Which Glass is Best for Your Art? Exploring UV Protection, Non-Glare & Museum Glass for Custom Framing

Have you ever walked into a room and noticed a stunning framed piece—only to be distracted by a strong glare or annoying reflections?

Or maybe you’ve seen a cherished photo fade over time, even though it was protected behind glass? Believe it or not, the type of glass you choose in custom framing matters more than most people think. From how your artwork is viewed to how well it’s preserved, glass plays a starring role.

When customers come into our frame shop in Broward County, we often hear questions like: “Do I really need special glass?”, “Isn’t regular glass good enough?”, or “What’s the difference between UV glass and museum glass?” If you’ve asked yourself the same, you’re not alone. Glass is more than just a final touch—it’s a powerful component of both protection and presentation. So let’s break it down in a fun, friendly way that makes it easy to decide which glass type is best for you.

Why Does Glass Choice Matter in Framing?

Imagine framing a family portrait you adore, only to discover that a year later, it has faded from sun exposure. Or you hang a beautiful painting in your living room, but you can’t enjoy it because every time you look at it, all you see is a reflection of your ceiling fan. That’s where glass comes in.

Different types of glass offer different levels of protection and visibility. When paired with the right frame type and matting, the right glass can preserve your piece for decades while enhancing how it looks on display. Whether you're creating a gallery wall or framing a sentimental keepsake, choosing the best glass can take your custom framing experience to the next level.

UV-Protective Glass: Shield Your Art from the Sun

Do you live in a sunny home or love displaying art near windows? UV-protective glass is a must. This type of glass blocks up to 99% of harmful ultraviolet rays that can cause fading, yellowing, or deterioration of paper and ink over time.

Think about posters, photographs, and watercolor paintings—these pieces are especially vulnerable to UV damage. UV-protective glass keeps them looking vibrant and sharp for years to come. It’s a top choice for anyone who values long-term preservation, especially in high-light areas. In our shop, customers often opt for this when framing vacation photos or kids’ artwork they want to enjoy every day—without watching it fade.

Anti-Reflective Glass: Say Goodbye to Reflections

If you’re tired of seeing your own reflection instead of your art, non-glare glass might be your new best friend. This glass is treated to diffuse light, reducing harsh reflections and glare. It’s perfect for pieces displayed under direct lighting or in rooms with lots of windows.

While non-glare glass can sometimes slightly soften the image’s clarity, newer versions offer fantastic clarity with minimal distortion. It’s great for busy spaces like hallways or living rooms where light bounces off everything. We’ve seen customers frame graduation certificates, diplomas, and wedding photos with non-glare glass to ensure that what matters is always visible—no matter the lighting.

Museum Glass: The Gold Standard of Custom Framing

Want the very best? Museum glass combines both UV protection and anti-reflective technology to give you the ultimate in clarity and preservation. It blocks 99% of UV rays and has virtually no reflection, allowing you to enjoy every detail of your art without any distractions.

Museum glass is ideal for high-value pieces, limited-edition prints, or anything deeply meaningful to you. It’s like putting your art in a protective bubble that’s also invisible. Customers often choose museum glass for heirloom documents, original paintings, and fine art prints. It’s an investment in both protection and presentation—and it’s truly worth every penny.

So, Which Glass Should You Choose?

Still not sure? That’s totally normal. Start by asking yourself: Where will the piece hang? How much natural light hits that area? Is the piece replaceable, or is it one-of-a-kind? What’s your budget?

If you’re framing an irreplaceable item or a valuable piece, museum glass is the obvious winner. For high-traffic areas or bright rooms, UV-protective or non-glare glass might be the perfect fit. And remember, your choice of glass should work hand-in-hand with your frame type, matting, and overall home interior design.

Custom Framing in Broward County: Let’s Make It Easy

Here at our Broward County frame shop, we love helping people find the perfect glass for their custom framing projects. We take the time to show you side-by-side comparisons, explain the benefits, and help you visualize how each option will look in your space.

Our team understands that every piece is unique, and so is your home. Whether you prefer sleek modern frame types or ornate traditional designs, we’ll help you match the right glass with the right