Abrasion/scratch resistant acyrylic glazing in the UK

[tommym]

Hi All,

I'm new to this forum (and, in fact framing). I'm a photographer who has recently decided to do his own framing.

I've recently started looking at the possibility of using acrylic glazing so that I can safely post framed prints to my customers. The standard/cheap stuff I've tried so far is great in terms of clarity but scratches *so* easily that I wouldn't be happy selling my prints behind it.

So, doing some searching, I came across a company that makes abrasion resistant Artshield acrylic:

http://www.glass-mirror.co.uk/products/speciality/special_artshield.html

Sounds great, they do cut to size, but costs quite a bit...

Has anyone here used Artshield acrylic?

Does anyone know any other suppliers of similar products in the UK?

Are abrasion resistant plastics worth the money?

thanks

Tommy

 

[RoboFramer]

Hi Tommy and welcome to TFG!

You'll get more luck on the (UK etc) framers forum on UK products.

http://theframersforum.com/

Glass & Mirror are a good company and they do at least one other scratchproof acrylic besides 'artshield' - plexiglas I think. Not sure if any other supplier here does similar as I've never had cause to look further - I'm on G&M's van route - but doubt there'd be much price difference.

It's not too difficult to cut it yourself though - far more profit in that.

Good luck!

 

[tommym]

Thanks alot, John.

I hadn't come across the framers forum. Off to search it now.

Sounds like you're happy with Artshield? How do you cut it?

Cheers

Tommy

 

[RoboFramer]

Well, they recommend a fine band saw, but I just use my keencut excalibur 5000, score in increments to no more than a third of the depth, first score is just a scratch for the blade to follow on the next two or three passes - snap on the workbench and then cut through the protective paper on the other side.

It'll write the blade off.