OP3 UV Filtering Acrylic – Clear Conservation Acrylic Sheet

Protect artwork, photographs, documents, and displays from damaging UV light with crystal-clear OP3 UV filtering acrylic – ideal for picture framing, museums, galleries, display cases, shadow boxes, schools, makers, and professional conservation applications.

Protect valuable artwork and displays with OP3 UV Filtering Acrylic, a premium conservation-grade acrylic designed to filter harmful ultraviolet light while maintaining excellent optical clarity. This specialty acrylic is formulated to block nearly 100% of UV light around the 390 nm range, helping protect photographs, artwork, prints, documents, textiles, and other light-sensitive materials from fading, yellowing, and deterioration.

Unlike coated UV-protection products, the UV-filtering properties are built into the acrylic itself, so the protection isn't dependent on a surface coating and either side of the sheet can face the protected artwork

With approximately 92% light transmission, a clear, smooth surface, and the lightweight, impact-resistant properties of acrylic, OP3 provides a safer alternative to glass for framing and display applications. It is also easy to cut, route, drill, and fabricate using standard acrylic-processing techniques.

Whether you're framing original artwork, protecting photographs, building a museum display, creating a shadow box, or producing a custom conservation project, OP3 UV Filtering Acrylic provides long-term UV protection without sacrificing visibility.

Why Buy from MakerStock?

• Premium Quality: OP3 acrylic filters nearly 100% of UV light around the 390 nm range, helping protect artwork, photographs, paper, fabrics, and other sensitive materials from UV-related fading, yellowing, and deterioration.

• Affordable and Fast Shipping: $12 flat-rate shipping per 50lb box across the continental US from our two warehouse in PA and UT.

• Knowledgeable and Reliable Customer Support: Email support@makerstock.com, call, or LiveChat for assistance with material selection or questions.

• No Minimum Order Requirements: Whether you need one item or a hundred, for yourself, a business, or a school, we're your one-stop shop.
  

• Maker-Ready: Protective paper or film masking on both sides ensures scratch-free surfaces during fabrication (remove after cutting).

Perfect For:

• Picture Framing & Conservation: Protect original artwork, prints, photographs, documents, and other valuable materials from harmful UV exposure while maintaining excellent visibility.
• Museums & Galleries: Create protective glazing for artwork, exhibits, historical materials, and displays where long-term UV protection is important.
• Shadow Boxes & Display Cases: Protect memorabilia, collectibles, textiles, sports jerseys, medals, and other light-sensitive objects from UV-related deterioration.
• Photography: Use OP3 glazing to help reduce UV exposure to photographs, prints, and photographic artwork displayed in homes, galleries, offices, and commercial spaces.
• Libraries & Archives: Help protect documents, maps, posters, manuscripts, and other paper-based materials from UV exposure.
• Art & Craft Projects: Create custom frames, display panels, art installations, and protective covers where UV filtering is an important consideration.
• Retail & Commercial Displays: Protect graphics, printed materials, merchandise, and displays while maintaining a clean, professional appearance.
• Schools & Educational Displays: Protect student artwork, historical displays, photographs, and long-term exhibits in classrooms, libraries, and educational spaces.

Project Inspiration:

• Artists: Frame original paintings, drawings, prints, and mixed-media artwork while helping reduce UV-related fading.
• Photographers: Protect photographic prints and artwork in galleries, studios, offices, and homes.
• Makers: Build custom shadow boxes, display cases, collectible displays, and conservation projects.
• Museums: Create lightweight protective glazing for artwork and exhibits.
• Schools: Protect student artwork, historical exhibits, educational displays, and archival materials.
• DIYers: Build custom picture frames, memorabilia displays, jersey cases, and shadow boxes.
• Businesses: Create professional artwork, certificate, photograph, and display installations for offices, retail environments, and hospitality spaces.

Explore Related Products:

• Colored Acrylic Sheets: Add vibrant hues with Transparent Colored PMMA sheets for eye-catching laser-cut crafts or signage.

• Recycled Acrylic Sheets: Choose sustainability with our Recycled Clear Cast Acrylic, made from 99% recycled content for eco-conscious makers without compromising quality.

• Frosted Acrylic Sheets: Perfect for diffused lighting or privacy panels our Frosted Clear Acrylic features a matte, one-side finish.

Specifications:

• Material: UV-filtering extruded acrylic (PMMA)

• Thickness Options: 1/8" (0.093–0.133")

• Density: 1180 kg/m³ (0.043 lb/in³).

• Light Transmission: 92% 

• Finish: Glossy, with protective paper or film masking on both sides (remove post-fabrication).

• Tolerances: Cut tolerance of +/ -0.188" for all panel dimensions (in inches).

• UV Protection: Filters nearly 100% of UV light around 390 nm; approximately 98% UV absorption across the relevant UV range

Pro Tip:

For framing and conservation applications, do not remove the protective masking until the acrylic has been completely cut, installed, and handled. This helps prevent scratches during fabrication and installation.

When cleaning OP3, use a soft microfiber cloth and an acrylic-safe cleaner. Avoid abrasive materials and harsh cleaning chemicals that can scratch or damage the surface.

For maximum conservation protection, remember that UV filtering acrylic helps reduce UV-related damage, but it does not prevent all forms of light-related deterioration. Limiting overall light exposure, particularly prolonged exposure to strong sunlight, remains an important part of protecting sensitive artwork and materials.

FAQs:

• What is the difference between OP3 and standard clear acrylic? Standard clear acrylic provides transparency and general-purpose protection but does not provide the same level of dedicated UV filtering as OP3. OP3 is specifically formulated for conservation applications and filters nearly 100% of UV light around 390 nm

• How much UV does OP3 acrylic block? OP3 filters nearly 100% of UV light around the 390 nm wavelength. UV transmission varies by wavelength, so OP3 should be understood as a UV-filtering material rather than a material that blocks every wavelength of light. 

• Is OP3 acrylic good for picture framing? Yes. OP3 is specifically suited to picture framing and display applications where UV protection is important. Its clarity, light weight, and impact resistance make it an alternative to glass for many framing applications.

• Can OP3 acrylic be laser cut? OP3 can be fabricated using standard acrylic-processing methods. However, laser cutting performance can vary depending on the laser type, power, thickness, and machine settings. Always test a small piece before processing production material and follow your laser manufacturer's recommendations. Keep in mind, this is extruded acrylic and cuts differently than cast acrylic.

• Can OP3 acrylic be engraved? It can be fabricated and processed like other acrylic materials, but OP3 is primarily intended for UV-protective glazing and conservation applications rather than engraving.

• Does OP3 protect artwork from fading? OP3 helps reduce exposure to harmful UV radiation, which can contribute to fading and deterioration. However, it does not make artwork completely fade-proof. Overall light exposure, visible light, temperature, humidity, and the characteristics of the artwork itself can also affect long-term preservation.