Part of the Ridanco Displays Material Guides section.
Acrylics, Glass & UV Protection
Choosing the right glazing is just as important as selecting the perfect frame. The clear barrier covering your collectibles does more than just keep the dust off - it dictates how the piece is viewed and how well it is preserved over time. At Ridanco Displays, we offer a range of professional glazing options tailored for safe shipping, clarity, and conservation. Here is a guide to the materials we use.
Shatter-Resistant Acrylic
Because we ship our custom frames worldwide, high-quality acrylic is often our standard recommendation. Modern framing acrylic is incredibly lightweight, completely shatterproof, and offers brilliant optical clarity that rivals traditional glass. This ensures your frame arrives in pristine condition without the high risk of breakage during courier transit. It is the perfect choice for large statement pieces or frames hung in high-traffic areas. All acrylic sheets are new and will be supplied inside our frames with a scratch-protection film on each side which you should peel off before use.
Our Glazing Options
Below is a breakdown of the specific glazing sheets you will frequently see on our website listings. We regularly test these sheets and give you the information you need so you can make an informed decision. While these cover the vast majority of our regular orders, other specialist options are always available upon request.
View the Ridanco Glazing Options ▼
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1.2mm Clear Styrene - Tests at 19.4% UV protective
This is the lowest cost and lowest weight option, ideal for keeping dust out of the frame. It is only recommended for smaller/low budget framing and does not offer significant UV protection. -
2mm Clear Acrylic - Tests at 93.7% UV protective
A lightweight, and shatter-resistant alternative to traditional glass. It offers excellent UV protection without the high price, and at 2mm thick is suitable for frames of various types up to a medium size. This is the recommended choice for most budgets and generally the Ridanco default. -
3mm Cast 'Perspex' brand Acrylic - Tests at 88.6% UV protective
A rigid option for larger frames, with excellent quality and a glass like feel. High UV protection without the premium cost. Great for larger slab frames. -
3mm Cast 'Acryguard' brand Acrylic - Tests at 99.7% UV protective
An extremely high UV protection rating to help prevent fading over the years. very rigid and ideal for larger frames. Clear acrylic with great clarity. It costs more, but some collections are worth it.
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2mm 'Artglass UV99' brand Glass - Tests at 99% UV Protective
Available on request for very small frames or collected orders. This glass offers excellent UV protection, low reflection, and it has some advantages over acrylic such as lower static, lower reflection and can be safely wiped with standard glass cleaning products. However, as it is more fragile, it is not recommended for DIY framing. -
3mm 'Artglass Lifetime' brand Acrylic - Tests at 99% UV protective
The most premium option, museum grade. Combines the advantages of both acrylic and glass. Headline 99% UV protection, shatter resistant, light weight, very rigid at 3mm. It has less than 1% reflection yet with crystal clear clarity. Due to the high cost, we currently only list this option for our Showpiece 'single card' frames range.
Why don't we list Glass options?
For customers picking up locally or those who prefer the classic, heavier feel of traditional framing, we can offer glass. It provides a highly scratch-resistant surface and excellent clarity. While it requires more delicate handling and is not always suitable for our largest shipped items or customer DIY framing, it remains a fantastic, traditional choice for standard-sized displays and desk frames.
UV Protection
If you are framing valuable collectibles, signed memorabilia, or a piece that will hang in direct sunlight, upgrading to UV-protective glazing is a must. We offer conservation-grade options that block out harmful ultraviolet rays, helping prevent colours from fading over time. However, it is important to note than even with highly UV protective glazing there are still risks of light damage over time from the accumulation of heat and small percentages of UV. Collectors must consider these risks and display responsibly to prevent long term damage.
Finding the Perfect Finish
Not sure whether your project needs standard acrylic or a museum-grade UV protective upgrade? We are always happy to advise on the best materials to suit both your artwork and your budget. Get in touch with us to discuss your next custom framing project.
