Is all UV filtering glazing the same?
No. There is a distinct difference between UV filtering glazing and glazing that provides UV protection. According to PPFA Guidelines for Framing Works of Art on Paper, for glazing to be labeled as providing UV protection, it must block at least 97% of the UV rays in the 300 to 380 nanometer range.
Tru Vue Conservation Grade acrylic products offer this level of protection. In providing at least 97% UV protection, Tru Vue Conservation Grade acrylic products are considered "photo-safe" by meeting ISO 18902 and passing ISO 18902.
What percentage of UV rays are blocked by Tru Vue Conservation Grade acrylic products?
Tru Vue® Conservation Grade acrylic products, including Conservation Clear® Acrylic and Conservation Reflection Control® Acrylic effectively block 98% and Optium Museum Acrylic® effectively blocks up to 99% of all harmful indoor and outdoor UV light rays with its UV filtering technology.
Is the UV coating permanent?
Yes. Tru Vue does not apply a UV coating to its Conservation Grade acrylic products . The UV protection is provided within the acrylic substrate and is permanent.
When should UV protection acrylic be used?
Since UV light rays come from indoor and outdoor light sources, all items on display are vulnerable to the damaging effects of UV light exposure. That’s why it is important to use glazing with at least 97% UV protection on all of your custom framing jobs.
Conservation framing materials and techniques should always be used on sentimental, valuable, limited edition and one-of-a-kind artwork. Also use UV protection acrylic on all works of art your customers want to protect, especially posters and open edition prints. Posters or open edition prints are more susceptible to UV light damage since the inks, papers and other materials used to create them are more likely to deteriorate than those used in higher end reproductions.
Why is UV protection important?
Without at least 97% UV protection, framed pieces will age and fade more rapidly. Indoor and outdoor UV light rays contribute to severe color loss, paper embrittlement and deterioration of framed pieces. These effects are both cumulative and irreversible. The materials that make up the piece, the paper or fabric on which the image is displayed, may become brittle. Photos may appear yellow or stained with ghostly silver deposits rising to the surface. Once damage from light has occurred, it can never be reversed. That’s why it is important to understand what you can do to minimize this type of damage before it happens.
Are there forces other than UV light that can contribute to damage to items on display?
Yes. While it is very important to reduce UV light exposure, this alone will not eliminate fading and other deterioration. All light, not just UV light can be damaging. Heat, pollution, moisture, the materials that make up the piece as well as poor quality framing materials are all contributing factors. Using conservation framing techniques and materials as well as educating your customer on how to properly display and care for their framed piece will help minimize the risk of damage caused by these factors.
Remind your customers that care should be given when displaying their framed piece to avoid unnecessary exposure to light. Since some light is required for your customers to enjoy and see their framed pieces, it is all the more important to reduce any damage from UV light, by using glazing with at least 97% UV protection.
How can I help my customers protect their framed pieces?
Help your customers select framing materials that will protect their framed pieces for years to come. Educate your customers on the damaging effects of all light, visible and invisible, and recommend that they select glazing with at least 97% UV protection to reduce the damaging effects of UV light. Give your customers simple instructions for displaying and caring for their framed piece. UV protection will not eliminate fading, so your customers should use care when displaying their framed pieces. Direct light exposure for any duration should be avoided. Hanging or displaying the piece in a controlled lighting environment with low humidity is recommended.
For additional tips, Tru Vue recommends reading guide entitled: A Consumer Guide to Materials for Preservation Framing and the Display of Photographic Images, written by the Image Permanence Institute. To download this guide, go to www.imagepermanenceinstitute.org.
Is fluorescent light harmful?
Yes. All light can be harmful. While fluorescent lighting can have a higher output in the UV range compared to incandescent lighting, the more important factor is the overall brightness of the light source. To minimize light damage, avoid placing artwork near sunlit windows or bright sources of light.
The windows in my customer’s home have UV coating. Should I still use UV filtering glass?
Yes. Unfortunately, the sun is not the only source of harmful UV light rays. All light sources, whether natural or artificial, have some of their components in the ultraviolet range.
How should acrylic be handled?
