How to Care for Museum Glass
Essential tips to keep your framed artwork in perfect condition
Lately, we’ve been selling more and more framed works, and we’ve noticed that many people have questions about how to properly care for museum glass. To help you keep your artwork in perfect condition, we’ve put together some essential tips.
Photography by Jacqueline Fuijkschot
Museum glass is an excellent choice for framing artwork. It reduces glare and reflections, making colours and details stand out more clearly. It also provides UV protection - usually between 70% and 90% - which helps slow down the fading of artwork over time. However, museum glass requires careful handling to maintain its quality.
Avoid touching the glass
Museum glass has a special coating that minimises reflections and enhances visibility. Touching the glass with your fingers can leave smudges that are difficult to remove. The oils from your skin can also degrade the coating over time, leaving visible marks.
Photography by Jacqueline Fuijkschot
Never Use Glass-Ex or Harsh Cleaning Products
Products like Glass-Ex can leave a blue haze on museum glass and create static electricity, which attracts dust. This means the glass will get dirty more quickly and require more frequent cleaning.
How to Clean Museum Glass Properly
At Root Gallery, we recommend premium cleaner, a highly effective and safe option that won’t leave streaks or static buildup. (No add)
If your museum glass needs cleaning, use a gentle cleaner and a soft cloth. For the best results, use a lint-free cotton cloth or a specialised glass-cleaning cloth. Some microfibre cloths can cause tiny scratches, especially if dust particles get trapped in the fabric. Always spray the cleaner onto the cloth rather than directly onto the glass, and wipe carefully. Use a dry, clean cloth to remove any remaining streaks.
Photography by Jacqueline Fuijkschot
How to Store a Framed Artwork with Museum Glass
If you need to store or transport a framed work with museum glass, keep these tips in mind:
Always store upright: Place the artwork vertically against a solid surface to prevent pressure on the glass and frame.
Use soft padding between frames: If you’re storing multiple framed works together, place a soft layer (such as foam or fabric) between them to prevent scratches or pressure marks.
Avoid humid environments: Never store framed artwork in damp areas like basements or unventilated storage spaces, as moisture can affect both the glass and the artwork inside.
By handling museum glass with care, you’ll ensure it remains clear and protective for years to come.
Do you have any additional tips or suggestions for us to share? We’d love to hear from you! Feel free to email us at contact@root.gallery, we’re always open to learning more.
Photography by Jacqueline Fuijkschot