Glass or Acrylic Whats your preference

[Stuart Orrell]

Hi Creekers

I've been doing a lot of experimenting, engraving portrait photos on glass and have finally got some decent results.

Personally I find the glass gives a good result, engraved on mount side and placed in a frame with black mount behind. However, reflectivity can be a nuisance. The picture has to be positioned carefully to reduce glare and reflectivity.

Finding easily available non reflective glass is a challenge.

I am curious to know what your material preferences are for a quality product of this type: Glass, Acrylic, Black Acrylic, etc?

What are the +'s and -'s of each material?

Thanks!

[Frank Corker]

Stuart, the reflectivity in glass and acrylic is going to be minimal, most acrylics off the shelf are shiny but you can buy the other. That said, pros and cons.

Glass is more robust to scratching. Acrylic can scratch but rarely breaks and when it does it's usually into two pieces and not a 1000+.

Acrylic is usually a cheaper alternative to glass and lends itself to more usuable options. It can be cut with a laser, or a saw for that matter, etched, painted, bevelled polished. Glass can't be reliably cut with the average lasering machine, it needs to be cut with a specialist tool, it can be etched beautifully, painted with certain types of paint, but not easily bevelled.

Etched glass has a nice finish when it has been done properly, the finish from sandblasting is much more even and smooth when done with a shotblasting technique. Cast acrylic however, is the mother of all materials when it comes to the laser engraver, almost purpose made for it. You will find that out more and more as you get used to your machine.

In my opinion (and I am not affiliated to any company) my preference would be the laser engravers favourite as personal choice.

[Stuart Orrell]

Thanks Frank,

I haven't been doing this for very long and appreciate your advice.

I'm keen to try cast acrylic with the photos. I have had great results with cutting and engraving standard vector work with this material before but haven't tried photo's. My main concern was the scratch resistance of the material. I'll give it a go and evaluate the end result. It does seem to offer more options too with the possibility of cutting profiles to give more styled and elegant end products.

Thanks!

[Steve Clarkson]

Cast acrylic however, is the mother of all materials when it comes to the laser engraver, almost purpose made for it.

So you ARE "recommending" cast acrylic....aren't you? Got a brother-in-law that sells the stuff, or something?

[Bryan Jater]

Cast acrylic is the best material in my opinion. It holds the detail better than glass and you can get some stunning results with the right setting!!

[Michael Wintermute]

Cast Acrylics by far is my choice, Unless I am going to paint on the back than I use Extruded bacause the laser will polish the edge better, leaving less hand buffing.
Mike

[Frank Corker]

Cast acrylic is the best material in my opinion. It holds the detail better than glass and you can get some stunning results with the right setting!!

Bryan, nice to see you on the site, it will be good to have your input here.

[Jani Pedersen]

Hi Bryan, good to see you here.

My thanks to Identify for all their help yesterday ~ excellent service !

[Bryan Jater]

Hi Frank/Jani, I thought it was about time I got on SMC, I have been hearing about it for ages, hopefully I can be of some assistance to UK users!

[Mike Null]

Bryan

Welcome to SMC. Your help would be appreciated here in the U.S. and the rest of the world as well.

[Steven Wallace]

Slightly off subject but, I was planning on doing some flag shadow boxes. Does anyone know if the acrylic properties are any different than glass from a preservation stand point. I know some people refold the flags over some sort of board to help help with retaining the shape over time and there is always talk of making sure that the material used does not react and degrade the original fabric. I am just wondering if the same pertains to Acrylic vs. Glass. For me, my preference would be the acrylic for the durability and ability to cut it with my laser. Thanks for any info.

[rodger d cooley]

Check with any framing shop for non relective glass. It comes in several different flavors (and prices). Here in the states tru vue is the big player. Ask for AR glass or museum glass.

For preservation material in shadow boxes always opt for the more expensive conservation acid free materials. Bainbridge makes excellant conservation mat board.