Acrylite

Acrylite

Definition: A brand of picture frame-grade clear acrylic.

Overview

Acrylite is a trademarked brand of high-quality clear acrylic, widely used in the picture framing industry as an alternative to glass. Known for its optical clarity, strength, and lighter weight, Acrylite is a preferred material for both protective glazing and display purposes. Its shatter resistance makes it a safer option than glass for transporting and hanging artwork.

Applications in Framing

• Protective glazing: Shields artwork from dust, debris, and physical damage while providing clear visibility.
• Lightweight alternative: Easier to handle and transport compared to traditional glass.
• Customization: Can be cut to fit standard and custom frame sizes.

Benefits

• High optical clarity with minimal distortion.
• Impact-resistant and safer than glass.
• Lightweight, making large frames more manageable.
• Available in specialized coatings, including UV protection.

Conservation and Archival Considerations

Standard Acrylite offers physical protection but does not inherently block ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can damage artwork over time. For archival framing, UV-filtering or conservation-grade variants of Acrylite should be used to minimize fading and deterioration.

Related Terms

• Polystyrene Sheet
• Plexi Glass
• Acrylic Sheet
• Acrylic Glazing