Frequently Asked Questions

Is all UV Filtering glazing the same?
Tru Vue considers 98% UV protection to be conservation grade custom framing glazing.  Tru Vue manufactures its UV Filtering glass by applying a silica-based UV inhibiting coating to a substrate glass surface.  This can be cut and handled just like regular glass.  The UV coating is "baked" into the glass, producing a permanently bonded coating.

When should UV Filtering glazing be used?
UV Filtering glazing should be used on most custom framing jobs, since damage from UV light rays come from both indoor and outdoor light sources.  Conservation framing materials and techniques should always be used on sentimental, valuable, limited edition and one-of-a-kind artwork.  Use UV Filtering glazing on all works of art you would like to protect, especially posters and open edition prints.  These items are candidates for UV Filtering glazing because the inks, papers and other materials used to create them are more likely to deteriorate than those used in higher end reproductions.

What percentage of UV rays does the coating block?
All of Tru Vue conservation series glass products effectively blocks out 99% of all harmful indoor and outdoor UV light rays and Optium Museum Acrylic and conservations series Acrylite products filter out 98%.  Protecting your artwork from harmful UV rays will help protect art from fading.

It's just a poster, why would I need UV protection?
Even posters and open edition prints are candidates for UV Filtering glazing because the inks, papers and other materials used to create them are more likely to deteriorate than those used in higher end reproductions.

I want to minimize damage to artwork.  What are some good tips on things to avoid?
The single most important step you can take to protect your framed artwork from harmful UV light rays is to use one of Tru Vue UV Filtering glass or acrylic products.  Also illuminate your art at the lowest light level possible for enjoyment. 

Can fluorescent light harm artwork?
While fluorescent lighting can have a higher output in the UV compared to incandescent lighting, the more important factor is the overall brightness of light. To minimize light damage, avoid placing artwork near sunlit windows or bright sources of light.

The windows in my home have UV coating.  Should I still use UV blocking glazing?
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.

When should I use acrylic?
Tru Vue recommends using acrylic for hanging and shipping heavy, oversized artwork, children's rooms, earthquake zones, high traffic areas or anywhere extra care is required.

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 Museum Acrylic® and Optium Acrylic® provide 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.