Framing without glass
The classic presentation of pictures in picture frames is usually done with glass. Nevertheless, framing without glass also occurs in some applications. Picture frames without glass are, for example, shadow gap frames, which are used especially for a free-standing presentation of oil paintings or canvas pictures on stretcher frames. This is also the case where a frame without glass makes the most sense. Depending on the artwork, application area or personal taste, a presentation in a picture frame is also possible without glass. Therefore, at HALBE you can get your picture frames without glass on request, if you wish so.
Framing without glass - makes sense?
Framing without glass supports the direct view of the viewer on the motif. This can be especially desirable for pictures painted with oil or acrylic paints, in order to see the structures and brush strokes exactly. Disturbing reflections, which occur with normal glossy glasses, stay away, just as the colour strength and contour sharpness are not weakened, as is the case with matt anti-reflective glasses.
However, in this case there is also a solution with glass, where the white glass or museum glass can be used. White glass in matt or glossy does not detract at all from the colour strength and contour sharpness. The best choice for a perfect picture presentation with picture glass is the anti-reflective museum glass. This offers perfect colour and contour reproduction with a reduction of reflections to less than one percent.
For larger frame formats, weight is often a decisive factor. If the frame is to be as light as possible for various reasons, such as the nature of the wall, omitting the glass can reduce the weight considerably. However, at the same time the protection for the picture is renounced. An acrylic glass, e.g. Plexiglas®, can provide a remedy here. This is much lighter than real glass and also significantly reduces the overall weight. With a 100 x 100 cm frame, normal glass weighs approx. 6-7 kg, with Plexiglas® the weight is reduced by almost half. In case of frequent transports, e.g. for travelling exhibitions, Plexiglas® is an additional safety measure, because unlike mineral real glass, it cannot break under rough treatment.
Disadvantages of picture frames without glass
Of course, framing without glass also has some disadvantages. But why does it make sense to use glass? Just like the picture frame itself, the glass provides the perfect protection for the picture. It forms a partition between the artwork and the viewer, preserving the value of the picture in the long term without disturbing the viewer's gaze. Glass also protects the picture from dust and unwanted contact. In addition, depending on the type of glass, the picture is also protected from harmful UV rays, which would damage the picture in the long term and cause it to lose its radiance, causing the picture to lose material and/or sentimental value.
Is temporary framing without glass desired?
If you would like to be flexible in the framing and present your frame temporarily with and temporarily without glass, it is best to order your frame from HALBE normally with glass. If you wish, you can simply take the glass out of the picture frame and put it back in at a later time, or leave the glass in the frame and simply place your picture on top of it. So the glass is directly well stowed away. Please ask our customer service for more information.
Further information about picture glass
Are you interested in more in-depth information about picture glass and framing with or without glass? In our knowledge section we provide practical and helpful information on picture glass, what you can look for when choosing the glass and what differences there are in the various types of glass. We from HALBE always advise you to use glass in the picture frame, because this is the only way to ensure the best protection for the picture.