Today there is more interest than ever before in protecting works of art from the harmful effects of light exposure. Fortunately, there are also more ways to achieve that protection.

THE PROBLEM

Because the earth's atmosphere blocks the light waves in the 200-300 nanometer range, they are of less concern to conservators than those from 300-400 nanometers. The shorter the wavelength, the more damage can result, so light waves close to 300nm cause more damage than waves closer to 400 nm.

THE SOLUTION

Museum and conservation professionals recommend UV blocking levels at a minimum of 97% filtration in the 300-380 nm range. Conservation glass has a coating that converts ultraviolet light waves into energy that is emitted in the infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Creative Framing carries over five different conservation glazing options, including:

• TruVue Conservation Clear Glass

• TruVue Conservation Reflection Control

• Museum Glass

• UV Filtering Plexiglas and Optium Acrylic

TruVue Conservation Clear Glass: Conservation Clear Glass transmits 91% of light to the artwork, but blocks more than 97% of the Ultraviolet light in the 300-380 nm range from reaching the artwork. By comparison, Clear Glass transmits 91% of the light to the artwork but blocks only 66% of the UV rays in the 300-380 nm range. Creative Framing stocks Tru Vue Conservation Clear in 12 sizes from 12"x16" to 40”x60” .

TruVue Conservation Reflection Control: This glass has the same UV protective properties as Conservation Clear, and it is also etched one one side. This etched surface diffuses light to reduce unwanted glare. There is a minimal softening of the image due to the etched surface. Up to three mats can be used with this reflection control glass before the distortion caused by the etched surface becomes an issue. Creative Framing stocks Tru Vue Conservation Reflection Control in 12 sizes from 12x16 to 36"x48".

Museum Glass: This is truly an extraordinary glass. It provides the same UV blocking protection of Conservation Clear and Conservation Reflection Control in that it blocks more than 97% of the Ultraviolet rays in the 300-380 nm range. In addition, Museum Glass has a very special anti-reflective surface far superior to a typical non-glare glass. A special coating is used in extremely thin layers to break up the incoming light rays so that they don't bounce back off the glass producing a glare. Because the rays don't bounce off, the picture is actually more illuminated than with clear glass. Clear glass tranmits 91% of light to the artwork, while Museum Glass transmits more than 97% of light to the artwork. This makes colors seem brighter and fresher. Creative Framing stocks Museum Glass in all 4 sizes.

UV Filtering Plexiglas: This is the product that started it all. For years, museums demanded a protective glazing that would prevent their collections from self destructing due to light damage and Plexiglas responded with this. Blocking 99% of the UV rays in the 300-380 nm range, this is the glazing choice for many museums today. It has another advantage for museums in that it is unbreakable. This means it will ship well to shows, and won't be easily damaged by accidents or vandals, important issues in the insurance conscious museum community. The problem for the homeowner however is that plexiglas is easily scratched. A special plexi cleaner and soft cloths should be used. Even paper towels will scratch the surface of this delicate "glass". Creative Framing stocks UV Filtering Plexiglas in 48"x96" sheets.

Optium Acrylic: Optium is a "preservation" grade material, suitable for use to protect against vandalism, UV damage and moisture, if the casing is properly designed and built.  Architectural Plastics can fabricate your design, or create a design for you.

Almost half the weight of glass, Optium Museum Acrylic provides increased strength and durability and is the only acrylic product available combining both a high quality sputtered anti-reflection coating and superior 98% ultraviolet light-blocking protection.

• Anti-Reflective - significantly reduces light reflection.  Virtually invisible with direct viewing.
• Maximum UV Protection - up to 98%.  Protects against fading and yellowing.
• Anti-static - does not retain electrostatic charge (suitable for pastels, chalk, charcoal)
• Lightweight - approximately 30% lighter than glass.
• Enhanced Security - shatter-resistant.
• Cleans like glass with ammonia-free cleaner.

Optium Museum Acrylic is manufactured utilizing a clear abrasion/UV-resistant acrylic sheet.  A sputtered thin film multi-layered anti-reflection coating is applied to both sides of the sheet using patented Tru Vue Optium technology.  The coating is engineered to meet stringent optical requirements.

Creative Framing can provide Optium Acrylic up to 48"x96".

(Please note that this site is for your information only – we hope that one day we will be able to provide you with the ability to order online. As of now, we can only cater to our in-store clients. We are however always more than happy to answer any questions you may have, so if you would like, give us a call at (434)-295-5426 or e-mail us at mail@artboxvirginia.com !)

updated 6-29-2009