[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"app-navigation":3,"post-glazing-acrylic-glass-vs-plexiglass":138},{"tree":4,"leafs":137},[5,30,47,64,77,133],{"uid":6,"label":7,"to":8,"children":9},"MTM0","Custom Frames","/ctg/custom-frames",[10,14,18,22,26],{"uid":11,"label":12,"to":13},"MjI3","Custom Wood Frames","/ctg/custom-frames/wood",{"uid":15,"label":16,"to":17},"MjI2","Custom Metal Frames","/ctg/custom-frames/metal",{"uid":19,"label":20,"to":21},"MjI4","Custom Floater Frames","/ctg/custom-frames/canvas-floater-frames",{"uid":23,"label":24,"to":25},"MjI5","Stretcher Bars","/ctg/custom-frames/stretcher-bar-frames",{"uid":27,"label":28,"to":29},"MjMw","Frame Samples","/ctg/custom-frames/frame-moulding-samples",{"uid":31,"label":32,"to":33,"children":34},"MjMz","Glass & Acrylic","/ctg/framing-supplies/glass-and-acrylic",[35,39,43],{"uid":36,"label":37,"to":38},"Mjk0","Non-Glare Glass & Acrylic","/ctg/framing-supplies/glass-and-acrylic/non-glare",{"uid":40,"label":41,"to":42},"Mjky","Standard Glass & Acrylic","/ctg/framing-supplies/glass-and-acrylic/standard-glass-acrylic",{"uid":44,"label":45,"to":46},"Mjkz","UV Filter Glass & Acrylic","/ctg/framing-supplies/glass-and-acrylic/uv-filter",{"uid":48,"label":49,"to":50,"children":51},"MjMx","Matboards","/ctg/framing-supplies/mat-board",[52,56,60],{"uid":53,"label":54,"to":55},"MjY0","Custom-Cut Matboards","/ctg/framing-supplies/mat-board/pre-cut-mats",{"uid":57,"label":58,"to":59},"MjM2","Full Sheet Matboards","/ctg/framing-supplies/mat-board/full-sheet-mat-boards",{"uid":61,"label":62,"to":63},"MjM1","Matboard Color Samples","/ctg/framing-supplies/mat-board/mat-board-samples",{"uid":65,"label":66,"to":67,"children":68},"MjMy","Foam Boards","/ctg/framing-supplies/foam-board",[69,73],{"uid":70,"label":71,"to":72},"Mjg5","Custom-Cut Foam Boards","/ctg/framing-supplies/foam-board/custom-foam-board",{"uid":74,"label":75,"to":76},"MjM3","Full Sheet Foam Boards","/ctg/framing-supplies/foam-board/full-sheet-foam-boards",{"uid":78,"label":79,"to":80,"children":81},"MTM1","Framing Supplies","/ctg/framing-supplies",[82,107,120],{"uid":83,"label":84,"to":85,"children":86},"MTM1-group-0","Assembly & Mounting","/ctg/framing-supplies/assembly-and-mounting",[87,91,95,99,103],{"uid":88,"label":89,"to":90},"MjQz","Adhesives & Glue","/ctg/framing-supplies/photo-mounting-supplies/adhesives-glue",{"uid":92,"label":93,"to":94},"MjQy","ATG Tape","/ctg/framing-supplies/photo-mounting-supplies/atg-tape",{"uid":96,"label":97,"to":98},"MjQw","Hinging Tape & Tissue","/ctg/framing-supplies/photo-mounting-supplies/hinging-tape-tissue",{"uid":100,"label":101,"to":102},"MjQx","Photo Corners & Strips","/ctg/framing-supplies/photo-mounting-supplies/photo-corners-strips",{"uid":104,"label":105,"to":106},"MjM0","Picture Frame Spacers","/ctg/framing-supplies/picture-frame-spacers",{"uid":108,"label":109,"to":110,"children":111},"MTM1-group-1","Hanging & Finishing","/ctg/framing-supplies/hanging-and-finishing",[112,116],{"uid":113,"label":114,"to":115},"MjQ0","Hanging Hardware","/ctg/framing-supplies/picture-frame-hanging-supplies",{"uid":117,"label":118,"to":119},"MjQ2","Cleaning Supplies","/ctg/framing-supplies/cleaning-supplies",{"uid":121,"label":122,"to":123,"children":124},"MTM1-group-2","Protection & Storage","/ctg/framing-supplies/protection-and-storage",[125,129],{"uid":126,"label":127,"to":128},"Mjk4","GalleryPouch™ Art Bags","/prod/gallery-pouch",{"uid":130,"label":131,"to":132},"Mjc4","Photo Storage Boxes","/ctg/framing-supplies/backing-and-protection-supplies/clear-bags-and-storage-boxes",{"uid":134,"label":135,"to":136},"Mjgx","Sale","/ctg/picture-frames-discount",{"MjI3":10,"MjI2":14,"MjI4":18,"MjI5":22,"MjMw":26,"Mjk0":35,"Mjky":39,"Mjkz":43,"MjY0":52,"MjM2":56,"MjM1":60,"Mjg5":69,"MjM3":73,"MjQz":87,"MjQy":91,"MjQw":95,"MjQx":99,"MjM0":103,"MjQ0":112,"MjQ2":116,"Mjk4":125,"Mjc4":129,"Mjgx":133},{"id":139,"title":140,"uri":141,"content":142,"date":143,"categories":144,"image":148,"author":151,"seo":153},"cG9zdDo4NTY0","Acrylic Glass vs Plexiglass: Which is Best For Your Framing Project?","/glazing/acrylic-glass-vs-plexiglass","\n\u003Cp>When it comes to framing your cherished artwork, photos, or memorabilia, selecting the right glazing material is critical for ensuring both protection and aesthetic appeal. The choice between \u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/ctg/framing-supplies/glass-and-acrylic.html\">acrylic for picture frames\u003C/a> and plexiglass often sparks debate among framing enthusiasts. While these terms are frequently used interchangeably, they do have nuances that can influence your decision. \u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>If you're looking for a short answer: acrylic tends to be the better option for most framing needs due to its superior optical clarity, lightweight properties, and versatile protective features. However, plexiglass may be a suitable alternative in specific scenarios. Let’s break down the differences, benefits, and best use cases for both materials.