The glass type is the decision that lasts longest. It affects not only how brilliant your framed jersey or autograph looks, but also how well the signature survives ten or twenty years from now. Here is an honest comparison of the three common options.
The three glass types at a glance
Real glass is the standard: brilliant optics, no surcharge, but without special UV protection. Acrylic glass is around 50% lighter than real glass and practically shatterproof – ideal for shipping or rooms where something might hit the frame. Museum glass is almost invisibly anti-reflective and blocks up to 95% of the UV radiation that makes signatures fade over time.
Real glass – the classic
For most frames, real glass is the right choice: scratch-resistant, brilliant in appearance, inexpensive to produce. The downside: ordinary glass lets UV light through largely unfiltered. For a frame that doesn't hang in direct sunlight this is usually not a problem – but a spot by the window can lead to visible fading of the signature over the years.
Acrylic glass – light and shatterproof
Acrylic glass scores less on UV protection, but more on weight and safety: it is significantly lighter than real glass and doesn't shatter if it does fall or take a hard hit. That makes it the practical choice for shipping large frames, for kids' rooms, or rooms with a lot of foot traffic – such as a medical practice or an office.
Museum glass – protection for the signature
Museum glass is the premium option: a special anti-reflective coating makes the glass nearly invisible, while a UV filter layer blocks up to 95% of harmful radiation. For a particularly valuable or rare autograph this is the single most important factor – museum glass slows fading considerably and is therefore less a question of looks than an investment in long-term value retention.
Why do autographs fade at all?
Most signatures on jerseys and photos are made with felt-tip or marker – color pigments that react sensitively to UV light. The more direct or indirect sunlight falls on the frame, the faster the ink visibly fades. This happens gradually over years, but it is irreversible: a faded autograph cannot be restored. Anyone wanting to preserve a piece in full glory for decades will find it hard to avoid UV protection.
Who benefits from which glass?
Real glass is perfectly sufficient for most standard cases – especially if the frame doesn't hang in direct sun. Acrylic glass is worthwhile when weight, shipping safety or breakage risk are the priority. Museum glass we recommend for particularly valuable, rare or emotionally significant pieces – for example autographs of deceased players or limited editions, where a replacement is simply impossible.
Price overview
At FRMD PASN, real glass is already included in the base price (€180 for 40 × 50 cm, €225 for 50 × 70 cm). Acrylic glass costs €10 extra, museum glass €55 (40 × 50 cm) or €75 (50 × 70 cm) depending on size. With the price calculator you can see immediately how your choice affects the final price.
Unsure which glass suits your piece? Write to us – in the design consultation we advise you individually, matched to value, location and your budget.