Acrylic vs. Glass: How to Choose the Best Display Case

Is your much-loved sports memorabilia sitting in a box in your garage or attic for lack of a proper display case? Choosing the right display case for your valuables is essential, but when it comes to acrylic vs. glass display cases, which one is right for you?

The answer is: It depends. Both are excellent for protecting and displaying your collectibles, but you may find that one suits your needs better than the other.

There's a difference in the look, feel and maintenance requirements of acrylic vs. glass display cases. Today, we’ll be drawing those comparisons to help you choose what’s right for your home.

10 Considerations For Choosing the Best Display Case

Both types of cases can be indistinguishable (at first glance). However, the properties of your chosen material are different in several ways. Here are 10 things to consider when choosing between glass and acrylic for your display case.

1. Strength and Safety

   Acrylic (also known as plexiglass) is a type of plastic that’s 17 times stronger than glass, making it shatter-resistant and much harder to break.

   Because broken glass can be hazardous, acrylic cases can be a better choice if your case will be in a high-traffic area or if you have small children or pets that could knock over a display.

2. Panache

   Glass lends a classy, high-quality look to your memorabilia that acrylic cannot replicate. If you have valuable collectibles, glass display cases are a perfect choice.

3. Clarity

   Glass has a slight green tint that can be seen at various angles and lighting conditions, whereas acrylic is completely clear. While acrylic can be tinted or dyed in different colors, it is naturally colorless.

4. Glare

   Acrylic cases have anti-reflective properties, reducing glare under spotlights or brightly lit environments. However, if you plan to display your collectibles in a naturally lit room, glass may be a better choice.

5. Weight

   Acrylic is up to 50 percent lighter than glass, making it easier to move around or ship. In addition, lightweight wall-mounted acrylic display cases for collectibles are easier to install than wall-mounted glass cases, which require sturdier mounts.

6. Cost

   Material costs (and shipping) typically make glass display cases for collectibles more expensive than acrylic display cases. That being said, a cheap glass case may be just that -- cheap.

   If something seems too good to be true, it usually is. Investing in quality display cases extends the life of your collectibles; therefore, choosing the proper case is an important decision.

7. Maintenance

   Glass is easily cleaned with ammonia or window cleaners and dried with paper towels or newspaper. In contrast, you should only wash acrylic with soap and water or special acrylic cleaning materials.

8. Scratch Resistance

   Glass is more scratch-resistant than acrylic, so care must be taken when handling or cleaning acrylic display cases. Avoid using paper towels when cleaning acrylic to avoid damage.

9. Heat Resistance

   High heat can damage both glass and acrylic cases. If you live in a hot climate, make sure your display case is away from uncovered windows, especially in the summer months.

   Check both glass and acrylic cases for protection from UV rays to keep your collectibles from fading.

10. Recycling

    If a glass display case breaks, you can recycle the broken glass if it hasn’t shattered. Unfortunately, most acrylic cases cannot be recycled or repaired if damaged.

Find the Display Case You Need at Collectible Supplies

Whether you choose glass or acrylic, Collectible Supplies has the right case for you. If you need a display case for your sports memorabilia, a special flag, or your figurine collection, look no further.

We know you care deeply about your collectibles and want to protect them. We offer a wide selection of collectible display cases that suit every need. Let Collectible Supplies help preserve your cherished collectibles today and forever!