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Understanding Acrylic and Plexiglass\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://res.cloudinary.com/frame-destination/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto,c_scale/media/catalog/category/FD-WebAssets_CatHero_GlassandAcrylic_jbfois.jpg\" alt=\"acrylic glass vs plexiglass\"/>\u003C/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is Acrylic?\u003C/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Acrylic is a transparent plastic material known for its optical clarity and durability. It’s often used as a substitute for glass in framing because it is lighter, less fragile, and can include various coatings like UV protection or anti-glare finishes. Acrylic is a broad category, encompassing multiple brands and grades, such as Lucite and Acrylite.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is Plexiglass?\u003C/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Plexiglass is a brand name that refers to a specific type of acrylic sheet. It shares most properties with generic acrylic but is often marketed as a high-quality option. Essentially, plexiglass is a type of acrylic, but not all acrylic is plexiglass.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Differences Between Acrylic and Plexiglass\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>While acrylic and plexiglass share many similarities, their distinctions come down to subtle factors such as manufacturing process, durability, and cost.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Material Composition and Manufacturing\u003C/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Acrylic can be manufactured using two processes: extruded acrylic and cast acrylic.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003Cli>Extruded Acrylic: Less expensive and ideal for projects that don’t require the highest level of clarity or durability.\u003C/li>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>Cast Acrylic: Offers better optical clarity, scratch resistance, and uniformity, often found in premium applications like art framing.\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Plexiglass is generally made using the cast acrylic process, meaning it typically has higher quality and uniformity compared to lower-grade acrylic products.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Durability and Resistance\u003C/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Both acrylic and plexiglass are far more impact-resistant than glass, but their resistance to scratches and warping can vary:\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003Cli>Plexiglass tends to be more scratch-resistant due to its high manufacturing standards.\u003C/li>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>Generic acrylic may scratch more easily but often comes with coatings to counteract this.\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Cost\u003C/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Plexiglass, being a branded and higher-quality material, can cost more than generic acrylic. If you are working on a budget, extruded acrylic may provide a cost-effective solution without sacrificing too much in terms of quality.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Benefits of Acrylic for Framing\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Acrylic is a favorite choice among professional framers and art enthusiasts for several reasons:\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Lightweight and Shatterproof\u003C/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Acrylic weighs about half as much as glass, making it ideal for large frames or installations that require mobility. It is also shatter-resistant, ensuring your artwork stays safe even in high-traffic areas or during transit.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"has-text-align-center\">\u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/ctg/framing-supplies/glass-and-acrylic.html\">Shop Picture Frame Glass and Acrylic\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Customizable Protective Features\u003C/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Acrylic sheets are available with additional coatings, including:\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003Cli>UV Protection: Blocks harmful ultraviolet rays, preventing fading or discoloration of your artwork.\u003C/li>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>Anti-Glare Coating: Reduces reflections, ensuring your framed piece is visible from any angle.\u003C/li>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>Scratch-Resistant Coating: Increases durability and reduces wear over time.\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Optical Clarity\u003C/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Acrylic offers exceptional clarity, often appearing as transparent as glass, without the risk of greenish tints that some low-quality glass products can exhibit.