Our tips for each type of glass

Fingerprints and dirt can put a damper on the perfect picture presentation. Therefore, the glass should be kept clean, just like the picture frame itself. Some types of glass, however, are more difficult to clean than normal glass. Here are some tips for cleaning picture glass - from normal glass to acrylic glass to museum glass.

Normal glass, white glass, toughened safety glass (ESG)

  • Insensitive surface
  • Use for cleaning: Water or commercially available glass cleaner
  • Cif cleaner

Plexiglass®

Artglass and Mirogard® museum glass

  • More demanding cleaning of the surface
  • Use for cleaning: Cif cleaner

Instructions of the glass manufacturer Schott:

  • For ordinary soiling: water, surfactant-containing cleaners such as Alklar (ECOLAB), Pril (HENKEL), ammonia-containing cleaners such as AJAX Glass Cleaner (Colgate-Palmolive), mild alkaline cleaners such as deconex FPD 111 (BORER)
  • Cloth, chamois leather, sponge, scraper
  • Solvents that can be used: acetone, ethanol, benzine or spot(s) gasoline (e.g. Centralin® household gasoline)
  • Not suitable for cleaning: coarse cleaning agents such as: scouring agents or scouring sponges

Instructions of the glass manufacturer Groglass:

  • Use for cleaning: Groglass® glass cleaner or alternatively any other ammonia-free glass cleaner (e.g. Cif cleaner)
  • soft microfiber - or cotton cloth
  • Apply a spray of the glass cleaner to a clean and soft cloth and clean the glass in circular motions. It is important to rub the glass completely dry to avoid leaving streaks and traces of liquid.
  • Not suitable for cleaning: alkaline cleaners such as caustic soda, cleaners containing ammonia, acid, silicone or fluoride, all-purpose cleaners, dishwasher detergents and no scratching or abrasive cleaners.

Optium Museum Acrylic®

Notes from the glass manufacturer Tru Vue:

  • Demanding cleaning of the surface, as streaks are more easily visible due to antireflection coating
  • Use for cleaning: Water
  • 2 microfiber cloths - one for wet cleaning, one for drying as well as isopropyl alcohol, distilled water and gloves
  • Streaks can be removed with a mixture of 1 part alcohol and 10 parts water
  • Damp cleaning: Mix water with isopropyl alcohol in a 1:1 ratio. Spray onto a microfiber cloth and clean using the cloth.
  • Optional: dry cleaned surfaces with a second cloth
  • Dry cleaning: Remove all fingerprints from the affected areas with a dry microfiber cloth, using light, circular wiping motions
  • Alternative cleaning method: an ammonia-free glass cleaner. Do not use acrylic cleaners or polishes 

Tip

Generally speaking, of course, picture glass is best handled with some care. This will help prevent scratches, damage and injury. We recommend wearing soft gloves when removing or cleaning the glass. This also prevents additional soiling.

You want to learn more about picture frame glass? On our site you will find detailed information about our glass types and further knowledge about museum glass.

In our store you will find all utensils for professional cleaning of picture glass.

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