Sports Memorabilia

For many sports fans, having a display case for their memorabilia is a must. But when it comes to choosing a case, there are two main choices: glass or acrylic. So, which is the better option?

There are actually various factors that point to glass as a much better option than acrylic. If you are sceptical about this, look no further than our pointers below.

1. The Aesthetics

Glass display cases are the best option for autographed sports memorabilia because they immediately showcase the object inside. They are also a very durable material, meaning your display case will last for years to come.

Acrylic is clear and therefore offers good optical clarity. It is also good at reflecting soft light back into a brightly lit room. However, glass has a classic, luxurious, and timeless appearance, making it a good choice for display cases.

One way to tell if a display case is made of glass or acrylic is by looking for a slight green tint around the edges. Glass usually has this tint, while acrylic does not. This is because acrylic is naturally clear, whereas glass is not. Some people dye or tint acrylic to make it look more like glass.

2. The Durability

Acrylic may seem like a good choice for a display case at first because it can absorb impact if the case is dropped. It is also less likely to crack than other materials, and if it does break, the pieces are usually larger and not as sharp.

Some also praise it for being lightweight and it is easy to move around as well. However, it is important to be aware that acrylic is much more susceptible to scratches than glass. Be careful when cleaning your case to avoid damaging the surface.

On the other hand, glass is much more difficult to scratch than plastic, making it a more durable option. Glass cases can also withstand superficial damage and remain unaffected. Plus, glass is extremely durable and will not become deformed over time. This means that the glass display case is designed to withstand being moved around or bumped and will not break easily.

3. The Protection

An advantage of glass is that it transmits more light than acrylic, which means that your memorabilia is less likely to fade over time in a glass display case than in an acrylic one. 

Adding a UV-resistant coating to a glass case will also protect the signatures inside from fading due to exposure to sunlight. A museum-grade coating will be especially effective in blocking harmful UV rays, both from outdoors and indoors.

4. The Maintenance

In terms of maintenance, glass is better than acrylic because it is easier to keep clean, and there is no risk of damage. You can use a household glass cleaner on glass, but these substances can damage the acrylic. To clean an acrylic case, you would need to use water, mild soap, a special acrylic cleaning product, and a very soft and non-abrasive cloth.

Conclusion

Indeed, glass cases are the best way to protect your valuable sports memorabilia. They may be more costly than acrylic cases, but they offer a much higher level of protection.

Some glasses are also shatter-resistant, while acrylic is not. If you want to ensure your memorabilia is safe, a glass case is the best way to go.

If you are looking for a great source of sports memorabilia in the UK, look no further than our amazing selections here at Signed Memorabilia 4U. All our items are beautifully framed and feature 100% authentic original autographs. Check out our online store for more of our sports memorabilia collections and their prices.