Care should be given when handling acrylic. To minimize finger prints and other particles, Tru Vue recommends wearing cotton or nitrile rubber gloves when handling acrylic. Tru Vue acrylic products are covered with a protective film masking on each surface. This masking prevents scratching during handling and cutting and should be left in place on the sheet as long as possible. To remove the masking start at one corner and pull towards the opposite side of the sheet slowly and evenly without stopping. The masking should never be exposed to excessive sunlight or outdoor conditions for extended periods of time.
How do I clean Tru Vue acrylic products?
Cleaning techniques vary by acrylic product.
For Optium® Acrylic Glazing products use the following cleaning techniques. Place the acrylic on a clean, non-abrasive surface for cleaning. Spray a small amount of ammonia-free glass cleaner onto a clean micro-fiber cloth or a soft, lint-free cloth. To prevent overspray, do not spray cleaner directly on the acrylic. Do not use an acrylic cleaner (i.e. Brillanize) on this product. Do not use coarse or abrasive cleaning agents or dirty cloths. Do not buff scratch in this product as it may damage the anti-reflective coating.
For Conservation Clear® Acrylic, Conservation Reflection Control® Acrylic, Reflection Control® Acrylic and Premium Clear Acrylic use the following cleaning techniques. Place the acrylic on a clean, non-abrasive surface for cleaning. Use an acrylic cleaner and a clean damp cleaning cloth. Apply only light pressure, rinse with clean water or a cleaner designed specifically for acrylic, and dry by blotting with a clean, damp cloth or chamois. Do not use dry or gritty cloths, as they may cause surface scratches and create a static electric charge on the surface. Do not use glass cleaning sprays, kitchen scouring compounds or solvents such as acetone, gasoline or lacquer to clean acrylic.
Why does Tru Vue recommend using an ammonia-free acrylic cleaner?
Cleaning with harsh chemicals such as ammonia can be harmful to your customers valued pieces. Ammonia can cause out-gassing within the framing package.
How do I cut Tru Vue acrylic products?
For 2.3mm, 3.0mm and 4.5mm acrylic products, place the acrylic sheet on a clean, dust-free work area. Cover the work table with a soft, clean, lint-free felt. Use a multi-material cutter “scribe and break” method.
For 6.0mm Optium Museum Acrylic, fabricate using a power saw with a saw blade specifically designed to cut acrylic. Contact Tru Vue directly for saw blade recommendations. Optium Acrylic Glazing should NOT be cut with a laser. The extreme heat can cause crazing, which may lead to delamination of the coating.
When should I use acrylic?
Tru Vue recommends using acrylic for hanging and shipping heavy oversized artwork, in children’s rooms, in earthquake zones, in high traffic areas or anywhere where safety is a concern.
Does acrylic have out-gassing?
No framing grades of acrylic have out-gassing. However, to be certain, we recommend only buying acrylic made in North America. All Tru Vue acrylic products are out-gassing free.
When should I use a thicker acrylic product?
You should use 3mm acrylic when the frame’s size exceeds 36”x48”. Tru Vue also offers 4.5mm and 6.0 Optium Museum Acrylic for oversized framing projects over 40”x60”.
Which side of Tru Vue conservation grade acrylic should be placed toward the artwork?
Either side of the conservation grade acrylic can face the artwork. Both sides carry the protective technology.
How much space should I allow for expansion and contraction?
The standard 1/16” is recommended for every 12".
How does anti-reflective acrylic reduce reflection?
The thin film coatings on Tru Vue anti-reflective acrylic disrupt the energy contained in light waves causing them to flow out of sync. This disrupted wave pattern virtually eliminates all reflection from the acrylic surface. Diagrams of how this process works are included with the descriptions of all anti-reflective products.
What is non-glare acrylic?
Non-glare acrylic is embossed to diffuse reflected light. This process also gives the acrylic surface a matte finish.
How can I control static on acrylic products?
All Optium Acrylic Glazing Products are anti-static. For all other acrylic products, spray with a de-ionizing air gun, then wipe with a clean, damp, high performance cleaning cloth. This will reduce static temporarily.
What type of glazing should I use for pastel or charcoal based art?
Pastel or charcoal based art can become damaged using most glazing products due to the inherent static charge of the substrate. Tru Vue Optium® Acrylic Glazing provides long-lasting anti-static as well as anti-reflective properties to help protect art from damage and to help showcase your art the way it was intended.