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Benefits of Plexiglass for Framing\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>While plexiglass shares many of the same advantages as acrylic, its standout features make it particularly well-suited for high-value or professional framing applications.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Superior Durability\u003C/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Plexiglass is more resistant to warping and discoloration compared to some lower-grade acrylics. If you are framing items for long-term display, especially in varying environmental conditions, plexiglass offers an edge.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Enhanced Scratch Resistance\u003C/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The high manufacturing standards of plexiglass ensure it is less prone to scratching compared to extruded acrylic, making it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas or professional galleries.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Drawbacks to Consider\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Acrylic\u003C/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003Cli>Susceptible to Scratches Without Coatings: Uncoated acrylic can scratch easily, so it may not be suitable for areas with heavy handling.\u003C/li>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>Static Attraction: Acrylic tends to attract dust due to static electricity, which can be problematic for delicate materials like pastels or charcoals.\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Plexiglass\u003C/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003Cli>Higher Cost: As a branded product, plexiglass is often more expensive than generic acrylic, which can make it less appealing for budget-conscious projects.\u003C/li>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>Weight: While still lighter than glass, plexiglass can be slightly heavier than some extruded acrylic options.\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which Should You Choose for Framing?\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Choose Acrylic If:\u003C/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003Cli>You want an affordable, versatile, and lightweight solution.\u003C/li>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>You need UV protection or anti-glare features for preserving and displaying art in various lighting conditions.\u003C/li>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>Your frame will be moved frequently, making shatter-resistance a priority.\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Choose Plexiglass If:\u003C/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003Cli>You are framing high-value or professional artwork where durability and optical perfection are paramount.\u003C/li>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>The framing environment may expose the glazing to more wear and tear, requiring enhanced scratch resistance.\u003C/li>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>Budget is less of a concern, and you’re seeking a premium-grade material.\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tips for Using Acrylic or Plexiglass in Framing\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Handle With Care\u003C/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Always wear gloves when handling either material to avoid leaving fingerprints or scratches.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Clean Properly\u003C/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Use a microfiber cloth and a cleaner specifically designed for acrylic to prevent damage or clouding.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Opt for UV Protection\u003C/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>If your artwork will be exposed to natural light, prioritize materials with UV-blocking capabilities to avoid fading over time.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Match the Material to the Project\u003C/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>For large frames or intricate designs, the lightweight properties of acrylic or plexiglass make them much easier to manage than glass.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final Thoughts\u003C/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>When choosing between acrylic and plexiglass for framing, the best choice depends on your specific needs, budget, and the value of the item being framed. For most projects, acrylic provides a winning combination of affordability, versatility, and protection. However, if you’re framing valuable or professional artwork, plexiglass may be worth the extra investment for its durability and clarity.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>By understanding the differences and evaluating your priorities, you can confidently choose the best glazing material to showcase and protect your treasured pieces for years to come.