When to switch to acrylic

[Pro-Am]

Happy Easter to everyone.

When framing photographic prints at what size, do you suggest to switch from glass to acrylic for your frames, for weight and safety purposes? Currently I'm looking at a matted size of 30x40 inches.

Thanks for the help.

[prospero]

A big sheet of glass is no more dangerous than a small piece. If you make sure the frame is strong enough to support it and the wall hangings are sound, the glass itself is stronger than you think. I think someone would have to be pretty determined to injure themselves seriously if the frame didn't actually fall on them.

When it comes to weight issues, a big sheet of perspex is not light. In fact on really big sizes you often need to step up to 4 or even 6mm thick which could make it heavier than 2mm glass.

[Roboframer]

Yes, but for "really big sizes" where you shouldn't be using 2mm glass anyway, the acrylic will always be lighter than the thickness of glass you should be using.

Our Standard Operating Procedure is over one square metre for something with a decent width mount, less if it was with a rebate spacer.

[lawrieh]

Hi Robframer, would you consider 90cm x 70cm ( 0.63sqm) OK to be used with glass and a rebate spacer?

[Roboframer]

Should be fine.

[lawrieh]

Great thanks.

[Kwik Picture Framing]

Personally I think that if you make sure it's all secured properly, it should be fine. In theory, once it's wherever it's intended to be displayed, it shouldn't be touched anyway so not much chance to be damaged. But of course if you feel more comfortable switching to acrylic then that's up to you. Glass is seriously strong, I think you'd have to put your mind to it to damage it, and I'd assume that most people wouldn't do it on purpose!

[Graysalchemy]

I am happy framing a full sheet of glass 4' x 3' anything bigger then i tend to use acrylic

[Pro-Am]

Thanks for the feedback everyone, I have discussed the matter with the client and we will go with glass.