TRU VUE® 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.

Technical Info

• Available in 3.0mm, 4.5mm, and 6.0mm thickness
  
• Newly enhanced anti-reflective coating optimises 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 for more information (496KB – requires Adobe PDF Reader)

When To Use

• For virtually invisible glazing that will enhance colours, 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-fibre 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., Brillianise) 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

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