\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Further Reading:\u003C/strong>\u003C/p>\n\n\n\n\u003Cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003Cli>\u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/blog/glazing/glass-vs-acrylic-for-photography-framing\">Glass vs Acrylic for Framing\u003C/a>\u003C/li>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>\u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/blog/glazing/the-benefits-of-acrylic-glazing\">Benefits of Acrylic in Framing\u003C/a>\u003C/li>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>\u003Ca href=\"https://www.framedestination.com/blog/glazing/pros-and-cons-of-acrylic-for-framing\">Pros and Cons of Acrylic \u003C/a>\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Written by \u003Ca href=\"/info/mark-rogers-author.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mark Rogers\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cimg decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://res.cloudinary.com/frame-destination/c_lpad,dpr_2.0,q_auto/v1/media/wysiwyg/Mark_Rogers.jpeg?_i=AB\" style=\"float:left;height:100px;width:100px;padding:5px;\" alt=\"Mark Rogers\"> Mark Rogers is the President and Co-Founder of Frame Destination. With over 20 years of experience in the field, Mark has become a leading authority on framing techniques and best practices, and has earned a reputation for his innovative approaches to custom framing and frame services for photographers and artists.\u003C/p>\u003Cbr>\n\n\n\n\u003Cstyle>h2, h3, h4 {padding:10px 1px;}\u003C/style>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003C/p>\n","2025-01-13T14:22:45",[145],{"name":146,"slug":147},"Glazing","glazing",{"url":149,"label":150},"https://frameblog.framedestination.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/glass-vs-acrylic.jpg","glass vs acrylic",{"name":152},"Mark Rogers",{"title":140,"metaDesc":140,"metaKeywords":154,"canonical":155,"schema":156},"","https://www.framedestination.com/blog/glazing/acrylic-glass-vs-plexiglass",{"articleType":157,"pageType":158,"raw":160},[],[159],"WebPage","{\"@context\":\"https://schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https://www.framedestination.com/blog/glazing/acrylic-glass-vs-plexiglass\",\"url\":\"https://www.framedestination.com/blog/glazing/acrylic-glass-vs-plexiglass\",\"name\":\"Acrylic Glass vs Plexiglass: Which is Best For Your Framing Project?\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https://www.framedestination.com/blog/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https://www.framedestination.com/blog/glazing/acrylic-glass-vs-plexiglass#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https://www.framedestination.com/blog/glazing/acrylic-glass-vs-plexiglass#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https://frameblog.framedestination.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/glass-vs-acrylic.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-01-13T20:22:45+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-03-07T19:19:14+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https://www.framedestination.com/blog/#/schema/person/9e4cf1f2b328b01d3bb9f0a0f1d70d5c\"},\"description\":\"Acrylic Glass vs Plexiglass: Which is Best For Your Framing Project?\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https://www.framedestination.com/blog/glazing/acrylic-glass-vs-plexiglass\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https://www.framedestination.com/blog/glazing/acrylic-glass-vs-plexiglass#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https://frameblog.framedestination.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/glass-vs-acrylic.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https://frameblog.framedestination.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/glass-vs-acrylic.jpg\",\"width\":1200,\"height\":628,\"caption\":\"glass vs acrylic\"},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https://www.framedestination.com/blog/#website\",\"url\":\"https://www.framedestination.com/blog/\",\"name\":\"Frame Destination\",\"description\":\"Protecting your Artwork is our Business\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https://www.framedestination.com/blog/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https://www.framedestination.com/blog/#/schema/person/9e4cf1f2b328b01d3bb9f0a0f1d70d5c\",\"name\":\"Mark Rogers\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https://www.framedestination.com/blog/#/schema/person/image/\",\"url\":\"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/2afb859a5a699cc4a5bfdda06f6cafdf?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/2afb859a5a699cc4a5bfdda06f6cafdf?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Mark Rogers\"},\"description\":\"Mark Rogers is an amateur photographer and the founder of Frame Destination, Inc. In 2004 Mark realized the framing industry was not keeping up with the evolution of photography via new digital technology and started Frame Destination in his garage. Now his company has thousands of do-it-yourself framing customers across the US that it helps with its 11,000 square feet production facility in Dallas, TX.\",\"sameAs\":[\"https://plus.google.com/+MarkRogersFDI\"]}]}"]