Glass protects a print, but it also gets in the way. It reflects windows and lights, adds weight, raises shipping risk and puts a barrier between the viewer and the surface of the work. For canvas, many photographic prints and contemporary display work, more people are choosing to frame without glazing. Done well, it looks cleaner and more immediate. Done without proper protection, the print is left exposed.
The case for going glass-free
- No reflections, so the work can be seen properly from any angle.
- Lighter frames that are easier to hang and cheaper to ship.
- No risk of broken glass in transit or in busy public spaces.
- The surface texture of canvas and fine art paper remains visible.
- Suits contemporary styles such as float frames and stretched canvas.
What the print needs instead
Without glass, the print surface has to look after itself. That means protection against fingerprints, dust, moisture, cleaning and light. A liquid coating such as Colourjet protects artwork from water, chemicals and abrasion, and its integrated UV inhibitors help guard against premature fading. A coated print can usually be dusted and wiped gently, which is not something you would do to an uncoated inkjet print.
How to approach it
- Choose a print media suited to unglazed display, such as canvas or a robust fine art or photo media.
- Allow the print to dry and outgas fully.
- Test the coating on an offcut of the same ink and media, since solvent coatings do not suit every combination.
- Choose a finish to suit the work and its lighting; semi-gloss and matt finishes are popular for unglazed display because they control reflections.
- Coat evenly and let it cure fully, following the technical data sheet, before mounting or framing.
- Mount or stretch with care, handling the print by its edges.
- Include simple care instructions for the buyer.
Framing options
Float frames leave a small gap around a stretched canvas or mounted print, giving a modern, gallery look. Box frames without glazing can work for mounted prints. Prints can also be mounted to rigid board and hung with a concealed hanging system. For wall-sized imagery, Phototex self-adhesive fabric offers another route, applied directly to the wall with no frame at all.
When glass is still the better choice
Glazing still makes sense for delicate or valuable originals, archival collections, works on paper that cannot be coated, or prints hung where they are likely to be touched or splashed regularly. A coating protects the surface, but it is not a physical shield against knocks.
For more ideas, see our applications and the coatings on our products page.
Considering glass-free framing for your studio or gallery? Speak to us on 01252 624 411, or send an enquiry and we will come back to you.