Oversized glass

tkim

Grumbler in Training
Joined
Feb 4, 2025
Posts
1
Loc
Denver, CO
Business
MATTER, Ltd.
I have a piece that is 26 7/8 x 44 7/8. The major concern of the client is that it is non-glare. The piece will be hung above her bed. Is it large enough to switch to acrylic or should I stick with glass...I can't help but worry about the weight since it will be hung above her bed.
 
I have a piece that is 26 7/8 x 44 7/8. The major concern of the client is that it is non-glare. The piece will be hung above her bed. Is it large enough to switch to acrylic or should I stick with glass...I can't help but worry about the weight since it will be hung above her bed.
I lived in Denver and framed in Aurora from 1977 until 1987 when I moved to Phoenix.
That size is not really that big.
The difference in weight from using acrylic that size is not that much.
Nothing wrong with using acrylic but it's not that necessary.

I'm not a fan of "non-glare" if it's the old "shower door" type of non-glare.:shutup:
AR is much better and does a good job of reducing reflection.

You can hang the piece using z-bar at the top and security locks at the bottom or even just use security hangers top and bottom with 2 locks at the bottom for extra security.
It should be fine unless someone throws a rock at or shoots at the framed picture.....:icon11:
 
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I agree that there are a number of secure ways to fix a frame to a wall, rather than only hanging by wire and hook(s).
Look into your suppliers hanging hardware listings.
Or, most hardware stores carry a few options.
Or, look into one of the Grumble sponsors... https://888mfgcorp.com 888 Manufacturing Corporation - Powered by Network Solutions.

Does your customer know the difference between Anti-glare/Anti-reflection coatings and Reflection Control surface glass or acrylic?
Both could be considered "non-glare", but are very different. Both in appearance and cost.

I have one client who insists on Reflection Control Conservation Acrylic for everything I frame for him.
Even when he brings ready-made frames for custom matting, he'll have me change the production glass to RCC Acrylic.

When I asked him why, he gave me two reasons.
1-He prefers the"old fashioned" frosted appearance of Reflection Control.
2-He feels safer with acrylic in the event of an earthquake. He has a lot of frames on his walls.

Fair enough. He asks for it, so I do it.
 
If I were to recommend something to a client, I would always err on the side of safety.

But the safer route is to educate the customer on the cost/risk factors of what is available, and let them make an informed decision.

In either case, the point is to shift the liability on to the customer since failure would likely result in an injury.

I concur with a robust, wire-free hanging system, and would encourage professional installation (I no longer do installs).

I'm a little leery of litigious people after being sued by a bicyclist who ran into the side of my van.
He got a little banged up, but was back on his bike riding home in about 20 minutes.
2 years later I got served with a negligence suit. 2 years after that a judge dismissed the suit with prejudice.
 
The difference in weight from using acrylic that size is not that much.
Nothing wrong with using acrylic but it's not that necessary.

It will depend on the frame. The weight will be around 6-7 lbs for 3mm acrylic and 13-14 pounds for 3mm glass. For a wider frame with more support, glass will be fine. For a frame that is narrower (less than 1 5.") I would go with acrylic.I do more narrow frames than wide so I lean more towards acrylic. Plus I am acrylic only; I don't even stock glass. I do have some glass hanging around (pun intended) from my B&M days (which ended int 2005) so I would probably need to run it through the car wash if I ever needed to use it.
 
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