Glazing

Glazing is a general term used to describe the transparent material covering the artwork as a means of protection, such a glass. There are many variations including regular clear picture glass, anti-reflective (chemically coated to reduce reflection), non-glare (acid etched to help reduce glare), and conservation glass (specially formulated to help filter the damaging effects of UV light). There are also acrylic glazing products that are lighter in weight and come in the non-glare and UV filtering varieties. Glass is easier to clean and more scratch resistant than acrylic products.

Although glass is likely to retain a more perfect surface over the years, there are numerous advantages to acrylic and plexiglass. These materials are unbreakable which is an important consideration if the art will be around children or if the piece is of very high value and you wish to eliminate the chance of broken glass damaging the art.