Digital BW, The Print

Nigel, 

You can buy many types of glass to use for fine art or windows.  

1.  Non-glare glass does not work well if separated by more than one inch from print.  This also can come in a UV blocking version.  It "softens" the image a little but when only a mat board distance from the art it looks good.  Not very expensive but premium price. 

2.  Non-reflective glass (museum glass) does work well at just about any distance.  This glass is very expensive and is similar to "non-reflective" lenses used in eyeglasses...you don't "see" the glass at all when looking into it.  Does not soften the image at all.  IF you have a landscape with exquisite details...buy this one.

3.  UV protection is result of a coating applied to glass as in a film.  Invisible to eye.  The brand of glass I use claims 95% blocking of UV rays. 

4.  Plexiglass is a type of plastic. Can have UV characteristics but not necessarily.  

5.  "Arcylic" is another plastic like choice.  Lightweight and may come in a UV blocking form.  Easily scratched when handled and even scratched if cleaned vigorously.  Best for shipping via truck or traveling exhibits.

6.  "Green glass" is the cheap stuff used in windows.  Has a green tint or cast.  This is what the local framer is going to sell you for cheap...or it comes in "ready made" cheap frames. 

7.  There are some types of glass available that have highly clear characteristics...they are purchased by museums so the color of print/art is accurate.  This glass is expensive.  Sometimes the most expensive if also UV blocking.

8.  All of these glass choices are available to the individual artist.  Check with a local professional framer who should have sources.  

Warning:  many framers charge an arm and a leg for the premium glass and most do not carry it at all.  They usually use the cheap stuff for 90% of all framed artwork.  They are reluctant to sell the expensive stuff because they usually have to purchase a case of it or large quantity...and they don't get many demanding customers (who know what to look for).  They will also likely put a high markup on the better glass.  Be very demanding.  

I suggest you purchase a case (or cut down large pieces) of the glass yourself in the size that fits your own work.  That way you will have it handy when you need to put something behind glass.  If you have a commercial license, you should be able to purchase at wholesale price.  

For the most elegant and "eyecatching" look, I recommend the "museum glass anti-reflection" type of glass.  When you have a print behind this glass, you don't see the glass at all....it becomes invisible.  Really.  This is most beneficial to the person selling the art.  The framer doesnt care about this.  For art exhibits, this glass is what I would buy and use in my own frames that I would keep.  Warning:  once you buy this glass and have your prints behind it (say at home) you won't want to buy anything else for your own art prints...it will spoil you.

Framed prints for sale, depends on what the buyer wants to spend. 

Steadman
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Nij 
  To: DigitalBW 
  Sent: Monday, October 15, 2001 6:56 PM
  Subject: [Digital BW] Glass Glass Glass


  Hi all,

  Recently, we have heard mention of several different tpes of glass. At
  least:
  * Glass (the normal kind)
  * Glass [green tinted] (the kind to avoid)
  * Anti-glare (I thought this required to be in-contact with the print, and
  therefore A Bad Thing???)
  * Plexi-glass (presumably, 'Plastic Flexible 'glass'??? - is nice and
  light-weight)
  * UV Blocking glass
  * No Glass!!!
  * others???

  I realise that these are 'characteristics' or properties of a material that
  may be mutually exclusive, or shared in some cases. e.g. Does plexi block
  UV?

  I was recently told that 'normal' glass blocks about 42% of UV light. How
  much does 'UV blocking' glass block? And how much more expensive than normal
  glass is it?

  I'd really appreciate some feedback on this to appreciate if I am correct
  about anti-glare being something you have to place on the print... if when I
  ask for UV-blocking glass, I am really asking for plexi (does plexi scratch
  more easily than 'glass'?)

  Is UV-blocking worth it for mormally mounted prints? Is it worth it for shop
  window-mounted?

  etc.

  All feedback appreciated!

  Happy printing,
  Nij

  Nigel Rheam
  MWORDS Limited   www.mwords.co.uk


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