What is styrene?

Properties

Styrene is a type of thermoplastic and comes in a flexible sheet that is .035 of an inch thick. It is used as an alternative to glass in our picture frame sizes larger than 11x14".

Benefits

Styrene weighs roughly half as much as glass, and is more shatter resistant than glass. These two factors can greatly reduce shipping costs. If humidity is a concern for the integrity of the frame's contents, styrene is the material of choice. It is a better insulator than glass and is less likely to accumulate condensation.

Care & Cleaning

A thin plastic film protects both sides of styrene during shipping and retail display. The film, which should be taken off before use, is easily removed by hand (see illustration). Glass and styrene should both be cleaned before they are showcased. While glass can be cleaned with a glass cleaner, styrene should only be cleaned by water or a soft cloth, not solvent.

Why is glass only offered in sizes 11”x14” and smaller?

Frames 11x14 and smaller, including 12x12s, include glass. Frames 12x16 and larger come with styrene. Larger frames with glass are fragile and require special handling during packing and shipping. If glass is needed for sizes larger than 11x14 please call: 1-800-577-5920. For safety and liability reasons, we prefer not to ship anything 12x16 or larger with glass. Doing so will decrease the chance of your frames arriving to you in perfect condition.

Is your glass and styrene UV reflective?

The glazing on the glass and styrene used by Frame Place does not reflect ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet reflective glazing is used primarily for conservation framing. In contrast, the products sold by Frame Place are generally for decorative framing purposes.