Acrylic vs Glass Picture Frames

When custom framing your art, one of the most important decisions you'll make is choosing the glazing—the clear layer that protects your art. The two main options are Acrylic and Glass. At Modern Memory Design, we offer high-quality versions of both. Here is a guide to help you choose the right one for your project.

The Case for Glass

Glass is the traditional choice for picture framing. It is scratch-resistant and offers excellent clarity.

• Pros: More affordable, highly scratch-resistant, easy to clean with standard glass cleaner.
• Cons: Heavy (especially for large frames), breakable (can damage art if it shatters), not suitable for shipping large frames.

The Case for Acrylic (Plexiglass)

Modern high-quality acrylic is virtually indistinguishable from glass once it's on the wall, but it offers several practical advantages.

• Pros: Lightweight (half the weight of glass), shatter-resistant (safe for kids' rooms and public spaces), ideal for shipping, superior UV protection options.
• Cons: More expensive than basic glass, can be scratched if not cleaned properly (requires a soft cloth and specialized cleaner).

Our Recommendation

For frames smaller than 24x36, glass is a great, cost-effective choice. For large picture frames or anything being shipped, we highly recommend acrylic for its safety and weight advantages. If your art is valuable or in a sunny room, always opt for UV-protective versions of either material.