UV-protective glass
Artglass UV 99 — UV-Protective Conservation Framing Glass
Conservation-grade UV protection that looks like regular glass.
- 99% UV block — conservation-grade fade protection
- Looks and handles like regular float glass
- The accessible way to protect everyday framing
- Large sheets up to 2250 × 3302 mm
Made to order at the Groglass factory in Riga — typically 1–2 weeks. Also available cut to size in Latvia and the Baltics.
- Thickness
- 2 mm
- Reflection
- ~8%
- Transmission
- ~89%
- UV protection
- 99%
Not every framing job needs anti-reflective optics — but almost every framed work deserves protection from fading. Artglass UV 99 (also listed as Artglass 99) looks like regular glass, yet its chemical coating blocks 99% of ultraviolet light, making UV damage to the framed piece nearly impossible.
Regular glass lets 55–80% of UV light through to the artwork. Behind UV 99, photographs stop yellowing, paper stops turning brittle, and colours keep their intensity — conservation-grade insurance at an accessible price.
The UV coating is applied to one side, marked with a label on the glass edge. Frame with the coated side facing the artwork and the protection performs exactly as intended.
Technical data
Specifications
| Substrate | Premium float glass |
|---|---|
| Light reflection | ~8% (no AR coating) |
| Light transmission | ~89% |
| UV protection | 99% (EN 410) |
| Thickness | 2 mm |
| Maximum sheet size | 2250 × 3302 mm (88.5″ × 130″) |
| Residual reflection colour | None |
| Shatter resistance | No |
| Standards | ISO 1096-2 Class A · ISO 18916 · ISO 18902 |
Applications
Best for
- Framing where maximum UV protection is the priority
- Photographs, documents and paper-based keepsakes
- Budget-conscious conservation framing
- Controlled-light environments where reflections are managed
In the workshop
Cutting & handling
- The UV-coated side is marked with an edge label: “This side faces artwork. Score opposite side.”
- Score and cut only from the non-coated side.
- If the label is gone, a light scratch test at the edge identifies the coated side — it scratches more easily.
- Always frame with the UV-coated side facing the artwork.
Complete illustrated guidelines, including cleaning and storage, are on the downloads page. Clean with ammonia-free glass cleaner and a soft microfiber cloth.
Compare
Against the rest of the range
| Property | AR 99 Water White | Lifetime Acrylic | AR 70 | AR 92 | AR 99 Protect | UV 99 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Substrate | Low iron | Hard-coated acrylic | Low iron | Low iron | Laminated low iron | Float glass |
| UV protection | 99% | ~99% | > 70% | ~92% | Up to 100% | 99% |
| Light reflection | ≤ 1% | ≤ 1.1% | ≤ 1% | ≤ 1.2% | ≤ 1% | ~8% |
| Light transmission | ~98% | ~98% | ~98% | ~98% | ~97.5% | ~89% |
| Thickness | 2 mm | 3 / 4.5 / 6 mm | 2 / 3 mm | 2 / 3 mm | 4.4 / 6.4 mm | 2 mm |
| Shatter resistance | — | ✓ Yes | — | — | ✓ Yes | — |
| Anti-static | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Cutting | One side (score the non-film side) | Either side | Either side | Either side | Both sides | One side (score the non-coated side) |
| Reflection colour | Neutral green | Neutral green | Neutral green | Neutral blue | Neutral green | None |
| Max sheet size | 1219 × 1727 mm | 1970 × 2580 mm | 2250 × 3302 mm | 2250 × 3302 mm | 2250 × 3210 mm | 2250 × 3302 mm |
| Popular sizes | 1000 × 1600 / 1200 × 1600 mm | 11 standard sizes, 405 × 510 up to 1970 × 2580 mm | 1000 × 1600 / 1200 × 1600 / 1219 × 2050 mm | 1000 × 1600 / 1200 × 1600 / 1219 × 2050 mm | 2250 × 3210 / 1605 × 2250 mm | 1000 × 1600 / 1200 × 1600 / 1219 × 2050 mm |
Optical values per EN 410 (2 mm glass). Standard cut sizes and non-standard dimensions available — ask us for details.
Questions
About UV 99
What is the difference between Artglass UV 99 and AR 99 Water White?
Both block 99% of UV light. AR 99 Water White adds anti-reflective coatings (reflection under 1%) and a low-iron substrate for maximum clarity; UV 99 keeps the appearance of regular glass at a more accessible price. If reflections matter, choose AR 99 Water White; if pure fade protection is the goal, UV 99 does the job.
How do I know which side has the UV coating?
Look for the label near the glass edge reading “This side faces artwork. Score opposite side.” If it has been removed, scratch-test near the edge where the frame lip will cover: the coated side scratches noticeably more easily.
Does UV glass really prevent fading?
It dramatically slows it. UV light is the most energetic part of daylight and the main driver of fading, yellowing and paper degradation — and the damage is cumulative and irreversible. Blocking 99% of UV is the professional conservation standard for framed works.
Alternatives
You may also consider
AR 99 Water White
The clearest museum-grade glass on the market
- UV
- 99%
- Reflection
- ≤ 1%
- Thickness
- 2 mm
AR 70
The accessible upgrade from regular glass
- UV
- > 70%
- Reflection
- ≤ 1%
- Thickness
- 2 / 3 mm
AR 92
Near-invisible glass with elevated UV protection
- UV
- ~92%
- Reflection
- ≤ 1.2%
- Thickness
- 2 / 3 mm
Get pricing for UV 99
Build a structured quote request — sheet sizes, box quantities, cut-to-size pieces — and we respond with pricing and availability within one business day.