[Tom Swaman]

The consideration of glass versus plastic in front of a photograph has changed in the last several years because of the rapid advancement in polymer technology. There are different plastics available for use in framing just like there are different glasses. The two most common plastics used today are based in acrylics or polycarbonates. Optically, the acrylics are generally far better than are the polycarbonates. Furthermore, using the three most common parameters for optical cover comparison, namely percent transmission, percent reflection and percent UV exclusion, acrylics tend to have the edge over most glass.

There are a number of reasons for putting a cover over a photograph such as protection, protection and also protection. However, the choice between glass and acrylic or other plastic needs to be made in conjunction with the framing and the matting process. The selection ought best change depending upon how close the photograph will be to the cover when framed. In fact, it is possible today to frame photographs in contact with the cover, contrary to historical recommendation, if the cover is an anti-reflecting high grade of acrylic.

Framing and coveriung a photograph has become a relatively scientific art.

Tom