deciding. In many cases, standard glass may well be the answer for your project.

Acrylic

So there you have it. You now know about the different types of picture frame glass you have access to and the pros and cons of each! Use this info to decide what's right for your project.