Glass or no glass when displaying photographs?

[R_Warshaw]

Because I ship large (36 x 44 inch) framed prints to various galleries around the country, glass is not an option due to the risk of breakage. I use standard 1/10 inch acrylic and frame with a 1/3 inch spacer. The prints are mounted on archival foamcore (Gillman Brothers Mountcor) for flatness. One corporate client requested and paid for museum glass but that was for local delivery. Acrylic, with or without a coating absorbs a considerable amount of UV radiation BTW. I've had no complaints about reflection or degradation.

There's useful information on the longevity of pigment inks on various cotton rag papers framed under plain glass, uv filtered glass or acrylic or uncovered at www.wilhelm-research.com. The uncovered prints fare poorly.

Glider canopies are made of a vacuum-formed acrylic and, for a while, the makers were selling tinted ones to protect the pilot from UV radiation - turns out there was little difference other than cost.

Ray Warshaw

 

[bleirer]

I prefer metallic paper face mounted to acrylic - no glass

Now my understanding of facemounting is that the print is behind the acrylic. The "face " of the print is glued with an invisible adhesive to the back of the acrylic. Is this the same as what you are talking About?

 

[French Avocado]

Now my understanding of facemounting is that the print is behind the acrylic. The "face " of the print is glued with an invisible adhesive to the back of the acrylic. Is this the same as what you are talking About?

correct

 

[O]

I like printing and framing some of my images for display on my home office walls. To me, there’s nothing quite like seeing a large, well composed image on paper - a quality that just can’t be conveyed on a computer screen, especially when they’re printed on high-quality fine art paper. My ongoing dilemma however is whether or not to cover them with glass. I like to protect the image from dust and sunlight, but the glass creates a glare from reflected light that’s distracting. I’ve tried “museum glass” from Michael’s to cut down on glare but even it isn’t ideal (not sure if Michael’s offers the best quality but it’s what I’ve used so far). I’m wondering if there might be another, better solution available. What do you do when printing your photographs?

I use a Non reflective product called ART glass, its museum standard and doesn't mute or discolor. It just POPS the image and is clear to look at from any angle.
I find Normal basic framing glass has really no UV protection despite many claims, nor does basic acrylic, the ART glass claims 95% so far so good.
All my customers love it with stunning results. I use it for photographs commonly printed or originally made on 300 gsm fine art rag paper like Hahnemühle fine art paper.

There are a lot of non reflective products out there, some better than others.


Only an opinion