Choosing the right photo frame isn't just about how it looks - the material matters. Whether you’re framing a favorite family moment, an artwork, or a personalized product for resale, the choice between glass and acrylic can affect everything from how your image looks to how long it lasts.

Glass vs. Acrylic: What's the Difference?

Glass has long been the traditional choice for photo framing. It offers a classic, premium finish and excellent clarity. Our Glass Mounts are made from tempered glass, which means that even in the rare case of breakage, they shatter into blunt, pebble-like pieces - far safer than standard glass.

Acrylic (also called Plexiglass), on the other hand, is a type of plastic that’s lightweight, shatter-resistant, and versatile. Clear acrylic sheets can even be laser-cut into virtually any shape, making them the go-to material for creative custom products.

We use high-quality acrylic plastic sheets to create products with a clear, consistent finish that’s ideal for tree ornaments, keyrings, acrylic photo frames, and more. 

Which Costs More: Acrylic or Glass?

Generally speaking, glass is more expensive than acrylic. This is especially true for high-quality tempered glass because it’s heavier, harder to process, and more costly to ship.

Acrylic is a more cost-effective alternative to glass, as production and transport costs are lower, especially in bulk. For businesses or resellers looking to create customized photo products at scale, acrylic glass tends to be the more economical option.

Does Acrylic Feel Like Glass?

Not quite, though it depends on the quality (and our acrylic products are premium-grade). Acrylic is lighter and slightly warmer to the touch than glass; it feels slightly more “plastic-like”. That said, many people are surprised by how glass-like it feels. Acrylic sheets are smooth, rigid, and have a similar clarity, especially in thicker pieces.

Does Acrylic Look Like Real Glass?

Yes, high-quality clear acrylic is virtually indistinguishable from glass to the untrained eye. It offers excellent optical clarity, especially when polished. At Adventa, we ensure consistent transparency across our acrylic range thanks to extruded acrylic sheets - ideal for crisp, professional-looking photo products.

However, glass does have a slight edge in clarity and weight, which can give it a more premium “feel” for certain applications.

How Can You Tell the Difference Between Glass and Acrylic?

Want to see if you can tell the difference between traditional glass and acrylic glass alternatives? Here are a few quick ways to tell:

  • Weight: Glass is heavier than acrylic
  • Touch: Acrylic feels slightly warmer and softer; glass feels cooler and more solid
  • Sound: Tapping glass gives a sharper, higher-pitched sound, while acrylic is duller
  • Flexibility: Acrylic has a tiny bit of give when lightly pressed; glass does not
  • Edge appearance: Glass often has a greenish hue on its edge; acrylic is clear (or coloured if designed that way)

Can Acrylic Photo Frames Break?

Yes, but not in the way you might think.

Acrylic doesn’t shatter like glass. It’s far more impact-resistant. Instead of shattering, acrylic may crack or chip under extreme force, but the plastic materials won’t break into dangerous shards. This makes it an ideal choice for homes with children, busy public spaces, or products that need to be shipped long distances.

Our glass frames and coasters, made from tempered glass, are also shatter-resistant; however, acrylic has that added level of safety, which is great for peace of mind.

Are There Any Disadvantages to Acrylic?

While acrylic is versatile and lightweight, it’s not perfect for every use. Here are a few potential downsides compared to glass:

  • Scratchability: Acrylic can scratch more easily than glass. (We recommend a microfibre cloth for cleaning)
  • Slightly less clarity: While very clear, acrylic doesn’t quite match the optical sharpness of glass
  • Static: Acrylic can attract dust more easily due to static, though anti-static cleaners can help

That said, many of our customers are happy to take on these drawbacks in exchange for the flexibility, safety, and cost-effectiveness of acrylic.

Customization of Glass And Acrylic

Fortunately, customization isn’t a sticking point - both acrylic and glass can be UV or screen printed, giving you full flexibility when it comes to branding or personalization.

Screen printing, which we use to create the signature black borders on our Glass Mounts and Glass Coasters, creates bold, opaque colours that are heat and scratch-resistant.

UV printing, often used on our Blox frames, is perfect for smaller runs and can create incredible textured finishes, from faux wood grain to stained glass effects.

Our reverse printing on clear acrylic is another customer favorite, offering a layered, professional look that stands out in both retail and corporate environments.

Ready to Choose the Right Material?

At Adventa, we give you the flexibility to choose what works best - from durable, creative acrylic to crystal clear, long-lasting tempered glass.

Need advice or want to know more about our customizable product range? Get in touch with our expert team today, or explore our full range of personalizable display products.