Digital BW, The Print

I want to completely agree with Steadman in his post on glass...in 
fact I would like Martin to archive it for reference.

The Vermeer show in Washington DC (not the lesser show in NY last 
year, sneer ;-) ) had the pieces behind glass and you would have only 
noticed it at certain angles at best.

The Balthazar Castiligone by Rapheal in the Louvre is behind glass, 
opposite a window and not once got in my way of devoting hours to 
this piece.

I say behind glass - they are behind museum glass which as Steadman 
states, once you allow yourself to use it, you'll hesitate to use 
anything else (I don't if I can at all afford it).

Crystal View and Denn glass are trade names, though Denn glass is 
the 'museum glass' and Crystal View when I last checked didn't have 
much UV screening to it.

Why use a protective "glass"?  For the same reasons you use quality 
materials in the rest of the process.  You are creating an object.  
Framing can be part of that objects viewing.  The other is to show 
your prints by hand, unframed then, like serving wine to guests at 
dinner, with affection, care & enthusiasm.

Cleavis.

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@y..., "Steadman Uhlich" 
<steadmanuhlich@k...> wrote:
> 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
>