Thread: photo frames - glass or perspex?

Originally Posted by forunna

HI there.
I am about to embark on a project to fill a couple of walls with numerous photo frames for SWMBO.
I am mostly using recycled timber from wherever I can find it for a rustic look and doweling each mitred corner. I know this is the hard way but I jsut like it for some reason, nice solid feel.
I was planning on buying sheets of perspex to cut to size on my band saw but I may have changed my mind to go with 2mm glass after talking to the guy at Timbecon. Possibly a member here? I dont know.
What do other people use?
Sizes will be from standard photo size to maybe A4 paper size, but you never know, I might find a good shot or two that is worth going bigger.

Hi Forunna
I always recommend glass as it gives a nice tone. Just make sure it is the non reflective glass. For the size you want 2 mm is ample. Perspecks can give a hazy look. To me it just does not feel right.
Regards Roger

As above, also perspex can damage some types of photograph's due to chemical reaction

I'd also recommend glass, for the above reasons.

Rob

Perspex also discolors if UV comes into contact with it. Glass is also cheaper.

Hey Forunna,

I dabble in Picture Framing and I wouldn't be using Perspex, the sizes you are talking I would use 2mm Glass and dont use Non Reflective, just standard Picture Glass, you will loose too much detail with non reflecvtive glass on the small pictures, if you were doing bigger pictures and recycled timber, to cut down the weight I would use 2mm Acrylic instead of glass, thats what I do my footy jumpers, Posters and big things with.

HazzaB

Concur with Hazza. 2mm picture glass is a much better product than 3mm window glass, and non-reflecting glass removes detail from your paintings.

I have just had a large ink drawing, about 1.8 x 1.2 metres fall from the wall (the wire broke). The frame was demolished, but the glazing and the drawing survived unhurt. Glazing was 2 mm acrylic which had been on the wall for 30 years, and it is still clear and unhazed.

No idea of relative costs.

Cheers

Graeme

PS: I did some A4 size frames a while back and found the cheapest source of glass was to by ready-made frames from a super-discounter (Chickenfeed in Tas), throw away their frames and use just the glass and the backing board.

Thanks people,
glass it is, hands down.