Search This Blog

30 January 2013

Comparison Between Plexiglass And Regular Glass Framing In 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.

In the history of art, museum-grade glass has provided the most clear and uninhibited views of the artwork. However, the emergence of plexiglass over the last two decades or so has put ordinary glass on the backseat, in the process becoming the standard glass recognized by the industry. Museum-grade glass, despite the competition, has for a long time provided the clearest view of works of art, prior to the arrival of plexiglass. It can be a great choice for framing too, as seen in its options of UV-filtering that can be attained easily.

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, with all its qualities that make it popular with art lovers, such as lightness and unbreakability, still has some disadvantages. As it is a material capable of combustion, this means care must be taken to ensure artworks framed using it are not displayed near fire or heat. This would necessitate the provision of equipment such as air conditioning and fire extinguishers for safety.

The ease at which plexiglass can be scratched is another demerit. In spite of plexiglass being scratch resistant, scratches can still occur in them, especially due to movements of the artwork piece. Numerous artworks framed using plexiglass have scratches that have been gotten through moving it from place to place. However, when compared to the scratches that can be found in ordinary glass, those in plexiglass are much less.

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.

Plexiglass is used to frame most of the affordable framed artwork found in art galleries and museums. This is evidence of its convenience and suitability. Therefore, for art lovers who waste a lot of time deciding which material to frame their artworks with, plexiglass is the way to go.




About the Author:



No comments: