I use Premium Framing Grade Acrylic for your frames.
What are the benefits of acrylic over glass? Acylic is stronger, more impact resistant, lighter in weight and won't shatter. It is half the weight of glass, and a .125" thickness of acrylic is 2 to 3 times more impact resistant than double strength window glass, 4 to 5 times more impact resistant than wire glass or other glasses. Acrylic can be refinished if scratched.
For safety reasons, Acrylic is recommended over glass anywhere you have childern playing or walk around in stocking or bare feet. Anyone in an earthquake zone should also use acrylic.
ACRYLITE framing grade sheet is the only acrylic framing grade product that is guaranteed defect free or your money back. It is an exceptional general-purpose glazing for cherished memorabilia, photographs and prints as well as for valued artwork, and is used by museums and galleries for both indoor and outdoor framing.
Glass can stick to, and ruin, your collectible, especially in humid environments. It is far, far less likely for acrylic to stick to your collectible. I have never had a report of this happening. I have seen many priceless family heirloom photos ruined by sticking to glass.
Even with good packing, glass can break during shipping. Shippers won't insure glass. I pack well but glass isn't covered by shipping insurance.
And reason #1, if you drop your frame, acrylic won't shatter and damage your collectible ephemera.
Can't decide which acrylic to use? Order samples of each from the Order Samples page and compare.
I use ACRYLITE acrylic sheet from Evonik(CYRO)/TruVue. ACRYLITE acrylic sheet is made by Evonik's proprietary continuously manufactured method which was introduced in 1977. ACRYLITE sheet provides excellent light transmission and does not yellow after prolonged exposure to sunlight. Neither rain, nor sleet, nor snow will damage ACRYLITE sheet. Its durability enables it to maintain its original appearance despite heat, cold, sunlight and humidity.
PLEASE NOTE: Some vendors may use the misleading term "Museum Grade Acrylic" to describe what is actually equivalent to our "Framing Grade Acrylic". Do not confuse their product with the costly TruVue Optium Museum Acrylic. We offer several different top-quality Acrylic options, so you can choose the appearance and degree of protection you desire.
I offer the following Acrylic and glass for your frame.
Prices vary based on the size of your frame.
Framing Grade Acrylic (TruVue Premium Clear). Framing Grade Acrylic is included with each frame. I use ACRYLITE FF3 sheet - the only framing grade acrylic sheet on the market.
Non Glare Acrylic (TruVue Reflection Control). I offer ACRYLITE P99 sheet, matte finish, non-glare surface acrylic sheet, which minimizes reflection for glare-free viewing. Its non-glare surface makes it very popular for picture framing and display windows.
UV Protection Acrylic (TruVue Conservation Clear). I offer ACRYLITE OP3 sheet, a UV protective acrylic sheet, which filters out 98% of damaging ultraviolet rays. ACRYLITE OP3 sheet was developed to meet the special needs of the picture frame industry. It offers ultraviolet filtering, light weight, and ease of fabrication.
Non Glare and UV Protection Acrylic (TruVue Conservation Reflection Control ). I offer ACRYLITE OP3 P99, which combines both non-glare and UV filtering characteristics. ACRYLITE OP3 P99 sheet was developed to meet the special needs of the picture frame industry. It offers ultraviolet filtering, light weight, and ease of fabrication and has a matte-finish, non-glare surface. See either the non-glare or UV links above for more information.
Acrylic Spec Sheets
The following links are to manufacturer spec sheets for acrylic.
Grades of Framing Acrylic
Physical Properties of Acrylic
UV Acrylic Spec Sheet