Non-Glare vs. UV: Which Glazing Do You Need?

Choosing the right glazing (the protective covering over your artwork) is one of the most important framing decisions you'll make. Different glazing types offer different benefits—and price points. This guide breaks down your options so you can choose the right glazing for your specific needs and budget.

Understanding the Five Main Glazing Types

Let's start with the basics. Here are the five primary glazing options available for custom framing:

1. Standard glass – Basic clear glass with no special coatings
2. UV glass – Blocks harmful UV rays that cause fading
3. Non-glare glass – Reduces reflections and glare
4. Museum glass – Premium glass with UV protection and anti-reflective coating
5. Acrylic (plexiglass) – Lightweight plastic alternative to glass

Each has distinct advantages and trade-offs. Let's break them down.

Standard Glass: The Basic Option

What it is: Regular clear glass with no special coatings or treatments.

Pros:

• Most affordable option
• Excellent optical clarity
• Scratch-resistant
• Easy to clean
• Doesn't yellow over time

Cons:

• No UV protection (artwork can fade)
• Reflects light and can create glare
• Heavy, especially in large sizes
• Can shatter if broken
• Not ideal for shipping

Best for:

• Mass-produced posters you plan to replace
• Budget-conscious projects
• Short-term displays
• Artwork in rooms with minimal natural light

Cost: $ (baseline pricing)

When to choose it: When you're framing something temporary, decorative, or easily replaceable and budget is your primary concern.

UV-Protective Glass: The Smart Upgrade

What it is: Glass with a special coating that blocks 70-99% of ultraviolet light.

Pros:

• Protects against fading and yellowing
• Clear optical quality (nearly identical to standard glass)
• Prevents long-term damage from sunlight
• Reasonable price increase over standard glass
• All the durability benefits of glass

Cons:

• Doesn't eliminate glare or reflections
• Still heavy in large sizes
• More expensive than standard glass
• Can still shatter

Best for:

• Family photographs (especially color photos)
• Artwork in rooms with natural light
• Prints and posters you want to keep long-term
• Any artwork with sentimental or monetary value

UV blocking levels:

• Standard UV glass: 70-90% UV blocked
• Conservation UV glass: 97-99% UV blocked

Cost: $$ (typically 30-50% more than standard glass)

When to choose it: For any artwork you care about preserving. UV protection is a small investment that pays off by preventing irreversible damage.

Non-Glare Glass: The Reflection Fighter

What it is: Glass with an etched or chemically treated surface that diffuses reflections.

Pros:

• Eliminates glare from windows and lighting
• Makes artwork visible even in bright rooms
• Can include UV protection (check specifications)
• Good for high-traffic or bright spaces

Cons:

• Slightly softer, less sharp image (subtle "haze")
• Can look cloudy if mat is thick or artwork isn't close to glass
• More expensive than standard glass
• Surface texture can collect fingerprints

Best for:

• Frames across from windows
• Rooms with bright overhead lighting
• Hallways and sunny spaces
• Artwork where glare is a problem

Important note: Non-glare glass works best when it's very close to the artwork (ideally touching). If you're using a thick mat or deep frame, standard or museum glass may actually look better.

Cost: $$ (similar price to UV glass)

When to choose it: When glare is your primary problem and you can't adjust lighting or placement. Test it first if using thick mats.

Museum Glass: The Premium Choice

What it is: The highest-quality framing glass, combining 99% UV protection with an anti-reflective coating. It's virtually invisible.

Pros:

• 99% UV protection (archival preservation)
• Virtually eliminates reflections (99% light transmission)
• True color accuracy
• Crystal-clear optical quality
• Works even with thick mats or deep frames
• No "haze" like non-glare glass
• Professional, gallery-quality presentation

Cons:

• Significantly more expensive (3-4x standard glass)
• Still breakable (though durable)
• Heavy in larger sizes
• Not all frame shops carry it

Best for:

• Original artwork and limited editions
• Valuable or irreplaceable pieces
• Family heirlooms (wedding photos, historical documents)
• Professional displays
• Bright rooms where both UV and glare are concerns
• When you want the absolute best

Cost: $$$$ (premium pricing)

When to choose it: For artwork you absolutely want to preserve and display beautifully—when quality and longevity matter more than budget.

Acrylic (Plexiglass): The Lightweight Alternative

What it is: Lightweight plastic alternative to glass. Available in standard, framer's grade, and anti-glare versions.

