Choosing a frame for photos: Glass vs Acrylic

When choosing the right material for your photo frames, deciding between acrylic and glass can be challenging. Both are clear, protective barriers that shield artwork from damage while offering an unobstructed view of what’s behind. But that doesn’t mean they’re the same.

Whether you're a photographer, print studio, signage producer, or gallery, selecting the ideal frame material impacts not only the aesthetics but also the protection and longevity of your artwork.

At Adventa, we offer a wide range of high-quality framing solutions, including both glass and acrylic options. But before you make your choice, it's important to understand the main differences and how each measures up on the characteristics you’re looking for. So, let’s break down the factors you should consider when selecting between acrylic and glass photo frames.

Strength & Durability

The level of protection your print requires is a major factor in deciding between glass and acrylic. If your work will be displayed in an area with potential exposure to temperature fluctuations, humidity, or UV radiation, you’ll need a material that can withstand these conditions.

Acrylic Strength:

Acrylic has a higher impact resistance than glass, which means it’s less likely to break. If it does, it won’t shatter into dangerous shards like smashed standard glass. This makes acrylic picture frames more ideal for shipping, as the risk of damage in transit is way lower. As a result, many online framing companies prefer acrylic for mail orders.

Acrylic is often also the preferred choice for galleries and exhibitions because shattered glass can ruin valuable artwork. It’s also a safer option for children’s rooms or spaces where there’s lots of movement or vibrations (think slamming doors and windows blown closed).

Glass Strength:

Traditional glass, also known as standard float glass, is heavier and more fragile than acrylic. That said, at Adventa, we use toughened safety glass in our Glass Mount range, similar to car windshields, which prevents shattering and improves its durability.

It’s also important to mention that glass is more rigid than acrylic, meaning it won’t bow or bend over time, unlike acrylic, which sometimes can.

Weight & Shipping Considerations

Acrylic is significantly lighter than glass, which makes it easier to handle, especially for large-scale artwork or wholesale products. The lightness of any size acrylic glass also reduces shipping costs, while minimising the risk of breakage during transit.

At Adventa, we limit our glass frame sizes to a maximum of 20 x 30 inches to reduce the risk of damage.

Acrylic and Glass UV Protection & Longevity

Acrylic provides superior UV protection, which helps prevent your artwork from fading over the years. Standard glass, which allows more UV exposure, should not be used close to or opposite windows, as the sun is sure to have an effect over time. 

Acrylic glass also offers better visibility in low-light conditions and will enhance the vibrancy of your artwork in dimly lit areas. 

It’s also good to note that some types of glass are designed with UV protection, but these can be more expensive.

Scratch Resistance & Maintenance

Compared to acrylic, glass is more resistant to scratches and is easier to clean without the risk of causing damage to the surface. Acrylic, while more prone to scratches, can be maintained beautifully with a little extra care. We recommend using a microfibre cloth and a mild cleaner to prevent damage - dishwashing liquid tends to work well on acrylic glazing.

Aesthetics & Visual Appeal

So, how does one highly transparent sheet differ from another? Well, while glass is commonly used in ready-made frames due to its cost-effectiveness, it can sometimes have a green tint, which may affect image clarity (our Glass Mount Wall Art range is designed to combat this issue). Glass can also be more susceptible to glare, which might obscure the artwork.

Clear acrylic, on the other hand, provides a modern, high-end feel with improved clarity. Our Vision Wall Acrylic Frames are borderless, allowing full attention on the artwork. Additionally, acrylic has less glare than traditional glass, making it a preferred choice for certain lighting conditions.

Cost & Sustainability

Glass is more affordable than acrylic, making it a cost-effective choice for budget-conscious buyers. It is also more sustainable as it is widely recyclable. Acrylic, while generally more expensive than standard glass, is more durable and may last longer before needing replacement. However, it is not as easily recyclable as glass.

Summary: Choosing Between Acrylic and Glass

So, ultimately, if you prioritise affordability and scratch resistance, glass might be the better option. However, if you need a lightweight, shatter-resistant frame with better UV protection, acrylic is a great investment.

Explore Our Framing Solutions

• Glass Mount Range
• Vision Wall Acrylic Frames
• Explore Our Full Wall Art Collection

FAQs on Clear Picture Frames

What is acrylic glass?

Acrylic glass, often called Perspex or Plexiglass, is a thin, transparent thermoplastic. Acrylic sheets are used to make lightweight, shatter-resistant alternative picture frames that ensure you never have to deal with broken glass.

Is glass or acrylic better for picture frames?

Ultimately, it depends on your needs. Acrylic is more durable, UV-resistant and sometimes clearer, while glass is more affordable and scratch-resistant. However, for most customers, acrylic glazing is the better choice, as it's lightweight, shatter-resistant and crystal clear.

What are the benefits of acrylic photo frames?

Acrylic frames are lightweight, shatterproof, and offer superior UV protection and light transmission, making them ideal for preserving artwork.

Does glass or acrylic scratch easier?

Acrylic scratches more easily than glass, as it’s a softer material. However, this can be minimised with proper cleaning techniques, and harder acrylics are also being created to combat this issue.

Is Perspex the same as acrylic?

Yes, Perspex is a brand name for acrylic, just like Plexiglass is.

Which is cheaper, glass or acrylic?

Glass is generally a bit cheaper than acrylic, but this depends. If you buy in bulk, the shipping costs will be lower because of the shipping concerns we mentioned earlier, which may even out the costs. And unlike standard float glass, supply acrylic can’t shatter into sharp shards in transit.

Is glass more sustainable than acrylic?

Yes, glass is more eco-friendly as it is widely recyclable, whereas acrylic is not as easily recycled.

Why isn't acrylic used for windows?

While acrylic is durable and shatter-resistant, it is more prone to scratching and can warp over time, making it less suitable for windows. However, acrylic glazing is becoming increasingly popular for windows, and we expect to see much more of this in the future.