The short version: glass is cheaper and resists scratches better, but it's heavy and can shatter. Acrylic (also called Perspex or Plexiglas) is about half the weight and far harder to break, which makes it the safer choice for large frames, children's rooms, hallways and anything being posted. UV-filtering versions of either help stop artwork fading. Museum glass adds an anti-reflective coating on top, at a much higher price.
All our frames use gallery-grade, shatterproof acrylic with UV protection. Below is how the options compare, and why.
In this guide
Glass vs acrylic, compared
| Glass | Acrylic | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Heavy | About half the weight of glass |
| Breakage | Can shatter into sharp pieces | Very hard to break; if it does crack, it doesn't shatter into shards |
| Scratches | Resists scratches well | Scratches more easily, so clean it gently |
| Clarity | Very clear, with a slight green tint at the edges on thicker glass | Very clear, with no tint |
| Dust | Little static | Can attract dust through static |
| Best for | Small frames, close viewing, budget framing | Large frames, busy spaces, children's rooms, anything posted or moved |
Size makes the biggest difference. On a small photo frame the weight of glass hardly matters, but on an A1 or A0 frame it adds several kilos and makes hanging harder. That's why most large frames, and most frames sent by post, use acrylic.
UV protection
Ultraviolet light fades inks, pigments and paper over time, especially in a bright room or near a window. UV-filtering glazing blocks most of it before it reaches the artwork. It's worth having on anything you care about: original artwork, limited edition prints, signed pieces and photographs.
UV glazing slows fading but doesn't stop it completely, so it's still best not to hang artwork in direct sunlight.
Reflections and anti-reflective glazing
Standard glass and acrylic both reflect light, which can make a picture hard to see opposite a window or under a bright light. There are two ways round it:
- Anti-reflective glazing has a coating that cuts reflections to almost nothing while staying perfectly clear. It's the better option, but costs more.
- Non-reflective (etched) glazing has a matt surface that scatters reflections. It's cheaper, but it softens the picture slightly, especially when there's a mount between the artwork and the glazing.
Often the simplest fix is free: move the picture, or angle the light, so the window isn't directly opposite.
What is museum glass?
Museum glass combines an anti-reflective coating with high-level UV filtering. It's almost invisible on the wall and gives the best protection, which is why galleries and museums use it for valuable work. It's also considerably more expensive than standard glazing, so it's usually reserved for original artwork and investment pieces.
Cleaning acrylic glazing
- Dust it first with a soft, dry microfibre cloth, so grit doesn't scratch the surface.
- For marks, lightly dampen the cloth with water, or use a cleaner made for acrylic.
- Wipe gently in straight lines, without pressing hard.
- Avoid paper towels, household glass cleaners and anything containing ammonia or alcohol, which can scratch or cloud acrylic.
Key takeaways
- Glass resists scratches and costs less; acrylic is about half the weight and much harder to break.
- Acrylic is the better choice for large frames, busy spaces and anything posted.
- UV-filtering glazing slows fading, but keep artwork out of direct sunlight.
- Anti-reflective glazing and museum glass cut reflections, at a higher cost.
- Clean acrylic with a soft microfibre cloth, never with household glass cleaner.
Common questions
Is acrylic or glass better for picture frames?
Acrylic is lighter and much harder to break, so it's better for large frames, children's rooms and anything posted. Glass resists scratches better and costs less, so it suits small frames viewed up close.
Does acrylic look cheap compared with glass?
No. Good acrylic is as clear as glass, with no green tint. The main difference you'd notice is that it scratches more easily, so it needs gentle cleaning.
Do I need UV protection?
For anything you want to keep looking its best, yes, especially originals, limited editions and photos, or pictures in a bright room.
What is museum glass?
Glazing with an anti-reflective coating and high-level UV filtering. It's nearly invisible and gives the best protection, but it's much more expensive than standard glazing.
How do I clean acrylic glazing?
Dust it with a dry microfibre cloth, then wipe marks gently with a cloth dampened with water or an acrylic cleaner. Avoid paper towels and household glass cleaners.
What glazing do your frames use?
All our frames use gallery-grade, shatterproof acrylic with UV protection.
More framing guides: what is a picture mount, how to frame a picture and how to hang a picture.
About the author: Trevor Beers
Trevor Beers is a guest writer for East Side Studio London. With two degrees in English language and a passion for contemporary art, he explores the intersections of culture, criticism, and collecting. Splitting his time between London and Austin, Trevor brings an academic eye to emerging art scenes, offering thoughtful perspectives on today's evolving art landscape.
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