2/02/2013

Choosing Between Regular Glass And Plexiglass In Framing Affordable Framed Artwork

By Ethel Harris


A majority of art lovers are undecided on the best material to frame a piece of affordable framed artwork when purchasing one. Most of the works of art for sale are framed using either plexiglass or regular museum glass. The opinion of art lovers concerning the material to be used in framing works of art is usually varied. However, each type of glass used has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Historically, the most uninhibited and clear viewing of works of art have been provided by glass. However, it has faced stiff competition from plexiglass, which has come a long way over the last several years or so, by now becoming the industry standard. The clearest view of underneath the work of art has for a long time been provided by museum grade glass. It is a great option for the framing needs of an art collector, as it has easily attainable UV-filtering options.

Since plexiglass came into the market, it has evolved over the years to the extent that it offers all the benefits that are found in glass, plus even more features. Protection from harmful rays that can destroy paintings, prints and photography that was once the mainstream of glass can now be found in plexiglass. In addition, plexiglass capable of providing a virtually glare-free viewing experience is now available for art lovers.

With plexiglass that is of the most advanced form, all the benefits that markets have always associated with museum glass in framing can be achieved. It's anti-reflective surface that can filter up to 75% of all Ultra Violet rays makes it anti-static and scratch resistant. On the other hand, glass breaks easily and is very heavy, making it unpopular with art lovers who wish to handle convenient weights of works of art.

plexiglass, like any other material, has its own setbacks, in-spite of being light and unbreakable. Since it is a combustible material, the pieces of artwork that it can be used to frame it cannot be placed in a hot place or near fire flames. This means that such works have limited areas of storage or display. In addition, some measures have to betaken for their protection, such as lacing fire extinguishers near them.

Another disadvantage of plexiglass is that despite it being scratch resistant, it is still much easier than ordinary glass to scratch. Numerous pieces of art framed with plexiglass exhibit scratches gotten from frequent movements. However, had the scratches been in a framing made of glass, they would have been much worse.

It can be seen that plexiglass is the best material for framing pieces of art work, after a thorough comparison with ordinary museum glass. The most recommendable type of plexiglass is acrylite OP-3, which is widely used by most art lovers satisfied with its results. Moreover, it is sold at an affordable price, and its durability has been a critical advantage when compared with the lesser lasting glass.

A majority of the affordable framed artwork found in museums and art galleries are framed using plexiglass. This is a clear indication of the suitability and convenience of the material. Hence, art lovers will not have to waste a lot of time deciding with which material to cover their precious works of art.




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