A Guide to Buying Glass/Acrylic for Picture Frames

Discover how to select the ideal glazing for your picture frames - ensuring your artwork or photographs are beautifully protected and perfectly displayed.

How to measure your picture frame for a piece of glass

Using Backing Board or Mountboard

We recommend measuring the mountboard or backing board that fits inside your frame. This will provide the precise external dimensions needed for your glass or acrylic.

Using Your Existing Frame

Alternatively, if you have a frame without a mount or backing, measure the internal part of the moulding. To ensure the glass fits neatly within the frame, we recommend subtracting 3mm (1/8") off the width and height.

Do I need acrylic glazing or real glass?

While real glass is a traditional and popular choice for picture frames, acrylic glazing is often preferable if you are concerned about weight or the risk of breakage. Acrylic is both lightweight and shatter-resistant, making it ideal for larger frames or locations where safety is a priority.

Benefits of Acrylic:

  • Lightweight, making large frames easier to hang
  • Shatter resistant for improved safety
  • Stronger and less likely to break than real glass
  • Easier and safer to handle and transport

Benefits of Real Glass:

  • Less easily scratched
  • Resistant to temperature change
  • Less prone to static
  • Feels more traditional and has a heavier, quality feel

Compare different types of glass

The picture frame glass that you choose can make a big difference to the overall look of your frame. Use our table of technical details of each of the types of glass we sell below to help you choose the one to suit your needs perfectly.

Glass TypeDepthMaterialPriceShatter ResistantAnti-Reflective99% UV Protection
2mm Float Glass2mmGlass
2mm Acrylic Glass2mmAcrylic
3mm Acrylic Glass3mmAcrylic
3mm AcryGuard Acrylic Glass3mmAcrylic
Tru Vue Conservation UV Filter Glass2.5mmGlass
Tru Vue UltraVue Glass2mmGlass
Tru Vue Clear Museum Glass2.5mmGlass
Tru Vue Optium Museum Acrylic3mmAcrylic

Contact Us

Please contact us if you have any questions or enquiries using our details below:

01246 554338

sales@pictureframeglass.co.uk