The Complete Guide to Tru Vue Glazing for Photo Framing: Conservation Clear vs. Museum Glass vs. Optium Museum Acrylic

When it comes to custom framing, your choice of glazing is just as important as the print itself. The right glazing protects your artwork from UV damage, eliminates glare, enhances clarity, and keeps your photos looking their best for decades.

At Farzan Samsamy Studio, we offer premium Tru Vue® glazing options because they’re the industry standard for museums, galleries, and collectors. In this guide, we’ll compare Conservation Clear®, Museum Glass®, and Optium Museum Acrylic®, and explain why regular glass or acrylic is a risky choice for any valuable photograph.

1. Why Glazing Matters in Photo Framing

High-quality glazing does three essential things:

• UV Protection

  UV rays fade prints, wash out colors, and break down paper over time. Even indoor light can damage artwork.

• Clarity & Color Accuracy

  Premium glazing enhances sharpness, contrast, and color depth — especially for fine art photographs.

• Physical Protection

• Prevents scratches, dust, humidity exposure, and accidental impact.

Choosing poor-quality glazing can ruin a print in less than a year — which is why regular glass from hardware stores is never recommended for photography or artwork.

2. Tru Vue Glazing Options Explained

Below is a detailed breakdown of the three industry-leading options and which one is best for your artwork.

Conservation Clear®

Best For:

Everyday framing, clients who want strong UV protection at a high value.

Key Benefits:

• 99% UV protection

• Preserves colors and prevents fading

• Affordable and reliable

• Bright, clear appearance

• Ideal for family photos, certificates, posters, and general photographic prints

Drawbacks:

• Not anti-reflective — it can glare under certain lighting

• Standard thickness means it’s slightly heavier than acrylic

Summary:
A great entry-level professional glazing. If glare control isn't a priority, Conservation Clear is a long-lasting, museum-approved choice for any photograph.

Museum Glass®

Best For:

High-end photography, gallery prints, exhibition pieces, luxury framing.

Key Benefits:

• 99% UV protection

• Exceptional anti-reflective coating — virtually invisible

• Enhances contrast, sharpness, and detail

• Eliminates reflections even under spotlights

• Allows viewers to see the artwork without glare

Why Artists Love It:

Museum Glass makes prints look as if nothing is in front of them. It delivers the most natural, premium viewing experience for framed photography.

Drawbacks:

• More expensive than Conservation Clear

• Slightly heavier than acrylic options

Summary:
For professional photographers, collectors, and gallery presentations, Museum Glass offers the best balance of clarity and protection.

Optium Museum Acrylic®

Best For:

Large prints, valuable art, gallery work, high-traffic spaces, modern homes.

Key Benefits:

• Virtually unbreakable — perfect for large artwork

• Anti-reflective and 99% UV protection

• Lightweight — excellent for big frames or shipping

• Scratch-resistant coating

• Anti-static for delicate artworks

• Stunning clarity and color accuracy

This is the gold standard for glazing — used by museums around the world for irreplaceable art.

Why Choose Acrylic Over Glass?

• Safer for homes with children or pets

• No risk of shattering

• Perfect for oversized pieces

• Easier to transport and install

Drawbacks:

• Most expensive option

• Requires careful cleaning (but more durable than ordinary acrylic)

Summary:
Optium Museum Acrylic is the premium choice for serious photographers, collectors, and anyone framing large, valuable, or irreplaceable work.

3. Why You Should Not Use Regular Glass or Basic Acrylic

Regular Glass Problems:

• Only 40–50% UV protection — your print will fade quickly

• Highly reflective — strong glare under normal lighting

• Heavy and breaks easily

• Can distort colors and reduce contrast

• Not museum-quality

Regular glass is meant for cheap frames, not professional artwork or photography.

Basic Acrylic Problems:

• Low UV protection unless upgraded

• Easily scratches

• Highly static — can attract dust to the artwork

• Can look hazy compared to Tru Vue products

Basic acrylic is acceptable for décor prints but not for fine art photography.

4. Which Glazing Should You Choose?

Here is a quick comparison:

Glazing Type	UV Protection	Anti-Reflective	Weight	Best For
Conservation Clear®	99%	❌ No	Heavy	Everyday photo framing
Museum Glass®	99%	✔️ Yes	Heavy	Gallery prints, fine art, luxury framing
Optium Museum Acrylic®	99%	✔️ Yes	Light	Large prints, museums, collectors

Final Recommendation From the Studio

• For most photography prints: Museum Glass

• For large or valuable artwork: Optium Museum Acrylic

• For budget-friendly professional framing: Conservation Clear

• Avoid: Regular glass or cheap acrylic — especially for fine art prints

Your print is an investment — and proper glazing ensures it lasts a lifetime.

Looking to frame your photos or artwork professionally?

At Farzan Samsamy Studio, we offer premium framing with Tru Vue Conservation Clear®, Museum Glass®, and Optium Museum Acrylic® — plus custom mouldings, matting, and fine art printing.

👉 Book a Free Consultation to See Glazing Samples In-Person
Let’s preserve your art beautifully and professionally.