When it comes to protecting what you frame, whether it’s artwork, photography, or meaningful keepsakes, the glazing you choose matters.
Not all picture framing glass or acrylic performs the same. The right option depends on how your piece will be displayed, how valuable it is, and what level of protection you need.
With Tru Vue, you get peace of mind knowing that the glass and acrylic you receive are proudly made in the USA with consistent quality, reliable availability, and support you can trust.
In this guide, you’ll learn the six most common types of picture framing glazing and exactly when to use each.
Glass vs. Acrylic: What’s the Difference?
Both glass and acrylic protect framed pieces, but they perform differently in key ways:
- Glass
- Heavier and more rigid
- Prone to breaking if dropped
- Ideal for controlled environments
- Acrylic
- Weighs less than half of glass
- 10 to 20 times more impact resistant
- Better for large frames or high-traffic areas
3 Types of Picture Framing Glass
All Tru Vue glass options are made with a premium 2.5mm thickness, providing greater strength and rigidity than typical 2.0mm framing glass.
1. Museum Glass® (Best Glass Option)
If you want the highest level of performance, this is it.
Best for:
- High-value artwork
- Framed collectibles
- Shadowboxes
- Sentimental items sensitive to UV damage
Key benefits:
- Virtually eliminates reflections
- Light transmission brightens colors and contrast levels
- Blocks 99% of UV rays
- Trusted by museums worldwide
Use Museum Glass when you want exceptional clarity while protecting what matters most.
2. Conservation Clear® Glass (UV Protection, No Glare Reduction)
A strong choice when preservation is a priority, but reflection control is not required.
Best for:
- Historical photos and documents
- Framing prints, original art, and posters
- Sentimental items sensitive to UV damage
Key benefits:
- Blocks 99% of UV rays
Use Conservation Clear glass when UV protection matters more than reducing reflection.
3. Tru Vue Classic AR® Glass (Everyday Clarity Upgrade)
A step up from standard glass, Tru Vue Classic AR is a practical solution for improved visibility.
Best for:
- Everyday framing projects
- Customers upgrading from basic glass
- Items less sensitive to UV damage
- Works that can easily be reproduced, such as photographs
Key benefits:
- Virtually eliminates reflections
- Light transmission brightens colors and contrast levels
- Premium 2.5mm thickness (20% stronger than 2mm basic glass)
- Our most affordable anti-reflective glazing option
Use Tru Vue Classic AR when you want anti-reflective clarity at an accessible price point.
3 Types Of Acrylic Glazing
1. Optium Museum Acrylic® (Best Overall Performance)
Premium performance without the weight of glass.
Best for:
- Large frames
- High-value artwork
- Kids’ rooms
- Earthquake-prone areas or public spaces
Key benefits:
- Virtually eliminates reflections
- Light transmission brightens colors and contrast levels
- Blocks 99% of UV rays
- Shatter-resistant and lightweight
- Protects against abrasion and static
- Trusted by museums worldwide
- Available in a wide range of sizes – from small cut sizes to large sheets up to 72″ x 120″
Use Optium Museum Acrylic when you need high-quality protection and clarity with added durability.
2. Conservation Clear® Acrylic (Lightweight UV Protection)
A practical solution when you need both UV protection and added safety.
Best for:
- Large frames
- Frequently handled pieces
- Displays in high-traffic areasKey benefits:
Key benefits:
- Blocks 99% of UV rays
- Shatter-resistant and lightweight
- Available in a wide range of sizes, including large formats up to 80″ x 120″
Use Conservation Clear acrylic when safety and preservation are both important.
3. Premium Clear® Acrylic (Regular Acrylic or Plexiglass)
Basic option for light-duty applications.
Best for:
- Decorative prints
- Temporary displays
- Items that can easily be reproduced
Limitations:
- No advanced coatings
- No long-term protection from fading
Use Premium Clear acrylic for items that are easy to replace.
When Should You Choose Acrylic Over Glass?
Acrylic is the better choice when:
- Your frame is large or oversized
- The piece will be in a high-traffic area
- Safety or weight is a concern
- The item is valuable or irreplaceable
How to Choose the Right Glazing
Before deciding, consider:
- Size of the frame
- Where it will be displayed
- Exposure to light or UV
- Sentimental or monetary value
The more valuable the item is, the higher the level of protection you should choose.
Final Thoughts: Protect What Matters
Whether you’re framing a family photo or preserving a one-of-a-kind piece, the right glazing makes all the difference.
- Best overall performance: Optium Museum Acrylic®
Delivers the highest level of clarity, protection, and durability in one solution
- Most popular choice: Museum Glass®
Combines exceptional clarity with 99% UV protection
- For more practical display needs: Conservation Clear or Tru Vue Classic AR
Choose based on how and where your piece will be displayed
Choosing correctly helps your framed piece look better and last longer.