Is all UV filtering glass 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 light rays in the 300 to 380 nanometer range.
Tru Vue® Conservation Grade glass and acrylic products are the only glass and acrylic products available in the industry that offer this level of protection. In providing at least 97% UV protection, Tru Vue Conservation Grade glass and acrylic products are considered "photo-safe" by meeting ISO 18902 and passing ISO 18902.
What percentage of UV rays does the coating block?
Tru Vue Conservation Grade glass and acrylic products, including Optium Museum Acrylic®, Museum Glass®, Conservation Clear® and Conservation Reflection Control®, effectively block 99% of all harmful indoor and outdoor UV light rays. Conservation Clear Acrylic and Conservation Reflection Control Acrylic block 98% of UV light.
Is the UV coating permanent?
Yes. Tru Vue manufactures its Conservation Grade glass products by applying an inorganic silica-based UV inhibiting coating to the glass surface. The UV coating is “baked” into the glass, producing a permanently bonded coating. Tru Vue Conservation Grade glass products have been field tested for over 20 years and do not delaminate or degrade over time.
When should UV protection glass be used?
UV filtering glazing should always be used to frame artwork, since damge from UV light rays happens whenever your art is exposed to non-UV filtered light sources.
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, properly displaying and caring for the framed piece will help minimize the risk of damage caused by these factors.
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.
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.
Some commercial and residential windows 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 does anti-reflective glass reduce reflection?
The thin film coatings on Tru Vue anti-reflective glass disrupt the energy contained in light waves causing them to flow out of sync. This disrupted wave pattern virtually eliminates all reflection from the glass surface. Diagrams of how this process works are included with the descriptions of all anti-reflective products.
What is non-glare glass and non-glare acrylic?
Non-glare picture framing glass is finished to diffuse reflected light. This process also gives the glass surface a matte finish. Non-glare acrylic is embossed and offers the same visual matte finish as picture framing glass. Non-glare is not as clear as anti-reflective glass or acrylic and can be used in applications with up to 2 mats.
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.
How do I control static on acrylic products?
All of our Optium Acrylic 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.
When should I use acrylic?
Tru Vue recommends using acrylic for hanging and shipping heavy, oversized artwork, earthquake zones, high traffic areas, traveling exhibits, or anywhere extra care is required.
When should I use 3mm acrylic instead of 2.3mm?
You should use 3mm acrylic when the frame’s size exceeds 36” x 48”. 3.0mm Optium Acrylic® Products are ideal for sizes under 40”x60”. Our Optium Acrylic Products are currently only available in 3.0mm and 6.0mm.
What acrylic product should I use for 40”x60” and larger frames?
Our 6.0mm Optium Museum Acrylic is ideal for sizes greater than 40”x60” and is available in 72”x120” sheets. To prevent bowing, twisting, and/or warping of framed 40”x60” and larger acrylic sheets, provide reinforcing support of the acrylic sheet during framing.
How much space do I allow for expansion and contraction?
The standard 1/16” is recommended for each 12” of frame length. In conditions of extreme humidity or temperature, greater allowance may be necessary.
Does acrylic have out gassing?
No framing grades of acrylic have out gassing. However, to be certain, we recommend you buy only acrylic made in North America. All Tru Vue Optium Acrylic® Glazing Products and acrylic sheets are out-gassing free.
Which side of Tru Vue Optium Acrylic Products should face the artwork?
Either side of Optium Acrylic Products can face the artwork. Both sides carry the protective technology.
What is the visual color impression of Optium Acrylic Products?
Reflection varies with viewing angle. The non-reflective properties of Optium are optimized for direct viewing. Transmitted color appears color neutral to pale yellowish. However, if the angle of view changes, so does the amount of reflection. Up to a viewing angle of about 35 degrees the non reflective, color neutral properties remain. Beyond that, reflections may become visible in a reddish/purplish color and certain lighting conditions may make this more noticeable. The amount of reflection however is significantly lower than the reflection of regular uncoated glass or acrylic.
Do Optium Acrylic Products self-extinguish?
No acrylic will self-extinguish. Optium Acrylic Products are combustible and usually burn to completion if not extinguished. Precautions should be taken to protect this material from flames and high heat sources.
How can I learn more about Optium Acrylic Products?
To learn more about Tru Vue Optium Acrylic Products, contact your authorized Optium supplier.
How should glass be handled?
Care should be given when handling glass. To avoid injury, Tru Vue recommends wearing cotton gloves when handling glass. Avoid dragging the lites of glass against on another when removing from the box. Do not slide the lite of glass into place. Lift it up to adjust and reposition.
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 glass products?
All of Tru Vue glass products are clean and ready to use out of the box. If spot cleaning is needed, spray a small amount of ammonia-free glass cleaner on a micro-fiber cloth or a clean lint-free cotton rag. To prevent overspray, do not spray the cleaner directly on the glass. Press the cloth against the glass and clean in a round, circular motions.
How do I clean Tru Vue acrylic products?
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 glass cleaner for its glass and Optium products?
Cleaning glass products with harsh chemicals such as ammonia can be harmful to your customers’ valued pieces. Ammonia can cause out-gassing within the framing package.
How can I remove the inkjet printing from the lite of glass?
The inkjet printing is printed at the very edge of the lite of glass and is small enough to be hidden by the rabbet of the frame. If you choose to remove the inkjet printing, apply a small amount of acetone (fingernail polish remover) to a cotton swap to wipe the lite clean.
How do I cut Tru Vue acrylic sheets?
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.
What type of cutter is recommended for cutting Tru Vue glass products?
Any glass cutter that is used for cutting regular glass may be used.
How do I cut Tru Vue glass products?
Place a slip sheet or a non-slip matboard between the glass and the back of the wall cutter. For Tru Vue Conservation Grade glass products, including Museum Glass®, Conservation Clear® and Conservation Reflection Control, place the lite of glass in the wall unit, with the UV coated side towards the wall, facing the slip sheet or matboard. Do not score the UV coated side. Premium Clear can be scored on either side, so placement in the cutter doesn’t matter. Be sure to keep the glass cutter clean of glass chips by brushing away fragments frequently with a horse hair brush.
How can I tell which side of the Conservation Grade glass has the UV coating?
The inkjet printing or static cling sticker will indicate which side to score. The side to be scored is the non UV coated side, so the UV coating is on the opposite side. For Museum Glass and Conservation Clear the UV coated side is always the side with the inkjet printing or static cling sticker. For Conservation Reflection Control the UV coating is on the opposite side of the inkjet printing.
The UV coated side will also bead water or glass cleaner more than the non UV side. Using a razor blade you can apply a small light scratch on the edge of the glass which will be hidden by the rabbet of the frame. The UV coating will be scratched, the glass will not. Wear gloves while doing this to prevent cuts.
Which side of the Conservation Grade glass should be placed toward the artwork?
It is recommended that the UV coated side of the glass face the artwork. This side can be identified by the inkjet printing, which appears along the edge of the lite. However, the UV blocking capabilities are in no way diminished by the placement of the lite. When using Conservation Reflection Control the matte finished side should face out and the non-finished side should face the artwork.