Optium Museum Acrylic® (anti-reflective)

Conservation Grade UV Protection

Optium Museum Acrylic® Meets Your Rigorous Standards Durable and strong, Optium is produced using a patented Tru Vue technology. A magnetron-sputtered anti-reflective, anti-static coating is bonded to an abrasion resistant, UV filtering acrylic sheet at an atomic level. This ensures long-lasting protection that doesn’t oxidize and degrade over time.




     
  • Available in 3.0mm, 4.5mm, and 6.0mm thickness  
  • Newly enhanced anti-reflective coating optimizes the appearance while significantly reducing distracting reflections to less than 1% at a 90 degree angle.  
  • Anti-static protection that actually exceeds glass and dissipates 2000 times more static than regular acrylic, making it safe for friable materials and minimizing cleaning.  
  • Abrasion resistant glazing offers 20x more protection than regular acrylic and resists minor scratches associated with frequent cleaning like anti-reflective glass. Can be re-used for traveling and temporary exhibits  
  • Maximum UV protection filters up to 99% of damaging 300-380 nm UV rays so you can display sensitive objects.  
  • Lightweight – 50% lighter than glass. Perfect for large items and display cases.  
  • Gauges up to 4.5 mm can be cut like regular acrylic  
  • Cleans like Tru Vue glass products, with ammonia-free cleaner.  
  • Shatter-resistant, thermal insulating, and anti-static properties provide a secure and protected environment.  
  • Click on Optium Spec Sheet below for more information. Optium_Spec_Sheet.pdf
     
  • For virtually invisible glazing that will enhance colors, brightness and contrast levels of all types of artwork, including shadow boxes  
  • For protecting valued, irreplaceable artwork against damage and fading caused by UV light  
  • Ideal for oversized framing applications and static sensitive pieces, such as pastels and charcoals  
  • When light weight, shatter and abrassion resistant glazing is essential for protection

Handling 

  • Cotton or nitrile rubber gloves should be worn to minimize finger-prints and other particles.
  • Optium Acrylic® products are covered with a protective film masking on each surface. This masking prevents scratching during handling and cutting and should be left in place on the sheet as long as possible
  • To remove the masking, start at one corner and pull towards the opposite side of the sheet slowly and evenly without stopping.
  • The masking should never be exposed to excessive sunlight or outdoor conditions for extended periods of time.

 

Framing Practices for 40”x60” and larger

  • To prevent bowing, twisting, and/or warping during framing, provide reinforcing support of the acrylic sheet during framing.

 

Cleaning 

  • Place the acrylic on a clean, non-abrasive surface for cleaning.
  • Use a clean, soft, lint-free or micro-fiber cloth to clean.
  • Do not use coarse or abrasive cleaning agents or dirty cloths.
  • Spray an ammonia-free cleaner onto the cloth and wipe the acrylic.
  • Never spray cleaner directly on the acrylic.
  • Do not use an acrylic cleaner (i.e., Brillianize) on this product.
  • Do not buff scratches in this product as it may damage the anti-reflective coating.
  • Abrasion-resistant properties prevent mild scratching, but not deep scratches. Cuts by hard objects cannot be repaired.

 

Cutting

3.0mm or 4.5mm Optium Museum Acrylic® and 3mm Optium Acrylic®

  • Place Optium on a clean, dust-free work area.
  • Cover the work table with a soft, clean, lint-free felt.
  • Use a Multi-Material cutter “scribe and break” method.

 

6.0mm Optium Museum Acrylic

  • Fabricate using a power saw with a saw blade specifically designed to cut acrylic. Contact us for saw blade recommendations.
  • Optium Acrylic Glazing should NOT be cut with a laser. The extreme heat can cause crazing, which may lead to delamination of the coating.

 

Storing Optium 

  • Avoid storing in areas where condensation might occur.
  • Use 2-ply rag board or pH neutral paper for interleaf during short-term storage.
  • Stack sheets horizontally with the larger sheets at the bottom, or lean acrylic sheets at an angle of approximately 10 degrees to prevent bowing.
  • Allow 24 hours for climatizing before exhibiting. Condensation will leave water spots on the anti-reflective coating.
  • The masking should never be exposed to excessive sunlight or outdoor conditions for extended periods of time.
  • Although Optium does not require a climate controlled environment for long-term storage, we recommend removing any protective film masking and use pH neutral paper to separate the parts.
  • Optium is not effected by standard museum environments or normal warehouse temperatures, and can withstand extreme temperatures of minus 30 degrees F (-34 degrees C) to 160 degrees F (71 degrees C).
  • If storing framed pieces, please note that Optium expands and contracts, so allow for size variation in frame systems.
  • Avoid shipping framed pieces horizontally as expansion/contraction of the sheet may cause vibration or rubbing against the surface of the artwork.

To order the Optium® Acrylic Glazing Sample Kit, please complete and submit the form below.

  • Need 8"x10" samples? Click here to order an Optium Conservator's Sample Kit

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