Question glass or acrylic

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M

mayos

MGF, Master Grumble Framer
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Oct 8, 2007
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Clay Center, KS.
I did a quick search and didn't come up with much, so I need some help. I have a couple of jerseys to frame and will end up with a 32 x 40 frame for each one. My question is can you use glass on a frame this size or would acrylic be better? My customer seems to want glass but I'm concerned with weight. thanks for your help.
 
Glass for this size is fine in my opinion. I haven't used larger glass for things like jerseys,(I try to keep them within a regular mat board size) but I do on occassion use glass up to 36x48" for various items.
 
You and the customer have choices. Glass has the advantage of lower cost and it is rigid; no concerns about deflection. It will not scratch easily, but it could break, possibly causing injury or damaging things.

Acrylic has advantages, too. It is 20 times more shatter-resistant than glass and half the weight. But it costs more and it scratches more easily, even if you pay extra for AR (abrasion-resistant) acrylic.

Both glazing products are available with 98%-99% UV-blocking. Both are available with optical coatings, too. Anti-reflection may be desirable, especially in larger frames.
 
I have done a lot of jerseys. My rule of thumb is anything over 32X40 needs acrylic. An exception to the rule is things not as high but longer say a 10X42 I will use glass. Like Jim said at this point it's up to the customer. All you can do is give them the pros and cons and let them decide. You do have to watch the weight if the frame can't handle it. They will flex to much and let the glass shift. I use a black Larson or Studio frame that has some depth to it. They work out great!! I also recommend Wall Buddies. One problem I find if I go over the 32X40 glass my arms are to short. I can work with the acrylic much easier. So make your own rule and go with it.
 
I'd say you're right on the cusp, therefore I'd probably err on the side of safety and use acrylic. With a shadow box, there's no support for the glazing except around the edges. As a result, it's more prone to breakage. And when it does break, it's more likely to cause injury.

If it was 2-dimensional art, I normally will go with glass to 36x48 as Turnip. I always consider the frame too when making the decision.
 
The weight of glass is roughly 1 pound per square foot. Acrylic is roughly 1/2 to 3/4 pounds per square foot. These weights vary based on thickness of each material.

The difference based on size is between 2-4 pounds total. No real difference at 32x40. I use glass up to 40x60 unless safety is an issue.
 
Yeah we carry in stock, up to 40x60 in ConClear, PremiumClear, Museum. Our standard piece sizes fall in the 32x40 to 36x48 range. We move to plex for 'corporate' jobs when the size exceeds 36x48, usually. 40x40 is a common size that we regularly put glass on. It's all relative I guess. As to jerseys, I have always used glass. Usually ConClear.
 
It truly depends on the width of your moulding. 1" or smaller I suggest you go Plex. But it may still have a bit of a static charge by the time it gets home. If it were my project...I'd go with a profile with some "meat", use glass (cc) and suggest security hangers.

Have fun!
Franchesca
 
Being a whopping 5"3", anything over 32x40 I consider a hazard for me, and that's important enough to recommend acrylic. If the customer still wants glass, I will ask them to find another framer, and will explain the dangers to my customer, their art, and to myself. I haven't had anyone go against my recommendation, yet.

It only makes sense for me and my shop. Now if I had a framer about 6'7"....naah, still wouldn't be worth the risk.

Anytime I use acrylic with a large framing order, I include a can of acrylic spray cleaner, with printed instructions on how to use it.
 
I use plexi for anything over 36x48 unless the customer wants museum glass. I have sold it on several full size 40x60 orders. And I'll only sell oversize glass if the frame is sturdy enough, otherwise I'll insist on plexi (and not give them the option of glass).
 
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