Conservation Clear® Glass
- 99% UV Protection
Conservation Clear® Glass is Tru Vue’s trusted conservation-grade framing glass designed to help preserve artwork, photographs, documents, and collectibles by blocking up to 99% of harmful UV rays. Offering outstanding clarity and dependable protection, Conservation Clear Glass is an ideal choice for custom framers, galleries, collectors, and anyone seeking long-term preservation without the premium cost of anti-reflective glazing.
Product Details
Features
- Blocks up to 99% of UV rays
- No ripple or “orange peel” effect on glass surface
- Proprietary coating is engineered for permanence
- Premium 2.5mm thickness provides better strength and rigidity
Applications
- Custom framing limited edition prints, original works of art and posters
- To help protect items of sentimental or monetary value
Testing & Certifications
- Passes Photographic Activity Test (PAT) ISO 18916
- Meets ISO 18902
- Passes RoHS Compliance ASTM B117-03
- Conservation Grade Protection
- ISO 18902 Photo Safe
Technical Info
- Substrate: Clear Float Glass
- Coating: UV
- Thickness: 2.5mm / .098″
- Maximum Size: 48″x68″ / 1220mm x 1725mm
- Reflection: 8% (double-sided)
- Transmission: >89% (total)
- UV Block: up to 99% of 300nm to 380nm UV rays
Who Is It For?
Conservation Clear Glass is ideal for artwork, photographs, documents, and collectibles where long-term UV protection is a priority and anti-reflective glazing is not required. It is commonly selected by:
- Custom framing and conservation professionals
- Galleries and art collectors
- Photographers and interior designers
Resources
Conservation Clear Glass Sell Sheet
Tips & Useful Information
Custom Framing Product Portfolio
Case Fabrication Guidelines
Coating removal and proper cementing are important steps in fabricating museum quality display cases using Optium® Acrylic Glazing. These fabrication guidelines provide guidance for achieving excellent joints using Optium Acrylic Glazing and solvent cements or polymerizable (two-part) adhesives.
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| Product | UV Protection |
Reflection | Light Transmission |
Thickness | Substrate | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conservation Clear Glass® | 99% conservation grade | 8% | >89% | 2.5 mm | Clear float glass | Artwork, photographs, documents, collectibles, and sentimental items where long-term UV protection is important but anti-reflective performance is not a priority |
| Conservation Clear Acrylic® | 99% conservation grade | 8% | >92% | 3.0, 4.5, or 6.0 mm | Acrylic | Applications where conservation-grade UV protection and acrylic are needed, but anti-reflective performance is not a priority |
| Museum Glass® | 99% conservation grade | <1% | >97% | 2.5 mm | Clear float or Water white glass | Artwork where conservation-grade UV protection, minimal reflection, and greater light transmission are priorities |
| Conservation Reflection Control® Glass | 99% conservation grade | 8% | >89% | 2.5 mm | Clear float glass | Conservation framing where a non-glare matte surface is preferred |
| Premium Clear® Glass | 45% | 8% | >90% | 2.5 mm | Clear float glass | Framing projects where standard clear glass is sufficient and conservation-grade UV protection is not required |
When Another Glazing Option May Be Better
Conservation Clear Glass provides conservation-grade UV protection. When minimal reflection and exceptional clarity are desired, Museum Glass may be the preferred choice. Conservation Clear Acrylic may be preferred when conservation-grade UV protection is needed along with the lightweight, shatter-resistant benefits of acrylic.
Conservation Clear Glass FAQs
Is all UV filtering glazing the same?
No. There is a distinct difference between UV filtering glazing and glazing that provides UV protection. According to PPFA Guidelines for Framing Works of Art on Paper, for glazing to be labeled as providing UV protection, it must block at least 97% of the UV rays in the 300 to 380 nanometer range.
Tru Vue Conservation Grade glass and acrylic products offer this level of protection. In providing at least 97% UV protection, Tru Vue Conservation Grade products are considered “photo-safe” by meeting ISO 18902 and passing ISO 18916.
What percent of UV rays are blocked by Tru Vue Conservation grade acrylic products?
Tru Vue® Conservation Grade acrylic products, including Conservation Clear® Acrylic and Conservation Reflection Control® Acrylic and Optium Museum Acrylic® effectively blocks up to 99% of all harmful indoor and outdoor UV light rays with its UV filtering technology.
How can I tell which side of the Conservation Grade glass has the UV coating?
The inkjet printing or static cling sticker will indicate which side to score. The side to be scored is the non UV coated side, so the UV coating is on the opposite side. For Museum Glass and Conservation Clear the UV coated side is always the side with the inkjet printing or static cling sticker. For Conservation Reflection Control the UV coating is on the opposite side of the inkjet printing.
The UV coated side will also bead water or glass cleaner more than the non UV side. Using a razor blade you can apply a small light scratch on the edge of the glass which will be hidden by the rabbet of the frame. The UV coating will be scratched, the glass will not. Wear gloves while doing this to prevent cuts.
Which side of Tru Vue acrylic or glass should face the artwork?
For Conservation Grade acrylic, either side can face the artwork—both sides provide the same protective technology. For Conservation Grade glass, it’s recommended that the UV-coated side face the artwork; this side is usually marked with inkjet printing along the edge. However, protection is not compromised if reversed. If using Reflection Control or Conservation Reflection Control glass or acrylic, the matte side should face outward, and the non-matte side should face the artwork.
What is Conservation Clear Glass best used for?
Conservation Clear Glass is best suited for limited-edition prints, original artwork, posters, photographs, documents, collectibles, and sentimental items that require long-term UV protection without anti-reflective glazing.
What makes Conservation Clear Glass different from regular glass?
Conservation Clear Glass blocks up to 99% of harmful UV rays to help protect artwork and photographs from fading. Standard clear glass provides substantially less UV protection and is not classified as conservation grade.
How does Conservation Clear Glass compare with Museum Glass?
Both products provide up to 99% conservation-grade UV protection. Museum Glass offers the same UV protection with virtually invisible reflections and exceptional clarity, while Conservation Clear Glass is an excellent choice when anti-reflective performance is not a priority.
Care & Handling
Find out everything you need to know about Care & Handling for this product here.
Get Inspired
Discover how our advanced glazing technology protects and enhances artwork. Explore real-world case studies from around the world showcasing clarity, durability, and UV protection.
