Our variety of Glass and Acrylic at Kendals

There’s glass and then there’s diffused glass, art glass, UV glass, not actually glass and even no glass at all. Visit our showroom today.

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Our variety of Glass and Acrylic in London, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire & Buckinghamshire

Plain and Diffused Glass

We offer two popular standard glass options, each with its own unique benefits, depending on the look and level of protection you want for your artwork or photographs.

Plain Float Glass

Offers bright, clear visibility with a smooth surface
Ideal for everyday framing where light conditions are controlled
Available with optional UV filtering to help protect against fading caused by sunlight and ambient light exposure

Diffused Glass (Non-Reflective)

Lightly etched surface reduces glare and reflections
Creates a soft, matt effect that's ideal for framing under direct lighting
Maintains clarity while diffusing harsh reflections
Also available with UV protection for added preservation

Both options provide reliable and affordable solutions for general framing needs, combining clarity, function, and value — with the added benefit of optional UV filtering to help safeguard your pieces over time.

Art Glass

Art glass is ideal where clarity of your piece is enhanced by having little to no reflection on the glass. This is especially true for box frames, memorabilia, cross-stitch, tapestries, fine detail and vibrant coloured artwork.

We offer an extensive range of anti-reflective art glass that delivers exceptional clarity as well as a choice of UV protection to suit your requirements. With virtually no visible reflection, tinting or shading, art glass provides outstanding transparency. This glass allows you to fully appreciate every item, stitch and fine detail, as if no glass were there at all. With the added benefit of protection from UV rays, art glass will help to safeguard your artwork from fading and discolouration over time.

Art Glass Option:

AR70 – With 70% UV protection, this offers excellent clarity with minimal reflection and is ideally used for general items where a low level of protection is required for lower value items.
AR92 – With 92% UV protection, this offers the same exceptional clarity as AR70 but with a higher protection against UV rays. Generally used with more valuable or precious items where colour is likely to be reduced by fading over time.
AR99 – This offers the highest protection from UV rays, protecting the most valuable and expensive pieces of artwork. Extensively used in museum, this provides 99% UV protection whilst still maintaining its first-class transparency.

Acrylic & Styrene Glazing Options

For larger pieces or artworks intended for high-traffic areas like family rooms, schools, or public spaces, you may choose acrylic or styrene instead of traditional glass. These lightweight, shatter-resistant alternatives offer excellent safety and durability without compromising on clarity.

Acrylic Glazing

Shatter-resistant and much lighter than glass, making it ideal for large or oversized frames
Available in a range of finishes including:
Scratch-resistant surface for long-term durability
UV-protective versions to help prevent fading and sun damage
Ultra-clear acrylic for high-transparency display with minimal distortion
Suitable for valuable artworks in areas where safety is a priority

Styrene Glazing

Economical, lightweight option often used in commercial and ready-made frames
Offers good clarity with basic protection
More flexible than acrylic but prone to surface scratches
Available with UV filtering for short- to medium-term protection

Both options are excellent for framing where weight, safety, or budget is a concern — offering versatile solutions without sacrificing presentation quality.

Laminating

For larger prints or posters that require stabilisation before framing, we offer a premium art laminating service — ideal for preserving your piece without the need for traditional glazing. Available in both gloss and matt finishes, our laminate is thick enough to provide excellent protection against handling and moisture.

This method is especially useful for large-scale artwork, as it eliminates the need for glass, significantly reducing the overall weight of the finished piece while still ensuring a sleek, professional presentation.

Glazing Options Comparison

Feature	Acrylic	Styrene	Glass (Float or Diffused)	AR70	AR92	AR99
Weight	Lightweight	Very lightweight	Heaviest option	Lightweight	Lightweight	Lightweight
Shatter Resistance	Shatter-resistant	Shatter-resistant	Can break/shatter	Shatter-resistant	Shatter-resistant	Shatter-resistant
Clarity	High clarity (Ultra-clear available)	Good clarity	Excellent clarity	Very high clarity	Very high clarity	Exceptional clarity
Scratch Resistance	Available in scratch-resistant finish	Prone to scratching	Naturally scratch-resistant	Scratch-resistant	Scratch-resistant	Scratch-resistant
UV Protection	Up to 99% (optional)	Available with UV filtering	Available with UV filtering	Up to 70% UV protection	Up to 92% UV protection	Up to 99% UV protection
Finish Options	Gloss, Matte, Non-glare, Ultra-clear	Gloss	Clear (Float) or Matte (Diffused)	Non-glare, Ultra-clear	Non-glare, Ultra-clear	Non-glare, Ultra-clear
Cost	Moderate	Most economical	Moderate to High	Moderate	Moderate to High	High
Best For	Large frames, public or high-traffic areas	Budget framing, temporary displays	Traditional, everyday use	High-end artwork, minimal reflections	Premium artwork, superior clarity	Top-tier artwork, maximum UV protection