Materials Used in the Construction of Glass Display Cases: What Really Matters

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Choosing the right materials for a glass display case is about far more than appearance. In museums, galleries, retail environments, and private collections, the materials used inside and around a case directly affect the longevity, safety, and visual impact of the items being displayed. High-quality construction helps prevent chemical emissions, reduces maintenance requirements, and protects sensitive objects from physical damage and environmental stress.

This guide explores the key material considerations involved in building safe, durable, and conservation-grade glass display cases.

1. Structural Materials: Strength, Stability, and Longevity

A well-designed display case begins with a strong, stable structure. Materials should be selected not only for robustness but also for predictable long-term behaviour.

Common structural materials include:

  • Aluminium: Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and chemically inert when properly finished. Often used with integrated vapour barriers.
  • Powder-coated steel: Extremely strong and durable, though coatings must be verified as safe to avoid pollutant release.
  • MDF or timber panels: Acceptable only when fully sealed, as untreated wood products can emit acids and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
  • Glass: Tempered or laminated safety glass provides structural strength, optical clarity, and impact resistance.

Key considerations include:

  • Are materials durable and easy to maintain?
  • Are they chemically stable in enclosed environments?
  • Will finishes and coatings remain stable over time without degrading or off-gassing?

2. Interior Surface Materials: Preventing Chemical Interactions

Materials facing the interior of a display case pose the greatest risk to displayed objects. Inappropriate choices can result in corrosion, tarnishing, staining, or gradual material breakdown.

Proven, low-emission interior materials commonly include:

  • Polystyrene sheet
  • Polyethylene foams such as Plastazote™
  • PET films such as Melinex™ or Mylar™
  • PMMA or acrylic sheets such as Perspex™
  • Polycarbonate sheet materials

These polymers are widely tested and valued for their chemical stability.

When materials are borderline safe

Where substrates may emit low-level vapours, manufacturers often employ:

  • Vapour barriers such as aluminium sheet or PET film to encapsulate the material
  • Specialist sealing varnishes, carefully selected and fully cured to prevent emissions

3. Sealants and Adhesives: Hidden Risk Factors

Sealants and adhesives are often overlooked but can be among the most chemically sensitive components within a display case.

Preferred materials:

  • Ethoxy-silicone sealants, widely accepted in conservation environments due to low emissions after curing

Materials requiring approval or testing:

  • Neoprene gaskets
  • Polyethylene foam components
  • Book-binding tapes such as 3M 345™

Adhesive curing periods

Adhesives and sealants typically require a minimum curing period of one month before objects can be installed, allowing residual vapours to dissipate.

4. Paints, Coatings, and Decorative Finishes

Internal finishes must balance aesthetics with chemical safety.

Recommended options include:

  • Water-based, low-VOC paints
  • Natural fabrics such as cotton, linen, jute, silk, or sisal, provided they are undyed or tested for dye stability

Materials to avoid:

  • Oil-based paints, which release harmful solvents
  • Vinyl paints containing chlorides
  • Some acrylic latex paints that may emit VOCs

Important note: Even approved coatings can emit vapours during curing. Products must be carefully selected and applied evenly to form a complete, sealed surface.

5. Fabrics and Textiles: Dressing Without Damage

Fabrics are commonly used on plinths, backboards, and object supports. While natural fibres are generally safer, dyes, finishes, and adhesives can introduce risks.

A conservation-safe installation typically includes:

  • Dye-free or conservation-grade fabrics
  • Attachment using approved adhesives rather than staples, which can puncture vapour barriers
  • Testing multiple fabric batches, as chemical behaviour can vary

6. Testing, Monitoring, and Quality Assurance

Before approval, display case materials undergo extensive testing.

Typical testing timelines include:

  • Up to two months of stability testing for construction and display materials
  • At least one month for curing adhesives, coatings, and sealants

Ongoing protection measures may include:

  • VOC monitors or dosimeters to track pollutant levels
  • Metal coupons or corrosion tags to detect reactive environments
  • Pollution scavengers such as Charcoal Cloth™ to absorb residual emissions

These measures help ensure a stable and safe microclimate throughout the lifespan of the display case.

7. Aesthetic Integration: Materials and Design Cohesion

Beyond conservation performance, materials must support a cohesive visual design.

This includes:

  • Plinths and brackets that align with the case frame’s finish and profile
  • Harmonised colours and textures
  • Consistent material quality across all visible and concealed components

A unified material approach enhances the visitor experience while maintaining rigorous conservation standards.

Conclusion

Selecting materials for glass display case construction requires a careful balance of durability, chemical safety, aesthetics, and long-term object protection. Every component—from the structural frame to concealed adhesives—plays a critical role in creating a stable display environment.

With thorough testing, informed material selection, and ongoing monitoring, well-designed display cases can protect collections for decades while presenting them with clarity and elegance.