Planetography recommends that you configure your print with glass to help protect it and extend the lifetime of the print. Glass keeps dust off of the print, ensures that water is not splashed on the surface, seals out environmental contaminants, and provides varying amounts of ultraviolet (UV) protection depending on the specific glass (prints fade or experience color shifts in the presence of UV light). If you purchase a print without glass, it is strongly recommended that you have the print laminated to provide some protection.
Frames can be configured with:
|
Premium Clear Glass |
|
Tru Vue Reflection Control Glass |
|
Tru Vue Conservation Clear |
Framed prints can be configured with any of the above options. Unframed images cannot be configured with glass.
Each glass has different properties. All of the glass options are 2.5mm thick.
| Glass Type | Transmission | Reflection | UV Blocking |
|---|---|---|---|
| No glass | 100 | 0 | 0 |
| Premium glass | 91 | 8 | 47 |
| Reflection Control | 90 | 8 | 53 |
| Conservation Reflection Control | 90 | 8 | >97 |
Premium Clear glass is the least expensive of the glass options (other than not using glass). It protects the print surface from harmful elements in the air. It transmits 91% of the available light. It blocks 47% of the UV light present. It reflects 8% of the light
Reflection Control glass has a distortion-free etching on one side to significantly reduce glare over the premium glass. The etching does not distort the print underneath. This glass blocks 53% of the UV light present. It is slightly more expensive than premium clear glass.
Conservation Clear glass provides excellent UV protection, filtering out 97% - 99% of UV light.
All of the glasses may have some reflection (as opposed to glare) in certain lighting situations, as indicated in the table.
Lamination is archival quality and helps protect prints from moisture, dust, fingerprints, environmental contaminants and minor surface damage. It also provides UV protection. Lamination provides good surface protection, but cannot create a completely sealed capsule like glass can. Lamination is available for prints that are not framed.