Frame grade acrylic, also known as frame grade plexiglass, is a clear plastic material that is commonly used as a substitute for glass in frames, windows, and other clear applications. As a cost-effective material option, frame grade acrylic is a popular material choice for framing projects thanks to its clear, lightweight, durable, and versatile properties.
Furthermore, Piedmont Plastics distributes frame grade acrylic from manufacturers who meticulously inspect every sheet for imperfections. As the material of choice for museums and galleries across North America, our clear plastic frames provide high-quality viewing for a variety of applications.
Benefits of Frame Grade Acrylic
When compared to glass, frame grade acrylic is the superior option. Our acrylic is approximately half the weight of traditional glass, making it much easier to handle and install. In addition, because acrylic is considerably lighter, it won’t cause additional strain on hanging picture frames and displays.
Another key benefit of frame grade acrylic is its exceptional optical clarity. These specially manufactured frame grade plastic sheets are designed with clarity in mind and are consistently better for viewing than glass. This plastic picture frame material will not show glare or possess black speck contamination, making it the ideal viewing material for professional displays.
Frame grade acrylic is also 10 to 20 times more impact resistant than glass, providing optimal protection in highly trafficked areas. Acrylic is even designed to be shatter resistant, making it the safer option when objects come into contact with displays or frames.
An additional benefit of using frame grade acrylic is it’s UV resistance. During the manufacturing process a special UV coating can be added to frame grade sheets to help reduce UV damage. Our frame grade acrylic sheet is up to 98% UV resistant while retaining its crystal clear appearance. In addition to its UV resistance, frame grade acrylic is durable enough to be left outdoors thanks to its weatherable characteristics.
Frame Grade Acrylic Applications
Due to its enhanced features, our acrylic picture frames are used in applications across a variety of industries. Museums, galleries, collectors, and conservationists all use our plexiglass material because it has proven to be a reliable alternative to traditional glass sheets.
Some of the most common uses for frame grade acrylic include:
- Display cases
- Picture frames
- Vitrines
- Photo holders
Standard Sizes, Grades, and Color Options
At Piedmont Plastics, you can order frame grade acrylic in standard sizes online.
Our acrylic grades include UV-filtering, P99 non-glare, UF-5 UV-filtering, OP3 UV-filtering with PP5 non-glare, FF3 frame grade, and more.
In addition to clear acrylic options, we stock high gloss and matte finish acrylic sheets.
We also stock a variety of brand name materials, including Optix® frame grade acrylic, Lucite® acrylic, and Tru Vue® acrylic.
Don’t see the exact size, grade, or finish you need? Let us know! You can submit a quote online and we will source the material to meet your requirements.
Contact Us Today!
At Piedmont Plastics, we are proud to offer industry-leading products from some of the world’s best brands. When shopping for frame grade acrylic, keep us in mind. Our plastic experts are prepared to offer solutions and value-added services to ensure you get the exact products you need and on time. Contact your local branch today to get started!