Optium Museum Acrylic® (anti-reflective)

• Available in 3.0mm, 4.5mm, and 6.0mm thickness
• Newly enhanced anti-reflective coating optimizes the appearance while significantly reducing distracting reflections to less than 1% at a 90 degree angle.
• Anti-static protection that actually exceeds glass and dissipates 2000 times more static than regular acrylic, making it safe for friable materials and minimizing cleaning.
• Abrasion resistant glazing offers 20x more protection than regular acrylic and resists minor scratches associated with frequent cleaning like anti-reflective glass.  Can be re-sed for traveling and temporary exhibits
• Maximum UV protection filters up to 99% of damaging 300-380 nm UV rays so you can display sensitive objects.
• Lightweight – 50% lighter than glass.  Perfect for large items and display cases.
• Gauges up to 4.5 mm can be cut like regular acrylic
• Cleans like Tru Vue glass products, with ammonia-free cleaner.
• Shatter-resistant, thermal insulating, and anti-static properties provide a secure and protected environment.
• Click on Optium Spec Sheet below for more information. Optium_Spec_Sheet.pdf

• Ideal for pastels, charcoals, & static sensitive pieces
• Large-scale framing projects – ideal for sizes over 40”x60”
• Shadowboxes
• Any artwork that would benefit from reflection-free viewing and 99% UV protection

Handling

• Cotton or nitrile rubber gloves should be worn to minimize finger-prints and other particles.
• Optium 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.

Framing Practices for 40”x60” and larger

• To prevent bowing, twisting, and/or warping during framing, provide reinforcing support of the acrylic sheet during framing.

Cleaning

• Place the acrylic on a clean, non-abrasive surface for cleaning
• Use a clean, soft, lint-free or micro-fiber cloth to clean.
• Do not use coarse or abrasive cleaning agents or dirty cloths.
• Spray an ammonia-free cleaner onto the cloth and wipe the acrylic.
• Never spray cleaner directly on the acrylic.
• Do not use an acrylic cleaner (i.e., Brillianize) on this product.
• Do not buff scratches in this product as it may damage the anti-reflective coating.
• Abrasion-resistant properties prevent mild scratching, but not deep scratches. Cuts by hard objects cannot be repaired.

Cutting

3.0mm or 4.5mm Optium Museum Acrylic® and 3mm Optium Acrylic®

• Place Optium 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.

6.0mm Optium Museum Acrylic

• Fabricate using a power saw with a saw blade specifically designed to cut acrylic. Contact us 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.

Storing Optium

• Avoid storing in areas where condensation might occur.
• Use 2-ply rag board or pH neutral paper for interleaf during short-term storage.
• Stack sheets horizontally with the larger sheets at the bottom, or lean acrylic sheets at an angle of approximately 10 degrees to prevent bowing.
• Allow 24 hours for climatizing before exhibiting. Condensation will leave water spots on the anti-reflective coating.
• The masking should never be exposed to excessive sunlight or outdoor conditions for extended periods of time.
• Although Optium does not require a climate controlled environment for long-term storage, we recommend removing any protective film masking and use pH neutral paper to separate the parts.
• Optium is not effected by standard museum environments or normal warehouse temperatures, and can withstand extreme temperatures of minus 30 degrees F (-34 degrees C) to 160 degrees F (71 degrees C).
• If storing framed pieces, please note that Optium expands and contracts, so allow for size variation in frame systems.
• Avoid shipping framed pieces horizontally as expansion/contraction of the sheet may cause vibration or rubbing against the surface of the artwork.

To order the Optium^® Acrylic Glazing Sample Kit, please complete and submit the form below.