--- title: Selecting the Best Glazing Material description: Explore the pros and cons of glass and acrylic for framing art. 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Search # Selecting the Best Glazing Material ![Selecting the Best Glazing Material](https://info.gaylord.com/hubfs/Blog_AK/GlazingMaterial.png) Glass or acrylic? When it comes to framing prints and photos, it's a tale as old as time. While the decision may come down to personal preference, some applications and situations may require a little more thought. We'll outline the basics, specialty products and the required care for both glass and acrylic.   ## Framing with Glass - Glass is highly clear, but it often has a slight tint and can be highly reflective. - Glass can be manufactured with a UV-filtering layer to protect items on display from light damage. - Glass is heavy and can be cumbersome if used for oversized frames. - Glass is fragile and requires careful handling but does not mar or scratch easily. ### Specialty Glass Products - - **Water white glass**, also known as low-iron glass, lessens the color tint and is antireflective. - **Laminated safety glass** doesn't shatter into pieces; impact creates the classic spiderweb pattern, but it remains intact. ### Caring for Glass Glass is easy to clean with a standard glass cleaner without concern for damaging the finish. ## Framing with Acrylic - Acrylic is lighter in weight, making it ideal for oversize frames - Acrylic can have a UV-filtering layer to protect the artwork on display from light damage. - Acrylic is a static generator; it should not be used with charcoal, pastel or any medium whose particles may pull loose from the paper surface. - Acrylic does not shatter; however, it can be scratched. ### Specialty Acrylic Products - - **Abrasion-resistant acrylic** has a special coating that prevents scratches and dulling, allowing for a clear viewing experience. - [**Tru Vue® Optium Museum Acrylic®**](https://www.gaylord.com/Exhibit-%26-Display/Installation-Supplies/Tru-Vue%26%23174%3B-Optium-Museum-Acrylic%26%23174%3B-Sheets-%282-Pack%29/p/HYB09040)is UV-filtering, antireflective, antistatic and abrasion-resistant. It is virtually invisible, allowing for an optimal viewing experience. ### Caring for Acrylic When cleaning acrylic, use a product specifically made for acrylic with a nonabrasive, low-lint cleaning cloth. (This does not apply to specialty acrylic products.) ### Share: [Share on Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://info.gaylord.com/resources/choosing-the-best-glazing-material&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook) [Share on LinkedIn](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://info.gaylord.com/resources/choosing-the-best-glazing-material&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin) [Share on X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https://info.gaylord.com/resources/choosing-the-best-glazing-material&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&url=https://info.gaylord.com/resources/choosing-the-best-glazing-material&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Selecting%20the%20Best%20Glazing%20Material) [Exhibit](https://info.gaylord.com/resources/tag/exhibit) ## Related posts Resources provided here are based on general circumstances. Depending on the condition and significance of your collection, it may require special care. 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