When you take your artwork to a custom framer, you're likely familiar with the unexpected costs that can add up at the register. From matting to labor, framing a single piece can quickly become a pricey investment. While that level of protection and presentation is important, the process can be time-consuming, expensive, and require multiple trips just to get your piece ready to hang.

That’s exactly why, at Alan Claude Gallery, we’ve made framing a true one-stop experience. Every framed Alan Claude piece arrives professionally finished, protected with our premium Art Shield laminate, and ready to hang the moment it reaches your home. No extra framing cost, no unexpected add-on costs — just gallery-level presentation and long-term protection already included. No more buying artwork just to have it sit in your closet until you get around to framing it. 

Why Every Alan Claude Gallery Frame Includes Art Shield Protection

When you purchase a framed piece from Alan Claude Gallery, you’re getting more than beautiful artwork — you’re getting framing designed to protect it for years to come. Every frame we produce, in every size, automatically includes a professional Art Shield protective laminate. It’s part of our standard because we believe collectors shouldn’t have to choose between presentation and protection.

What Is Art Shield?

Art Shield is a clear laminate that’s applied directly to the surface of the print, similar to the laminate on your drivers license, creating a durable UV protected layer. Instead of placing glass or plexiglass over the artwork, the protection becomes part of the artwork itself, helping preserve color, detail, and surface quality over time.

Why Collectors Prefer It to Glass or Plexiglass

No glare, just the art
Anyone who has tried to photograph or enjoy framed art behind glass knows how distracting reflections can be. Even museum-glass on framed art has a blueish tint and can incredibly expensive. Art Shield eliminates that issue, allowing the colors and details of Alan Claude’s work to be seen clearly from any angle, even in bright rooms.

Lightweight and safer to hang
Because there’s no glass involved, framed pieces are lighter and easier to handle. There’s also no risk of shattered glass, which makes Art Shield-protected pieces ideal for busy homes, offices, and high-traffic spaces.

Built-in protection against everyday wear
Ever notice that art framed behind plexiglass can start to wrinkle or slide? ArtShield prevents this. This permanent waterproof laminate creates a strong barrier that helps guard against scratches, fingerprints, and minor scuffs — the kinds of everyday wear that can slowly affect unprotected prints. It also makes the surface easy to gently clean when needed. 

A clean, modern gallery look
Without glass separating you from the artwork, the finished piece has a more contemporary presentation. The art feels closer and more immediate, which is why many collectors prefer this museum-style approach.

Easy to clean
Once hung, periodically dust your framed print gently with a feather duster, an anti-static soft brush or a Swiffer duster. If necessary, the print may be cleaned using a damp, soft cloth. 

Protection That Comes Standard

At Alan Claude Gallery, Art Shield protection is included on every framed piece we produce — all sizes, all frames, every time. It’s one of the ways we make sure your artwork arrives ready to hang, easy to care for, and protected for the long term, so you can simply enjoy the color, nostalgia, and character that make Alan Claude’s work so recognizable. *Please keep away from strong direct sunlight or heat. Recommended for indoor use only.

Watch Alan discuss it in this brief YouTube intro video:

Do you love your framed Alan Claude art? Be sure to share it with us for our Love My Space event - it runs all year with winners announced multiple times per year!