Glare refers to unwanted reflections or bright hotspots that appear on the surface of glazing materials such as glass or acrylic when light sources reflect off them. In picture framing, glare can obscure the view of the artwork beneath and diminish the visual experience.

Causes of Glare

Direct light sources: sunlight or artificial lighting reflecting at specific angles.
Specular reflection: smooth, glossy glass surfaces bounce light directly into the viewer's eyes.
Viewing angle: glare increases when the artwork is viewed at an angle relative to the light source.

Effects on Artwork Presentation

Obscures fine details and colors of the art.
Distracts the viewer's focus from the subject.
Makes photography of framed artwork difficult due to reflections.

Solutions for Reducing Glare

Non-Glare Acrylic: an acrylic glazing treated with a matte surface to diffuse reflections. Learn more.
UV-Non-Glare Acrylic: combines glare reduction with UV filtering for additional protection. Learn more.
Anti-Reflective Glass: glass coated with specialized optical coatings that significantly reduce reflections while maintaining clarity. Learn more.
Museum Glass: a premium anti-reflective glass that is nearly invisible, also offering UV protection.
Placement of lighting: adjusting angles of display lighting to reduce direct reflections on the glazing.

Best Practices

Use anti-reflective or non-glare glazing for pieces displayed in high-light environments.
Avoid placing framed artwork directly opposite windows or bright lamps.
For valuable art, consider museum-grade glazing to balance clarity, UV protection, and glare reduction.
When photographing framed art, adjust angles and use diffused light to minimize visible reflections.

FAQs

Does non-glare acrylic reduce image clarity?: Yes - non-glare acrylic diffuses light, which can soften fine details if the glazing is not in direct contact with the art. Anti-reflective glass or museum glass provides glare reduction without sacrificing clarity.
Is glare the same as UV damage?: No. Glare is a visual interference caused by reflections, while UV damage refers to fading or deterioration caused by ultraviolet light. However, glazing options exist that address both concerns simultaneously.
What's the best choice for galleries?: Museum glass or anti-reflective acrylic is typically preferred in gallery and museum settings because it nearly eliminates glare while preserving image sharpness.

Glare