Glazing Products

We are happy to offer range of materials that you might want to consider as an alternative to plain glass

There are three factors which may determine your choice of glazing

1. Light

The primary consideration is always about protection from light, i.e. conservation, and glass which can cut out the harmful wavelength in ultraviolet (U.V.) light will help to conserve artworks, retaining colour values and preventing accelerated deterioration of the piece. Secondary, but very important in the appreciation of beauty, is controlling the reflective surface.  The third factor is preventing breakage where it is a possibility.

Conservation glazing that will cut out the harmful element of UV light can be provided with:

• Standard UV coated clear glass has a film covering the surface on the inside and therefore is as easy to clean as plain glass
  

• Museum quality reflection control water white clear coated glass comes from a choice of manufacturers and is an excellent product:
  The anti-reflective and U.V. blocking layers work together to block U.V. rays up to 97- 99% whilst countering reflection, and remaining fabulously colour true, where standard plain and coated glass will have a slight green colour cast. The surface is durable, but should always be cleaned with a non abrasive cleaner and a soft, clean cloth
  

• 'Artshield' scratch resistant clear acrylic, and other good quality acrylics we can supply offer excellent U.V. light protection also to museum standard. Please ask about the range of museum quality acrylics now available as the options in this area are constantly expanding and range from low reflectivity to anti reflective as well as light filtering
  

2. Reflection

The secondary, but also important factor in which choice of glass to use, is aesthetic.  Being able to reduce the reflection created on the surface of the glass allows colours to glow, subtleties and textures to stand out, and can vastly improve the long term enjoyment offered by framed pictures and artefacts. It is well worth the extra investment.

• Reflection control coated clear glass will reduce reflection at 90 degrees to less than 1%, and will improve U.V. light filtering to 48% (plain glass is around 44%). A coating of oxides deposited onto the glass reduces reflections by counteracting and thereby 'flattening' the light rays as they bounce back off the surface. It also boasts true colour transmission, and gives a stunning effect of clarity.
  

• Museum quality reflection control water white clear coated glass is also a near invisible glass as above, which will protect the work as well as eliminate reflections. Both of the above types of glass are superb glazing for mixed media works with texture, unvarnished oils, charcoals, fabrics etc. as the quality of the surface remains vibrant and clear

3. Protection from Breakage

Glazing a large piece or placing a work in a public or busy area may require toughened glazing or acrylic.  You would not have internal glazed doors without toughened glass, a similar safety hazard applies to especially large glazed artworks

• Artshield acrylic and other makes we can supply such as Optium or Moth Eye are high quality clear material developed specifically for fine art applications. They are extremely resistant to surface damage, and have a good U.V. filter. The other advantage to acrylic is its lightness, especially significant for larger frames
  

• Standard high quality clear acrylic in varying thicknesses looks excellent also
  

• Laminated glass for larger options is available. It can come with an anti-reflective, U.V. coating, but can be thicker than standard glass and therefore heavier

We would be happy to to discuss options with you and give a free quote