One of the most common questions we receive is:

"Should I choose acrylic or glass for my picture frame?"

The answer depends on what you're framing, where it will be displayed, and how important durability, weight, and clarity are to you.

For most artwork, photographs, certificates, and diplomas, high-quality acrylic is an excellent choice. It offers exceptional clarity, is significantly lighter than glass, and is far less likely to break during shipping or everyday use.

In this guide, we'll compare acrylic and glass side by side to help you choose the right glazing for your custom picture frame.

What Is Picture Frame Glazing?

The transparent material that covers and protects your artwork is called glazing. Its job is to:

• protect artwork from dust and dirt
• reduce physical damage
• help block harmful UV light (when UV glazing is selected)
• improve the appearance of framed artwork

The two most common glazing materials are glass and acrylic (often called Plexiglass®, though Plexiglas® is a brand name).

Acrylic vs. Glass at a Glance

For most custom framing applications, acrylic provides the best balance of protection, appearance, and practicality.

Advantages of Acrylic

1. Much Lighter Than Glass

Acrylic weighs approximately half as much as glass.

This makes a noticeable difference for:

• large artwork
• oversized photographs
• posters
• diplomas
• mirrors with decorative frames

Lighter frames are easier to hang, place less stress on wall hardware, and are generally safer to handle.

2. Extremely Shatter Resistant

One of acrylic's biggest advantages is durability.

Unlike glass, acrylic will not shatter into sharp pieces if dropped or struck.

This makes it an excellent choice for:

• homes with children
• offices
• schools
• healthcare facilities
• public buildings
• artwork that will be shipped

3. Ideal for Shipping

Shipping glass always carries some risk.

Even with careful packaging, carriers can occasionally mishandle parcels, resulting in broken glass and damaged artwork.

Because acrylic is highly impact resistant, it dramatically reduces the likelihood of shipping damage.

For this reason, many professional online framers—including Custom Frames Canada—specialize in acrylic glazing for shipped frames.

4. Excellent Optical Clarity

Modern framing acrylic provides outstanding clarity.

Many people are surprised that premium acrylic looks virtually indistinguishable from glass once framed and displayed.

For everyday viewing, the difference is minimal.

Advantages of Glass

Glass also has strengths.

Superior Scratch Resistance

Glass is naturally harder than acrylic.

If a frame will be handled frequently or cleaned often, glass is generally more resistant to scratches.

Traditional Feel

Some collectors prefer the weight and feel of traditional glass, particularly for antique or museum-style displays.

Easy Cleaning

Glass can tolerate a wider range of household glass cleaners, whereas acrylic should be cleaned with products designed specifically for acrylic surfaces and a soft microfiber cloth.

Does Acrylic Scratch More Easily?

Yes.

Because acrylic is softer than glass, it is somewhat more susceptible to scratching if cleaned improperly.

Fortunately, scratches are easy to avoid by following a few simple guidelines:

• use a microfiber cloth
• avoid paper towels
• never use abrasive cleaners
• use cleaners specifically formulated for acrylic

With normal care, acrylic remains clear and attractive for many years.

What About Non-Glare Acrylic?

If your artwork will hang opposite windows or under bright lighting, reflections can become distracting.

Non-glare acrylic uses a finely textured surface to diffuse reflected light, making artwork easier to view from a variety of angles.

It is especially popular for:

• certificates
• diplomas
• artwork displayed in bright rooms
• office walls
• educational institutions

Keep in mind that non-glare glazing may slightly soften the appearance of artwork, particularly if there is a large gap between the glazing and the artwork.

Does Acrylic Protect Against UV Light?

Standard acrylic blocks some ultraviolet light naturally, while specialized UV-filtering acrylic offers significantly greater protection against fading.

For valuable artwork, limited-edition prints, original photographs, and important documents, UV-protective glazing is worth considering—especially if the piece will be displayed in natural light.

Why Custom Frames Canada Uses Acrylic Instead of Glass

At Custom Frames Canada, we currently offer standard clear acrylic and non-glare acrylic for all of our custom frames.

We have chosen not to offer glass as a standard option because we ship custom frames across Canada, and acrylic provides a much safer, lighter, and more reliable solution during transportation. It greatly reduces the risk of breakage while still delivering excellent clarity and long-term protection for your artwork.

If you have a project that requires a different type of glazing or have specific conservation requirements, we'd be happy to discuss your needs. Please contact us at info@customframescanada.ca, and we'll do our best to help you find the right solution.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose acrylic if you want:

• lighter weight
• greater safety
• shatter resistance
• easier shipping
• large custom frames
• artwork for homes, offices, or public spaces

Choose glass if your highest priorities are:

• maximum scratch resistance
• a traditional feel
• local pickup with minimal handling
• a project where shipping is not a concern

For most modern custom framing projects, acrylic offers the best combination of safety, appearance, and practicality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is acrylic as clear as glass?

Yes. High-quality framing acrylic provides excellent optical clarity and, once framed, most people cannot distinguish it from glass during normal viewing.

Does acrylic yellow over time?

Quality framing acrylic is designed to remain clear for many years under normal indoor conditions.

Is acrylic better for large picture frames?

Yes. Acrylic is much lighter and more impact resistant than glass, making it the preferred choice for oversized artwork, posters, mirrors, and large photographs.

Is non-glare acrylic worth it?

If your frame will hang in a bright room or opposite windows, non-glare acrylic can significantly reduce distracting reflections while preserving a clean, professional appearance.

Why doesn't Custom Frames Canada sell glass?

Because we ship custom frames throughout Canada, acrylic provides a safer and more reliable glazing option by greatly reducing the risk of breakage during transit. We currently offer both standard clear acrylic and non-glare acrylic. If your project requires another glazing solution, please contact us at info@customframescanada.ca, and we'll be happy to discuss your requirements.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right glazing is just as important as choosing the right frame.

While both acrylic and glass have their advantages, acrylic has become the preferred option for many professional framers because it combines excellent clarity, lighter weight, superior impact resistance, and safer shipping.

Whether you're framing artwork, photographs, posters, certificates, diplomas, or memorabilia, selecting the right glazing will help protect your piece and ensure it looks its best for years to come.

If you're unsure which glazing is right for your project, the team at Custom Frames Canada is always happy to help. Contact us at info@customframescanada.ca for personalized advice on choosing the best framing solution for your artwork.