What is a best, or at least a better, glazing for our framed pictures or paintings, over ordinary window glass? Nonglare glass? Styrene? Acrylic? Plexiglas? Other?
I take into consideration, shipping, portability in and out of the car or van, safety, presentation, expense, etc.
No form of glazing is going to fit all situations.
The acrylic is going to be the best if you ask the shipper or the producer because they do not want the damage.
If that is your main concern then that is the way to go.
When start talking about presentation and esthetic there is a trade-off for all forms of glazing and it becomes a personal choice.
All the years I spent in the framing business and the hundreds of pieces I framed for myself I never used anything but plain glass because I did not like the graying look of non-glare of the softness and tendency of scratching of any of the plastics. You also get dead spots depending on the angle you are viewing a pice with non-glare glass.
If framed and handled properly safety should not be an issue, IMHO.
I have shipped glassed artwork all over the world with just plain glass and it has not been a major problem but most larger shippers like FAA (and their suppliers) are probably not going to agree with that and prefer some sort plastic.
The only "paintings" that should be glassed are watercolors or pastels or some other less permanent medium. There are special occasions where oils or acrylics are glassed but that has to be done properly and with special care.
Canvas or other fabric art should neve be glassed. It creates an excellent environment for both mold and vermin to thrive.
If you're saying that you're doing outside shows and these pieces will be moved and packed and packed and moved, then I would get some acrylic, which I used for my photos for gallery shows and exhibits. BUT IF indeed outdoors, would look for some UV acrylics. to slow down the fading....Also, depending on how MUCH art you're talking about, much lighter too! You can always ask the buyer, if they want this artwork with the acrylic or have it framed behind glass....