What kind of glass should you use?

There are a couple critical parts of custom framing, and everyone loves to spend time picking out their frames and mats, but we rarely have customers who have given a lot of thought to their choice of glass. Here at McDonald Niklaus, we use a variety of different glasses and acrylics in our custom framing because each provide a different set of advantages at different price points. Here’s a quick run down:

• Conservation Clear Glass

Conservation clear is a UV coated glass that helps preserve the inks, pigments and dyes used in various works of art. This is an economical option, but still worlds better than plain glass. UV rays are extremely damaging to dyes and inks and are the main reason that art and keepsakes will look washed out and tired over time.

• Conservation Reflection Control Glass

Reflection control glass is just what it sounds like. It’s glass with an anti-reflective layer on top. In addition to blocking out most UV rays, this layer helps diffuse the light to reduce the reflections coming off the glass. On the positive side, it makes it easier to see artwork in a well lit space. But on the down side, reflection control glass isn’t as clear as the other glass choices.

• Museum Glass

Museum glass is a multi-layer glass sandwich of beauty. It protects whatever is behind it from UV rays, obviously, but it also reduces reflections like reflection control glass, but without the loss in clarity. It also has optimal transmission qualities, which means that colors look brighter and clearer. We love using this product. It makes everything look better!

• Optium Museum Acrylic

Optium museum acrylic is the gold standard used by museums around the world. It combines the best qualities of museum glass with durable, anti-shatter acrylic that cleans and looks like regular glass without the fragility of glass. It’s a good looking alternative for items that absolutely must be protected and preserved.