Glass And Acrylic

Here at Aurora Gallery, we believe that quality matters. We combine attentive service with expert advice to help customers choose the best glass for each art piece, from museum-grade UV-protective and glare-reducing options to conservation clear and non-reflective glass; our knowledgeable staff assesses artwork needs, framing styles, lighting, and long-term preservation to recommend the right balance of clarity, color fidelity, and protection, and we offer custom-cut glass and professional installation so every piece arrives framed with museum standards and ready to display.

Basic Glass – This type of picture frame glazing is the most common in ready-made frames that you will find in retail stores or online. Basic glass protects your art from dust and scratches only. It does not protect your artwork from harmful UV rays or contain any anti-reflective properties.

Diagram illustrating the properties of 2.5 mm glass, showing it blocks 45% of UV light, reflects less than 8% of light, and transmits over 90% of light.

Conservation Clear® picture framing glass offers the highest level of UV protection available in the industry.  Over time exposure to indoor and outdoor UV light rays can contribute to fading and deterioration of art, photographs and other important personal keepsakes. Conservation Clear glass effectively blocks up to 99% of UV light rays to protect against fading and help keep framed pieces brighter, longer.

Technical Info:

  • Blocks up to 99% of UV light rays

  • Meets ISO 18902 and passes ISO 18916, by providing at least 97% UV protection

  • Does not degrade or delaminate over time.  Tru Vue uses a proprietary inorganic, silica-based UV blocking coating, which is “baked” into the glass substrate producing a permanently bonded coating.

  • 2.5mm glass substrate

When To Use:

  • Ideal for any framing application, if reflection-free viewing is not important.

  • For protecting art, photographs and other important personal keepsakes against damage and fading caused by UV light.

  • To provide fade protection for posters. The inks, papers and other materials used to create these prints are more likely to deteriorate at a faster pace than higher quality reproductions.

Diagram showing a glass UV coating blocking 99% of UV light, allowing over 89% of visible light transmission, and reflecting 8% of light. The diagram includes arrows representing UV rays and light reflection.

Museum Glass® anti-reflection picture framing glass with Conservation Grade UV Protection is the best glazing option available for art, photographs and other important personal keepsakes.  Along with its nearly invisible finish, it effectively blocks up to 99% of harmful indoor and outdoor UV light rays so framed pieces remain clearer and brighter for longer.

Technical Info:

  • Reduces reflection by over 85% (to less than 1% of total light), the lowest possible reflection rating available with UV protection

  • Achieves over 97% light transmission to enhance colors, brightness and contrast levels

  • Blocks up to 99% of UV light rays

  • Meets ISO 18902 and passes ISO 18916, by providing at least 97% UV protection

  • Does not degrade or delaminate over time.  Tru Vue uses a proprietary inorganic, silica-based UV blocking coating, which is “baked” into the glass producing a permanently bonded coating.

  • 2.5mm glass substrate

When To Use:

  • For virtually invisible glazing that will enhance colors, brightness and contrast levels of all types of artwork, even posters

  • For protecting valued diplomas or irreplaceable artwork against damage and fading caused by UV light

  • Ideal for framing applications including shadow boxes, multiple mat or deep framing projects

Diagram of layered glass structure showing optical coating, UV coating, light transmission, and light reflection features.

Classic AR is a museum-grade, anti-reflective glazing designed for framing fine art and photography, offering up to 99% reflection reduction to provide virtually uninterrupted clarity and color accuracy; it features a durable, ion-assisted deposition coating that resists scratching and abrasion better than standard AR coatings, and its neutral, non-blue tint preserves the original look of artwork while significantly improving visibility under gallery lighting. Ideal for high-value pieces and exhibitions, Classic AR also offers UV protection to help reduce light-related fading in a more affordable package: making it a professional choice for collectors, galleries, and conservators seeking the best balance of clarity, preservation, and durability.

Technical Info:

  • Reduces Reflection by 99%

  • Light Transmission: >97% total light transmission, which helps brighten colors and improve contrast in displayed artwork.

  • UV Protection: Up to ~78% UV light blocked (in the 300 nm–380 nm ultraviolet range), helping to slow fading — though it’s not a conservation-grade product.

  • Thickness: 2.5 mm (0.098″) — a premium thickness for strength and rigidity compared with 2 mm glass.

When To Use:

  • Premium look at a lower cost

  • Reflections are your main concern

  • Subject doesn’t need extreme UV ray protection

Diagram showing a layered glass with optical coatings on both sides.
Comparison chart detailing features of different Plexiglas materials, including UV protection, anti-reflective, abrasion resistant, anti-static, crystal clear quality, shadowbox suitability, glass-like appearance, lightweight, and shatter resistance.