Pros:

• Half the weight of glass (huge benefit for large frames)
• Shatter-resistant (safe for children's rooms, high-traffic areas)
• Excellent for shipping (won't break in transit)
• Available with UV protection
• More affordable than museum glass
• Easier to hang (lightweight)

Cons:

• Scratches more easily than glass
• Attracts dust due to static
• Can yellow over time (low-quality acrylic)
• Slight distortion in cheaper versions
• Less "premium" feel than glass

Best for:

• Large frames (20×24 and bigger)
• Frames being shipped or transported
• Children's rooms and playrooms
• High-traffic areas
• Budget-friendly UV protection for larger pieces

Acrylic types:

• Standard acrylic: Basic, no UV protection
• Framer's grade acrylic: Blocks 70-98% UV rays
• Anti-reflective acrylic: Reduces glare (like non-glare glass)

Cost: $ to $$ (depending on type)

When to choose it: For large frames, shipping situations, or anywhere weight and safety are priorities. Opt for framer's grade acrylic for better protection.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Glazing Type	UV Protection	Glare Reduction	Clarity	Weight	Shatter Risk	Price
Standard Glass	None	None	Excellent	Heavy	High	$
UV Glass	70-99%	None	Excellent	Heavy	High	$$
Non-Glare Glass	Varies	High	Good	Heavy	High	$$
Museum Glass	99%	Excellent	Exceptional	Heavy	High	$$$$
Standard Acrylic	None	Low	Good	Light	Low	$
Framer's Grade Acrylic	70-98%	Low	Good	Light	Low	$$

How to Decide: Ask These Questions

1. Where will this artwork be displayed?

Bright room with windows? → UV protection is essential. Consider museum glass or UV glass.

Dark room or basement? → Standard glass or acrylic is fine. UV protection isn't critical.

High-traffic area or kids' space? → Acrylic for safety and durability.

2. How valuable is the artwork?

Original art, limited edition, or irreplaceable? → Museum glass for maximum protection and presentation.

Family photos or personal artwork? → UV glass at minimum. Consider museum glass for special pieces.

Posters, prints, or mass-produced art? → Standard glass or acrylic is adequate.

3. Is glare a problem?

Glare from windows or lighting? → Non-glare glass or museum glass.

No glare issues? → Standard or UV glass works great.

4. What's your budget?

Premium budget? → Museum glass for the best of everything.

Mid-range budget? → UV glass or framer's grade acrylic (best value).

Tight budget? → Standard glass or standard acrylic.

5. What size is the frame?

Large frames (24×36+)? → Acrylic is lighter and easier to hang. Consider framer's grade acrylic.

Small to medium frames? → Glass offers better optical quality.

Real-World Scenarios and Recommendations

Scenario 1: Family Wedding Photo (11×14)

Best choice: UV glass or museum glass
Why: Color photos fade quickly without UV protection. This is an irreplaceable memory—worth the investment.

Scenario 2: Large Travel Poster (24×36) for Bedroom

Best choice: Framer's grade acrylic
Why: Lightweight for easy hanging, UV protection preserves colors, affordable, and won't shatter if it falls.

Scenario 3: Original Painting (16×20) for Living Room with Windows

Best choice: Museum glass
Why: Original artwork deserves archival protection. Museum glass provides UV protection and eliminates glare from windows.

Scenario 4: Kids' Artwork Rotating Display (8×10)

Best choice: Standard acrylic
Why: Budget-friendly since art changes frequently. Acrylic is safer if frame gets knocked down.

Scenario 5: Black & White Photography Gallery Wall (various sizes)

Best choice: UV glass (or mix of UV glass and museum glass for most important pieces)
Why: Even B&W photos need UV protection. Museum glass on 1-2 centerpiece photos, UV glass on others for budget balance.

Cost vs. Benefit Analysis

The "Minimum Protection" Approach

Standard glass or acrylic → Acceptable for temporary, replaceable, or low-value artwork.

Risk: Fading, yellowing, potential damage over time.

The "Smart Protection" Approach (Best Value)

UV glass or framer's grade acrylic → Best balance of protection and cost for most framing projects.

Benefit: Prevents 70-99% of fading and damage at reasonable cost.

The "Maximum Protection" Approach

Museum glass → Ultimate preservation and presentation for valuable, original, or irreplaceable artwork.

Benefit: Archival protection, zero glare, perfect clarity. Your artwork looks and stays perfect.

Making Your Decision

For most custom framing projects, UV glass offers the best value—affordable protection that preserves your artwork for decades.

Upgrade to museum glass when:

• Original artwork or limited editions
• Irreplaceable family heirlooms
• Professional or business displays
• Glare is a serious problem
• You want gallery-quality presentation

Choose acrylic when:

• Large frames
• Shipping or transport
• Safety is a priority
• Budget is tight but you still want UV protection

For detailed guidance on all aspects of glazing, read our complete glazing guide.

Get Started

Use our frame designer to explore glazing options for your custom frame. Preview how different combinations of frames, mats, and glazing work together—and see exactly what you're paying for before you buy.

Your artwork deserves protection. Choose the glazing that fits your needs, budget, and artwork value—and enjoy your beautifully framed piece for years to come.