Picture Framing Glass

 

What is non-glare/reflo glass?

Non-glare/ reflo picture framing glass is etched to diffuse reflected light. The etching also gives the glass surface a matte finish.

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How does anti-reflective glass eliminate reflection?

The coatings on Tru Vue anti-reflective glass disrupt the energy contained in light waves causing them to flow out of the sync. This disrupted wave pattern virtually eliminates all reflection from the glass surface - giving your customer a clear view of their artwork.

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What does light transmission and light feflection mean in glass?

Unlike UV blocking glass, which is all about protecting the art, the light transmission and Light Reflection of glass enhances the aesthetics of the art. Glass with a high light transmission value helps the 'good light' reach the artwork, so your customer can see their art more clearly. Glass with a low Light Reflection helps ensure that your customer sees the art rather than their own reflection in the glass!

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Why do I need UV coating?

Over time UV light contributes to severe colour loss and deterioration of your customer's artwork. These effects are both cumulative and irreversible, which is bad news for a sentimentally precious or valuable piece of artwork.
The materials that make up the artwork - the paper or fabric, may become brittle, whilst photos may appear yellow or stained - with ghostly silver deposits rising to the surface. And the really depressing fact is, once damage from light has occurred, it can never be reversed. So that's why it is important to understand what you can do to minimise this type of damage in the first place, by using and recommending a glass with UV coating.

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Why is it important to use UV blocking glass?

Just as people need to wear sunscreen to protect their skin from harmufl UV rays, enlighted framers know that the best way to prvent your customer's artwork from becoming brittle, discoloured and fading is to use a special glass that has a high UV-blocking value. Crescent Tru Vue glass (in the BETTER and BEST categories) filters out 99 per cent of the harmful UV light rays. We call it sunscreen for your artwork!

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When should UV filtering glass be used?

UV filtering glass should be used on most custom framing jobs, since damage from UV light rays come from both indoor and outdoor light sources. Conservation framing materials and techniques should always be used on sentimental, valuable, limited edition and original artwork. Perhaps more surprisingly, you should also use Use UV filtering glass in decorative artwork presentations of posters and open edition prints. These items are candidates for UV filtering glass because the inks, papers and other materials used to create them are more likely to deteriorate than those used in higher end reproductions.

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What percentage of UV rays does it block?

A proprietary development in glass technology by Tru Vue has resulted in a product called TruGuard UV Protection, which effectively blocks out 99% of all harmful UV light rays.

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What are the differences between different brands of UV filtering glass?

Each company manufactures UV filtering glass differently, but Crescent likes to think Tru Vue has come up with the best manufacturing solution. Tru Vue applies a silica-based UV inhibiting coating called TruGuard® UV Protection, to an ExraClear™ substrate glass surface, which can then be cut and handled just like regular glass. Tru Vue's UV coating is 'baked' into the glass, producing a permanently bonded coating.

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Where do customers need UV coated glass in the home?

If your customers want to protect their artwork from the damaging effects of UV light rays - hanging the picture in a dark corner or in a house with UV blocking glass windows is not a solution. Sadly the sun is not the only source of harmful UV light rays. All light sources, whether natural or artificial, have an element of ultraviolet content. So if protection is important, recommend UV coated glass.

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How can I tell which side of the conservation glass has the coating?

The UV coating is always found on the side with the inkjet print. But if you're still not sure you can do the 'beading' or 'scratch test'.

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1. Spray a little water on each side.
   Big beads = coated side
   Less beading = uncoated side
    

2. Make a small light scratch on the edge of the glass that will be hidden behind the frame's rebate.
   Coated side = will scratch
   Uncoated side = won't scratch
    

Which side of conservation glass should be placed toward the artwork?

As the UV coating is easy to scratch, the UV coated side of the glass should always face the artwork. This side can be identified by the inkjet printing, which appears along the edge of the lite, but the UV blocking capabilities won't be diminished by the placement of the lite.

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What type of cutter is recommended for cutting conservation glass?

Any glass cutter that is used for cutting regular glass may be used on conservation glass. Many experienced Master Framers say that an oil filled glass cutter of German or Japanese manufacture, with a brass body and a wide head, will give the best cut. Always cut conservation glass on the uncoated side.

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Are there special cleaners for conservation glass?

In keeping with conservation framing techniques, an ammonia-free cleaner should always be used. Spray the cleaner onto a clean wipe or lint-free cloth and then polish both sides of the glass. Don't spray the cleaner directly onto the glass.

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What is the difference between paper-packed and powder-packed glass?

Powder-packed glass has a fine powder interleaving material (chips and an acidic crystal) that must be removed prior to use. Cleaning powder-packed glass can be very labour intensive, impacting a framer's productivity. Paper-packed glass is cleaned and packaged with buffered paper interleaving material so that it arrives ready to use. Tru Vue uses paper-packed glass.

 

Is there a recommended thickness for picture framing glass?

Professional picture framers use either 2.0 mm or 2.5 mm glass. The 2.5 mm thickness is the preferred choice as it is more resilient, which reduces chipping and makes it easier to handle. It also will not bow on oversized pieces.

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It's just a poster, why would I need UV protection?

Even posters and open edition prints are candidates for UV filtering glass because the inks, papers and other materials used to create them are more likely to deteriorate than those used in higher end reproductions.

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I want to minimise damage to artwork. What are good tips on things to avoid?

The single most important step you can take to protect your framed artwork from harmful UV light rays is to use conservation glass featuring TruGuard® UV Protection. Also illuminate your art at the lowest light level possible for enjoyment.

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Can fluorescent light harm artwork?

Fluorescent light can have a high concentration of UV rays and should not be used to light your work. Instead use incandescent bulbs, which have only 4% of their rays in the damaging UV range.

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