Short answer: For signed memorabilia, use UV-filtering acrylic: 1/8 in. for ball cubes and small cases, 1/4 in. for jersey frames and helmet cases. Size the case about 1 in. larger than the item on every side, and keep it out of direct sun even with UV filtering.
Why UV filtering matters for signed items
Signatures are usually Sharpie or ballpoint ink, and both fade under light. Jersey dyes and leather fade too. UV-filtering acrylic blocks most of the ultraviolet that does the damage, while staying just as clear as standard sheet. It comes in 1/8 and 1/4 in., which covers almost every memorabilia case. Learn more about how much UV acrylic blocks.
UV filtering slows fading. It doesn't stop it. Visible light still fades ink over time, so hang the case away from windows and use LED lighting, which gives off very little UV.
Typical sizes
| Item | Typical inside size | Thickness |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball cube | 3.5 × 3.5 × 3.5 in. | 1/8 in. |
| Softball or hockey puck case | 4.5 in. cube or 4 × 4 × 2 in. | 1/8 in. |
| Football or basketball case | 12 × 8 × 8 in. or 11 in. cube | 1/8 or 3/16 in. |
| Full-size helmet case | 14 × 12 × 12 in. (measure yours) | 3/16 or 1/4 in. |
| Jersey frame front | About 32 × 40 to 36 × 44 in. | 1/4 in. |
Measure the actual item. Helmets vary a lot, especially with face masks, and a folded jersey can be anywhere from 24 to 44 in. wide depending on how you fold the sleeves.
Ball cubes and helmet cases
These are five-sided covers on a base. We solvent-bond the walls so the seams stay clean, and the base gets a stand or cradle so the ball doesn't roll. A cradle can be as simple as a ring cut from 1/4 in. black acrylic, or a small riser. We build these through our fabrication service, or you can order the panels and bond them yourself.
For a helmet, add 1 to 1.5 in. of clearance around the face mask, so you can lift the cover straight up without catching it.
Jersey frames
A jersey display is really a shadow box: a clear front, a backer, and a spacer between them deep enough for the fabric. Most jerseys need 1.5 to 2.5 in. of depth. You can:
- Use a wood frame and have us cut the 1/4 in. UV-filtering front to fit the rabbet.
- Go frameless: a clear front held off a backer with shadow box spacers, with four holes for standoffs.
- Engrave a name, number, or date on the front panel's lower corner.
Tip: a big 1/4 in. front panel weighs about 1.46 lb per square foot, so a 34 × 42 in. panel is roughly 14 lb. Use wall anchors rated well above that.
Colors and bases
Black bases are the classic choice. White suits light-colored balls and gloves. Mirror silver under a ball cube shows the underside and adds sparkle. For team colors, red, blue, green, and yellow are available in 1/8 and 1/4 in. for bases and nameplates.
Questions
Is acrylic better than glass for a jersey frame?
For large frames, usually yes. Acrylic is half the weight of glass and far more shatter-resistant, and UV-filtering acrylic gives you UV protection without the weight of framing glass.
Should the case be sealed airtight?
No. A tiny gap lets humidity escape. Fully sealed cases can trap moisture against leather and fabric.
How do I keep the case from scratching?
Dust with a soft, damp microfiber cloth and avoid paper towels. Light scuffs polish out with acrylic polish.
Have the measurements? Get an instant price for the front panel, or describe the item and we'll suggest a case.