The sheet
It starts as a sheet
Each frame begins as a block of layered acetate. The color is set in the sheet itself, so tortoise, tea and clear run through the frame instead of sitting on its surface.
Materials
Acetate, by hand.
Every RedSpec frame starts as a sheet of acetate and ends with a hand polish.
Acetate is cut, shaped and polished. That is why each frame has depth in its color and weight in the hand.
How a frame is made
From sheet to frame
Cutting
The front is cut out
The front is milled out of the sheet, then the lens openings are cut. Nothing is poured into a mould.
The temples
Matched arms
Temples are cut from matching acetate and shaped to sit on the face.
Smoothing
Softened edges
Edges are softened before the final finish, so the frame feels smooth wherever it touches.
The polish
Finished by hand
Each frame is finished on a polishing wheel by hand. It is what gives acetate its depth and shine.
The hinge
Metal hinges
Metal hinges join the front and the temples, finished flush with the acetate.
The lens
Polarized, UV400
Lenses are TAC, polarized, with UV400 protection. Polarization cuts the glare that bounces off snow, water and glass.
Why acetate
Warm, light, lasting
Acetate is warm to the touch and light on the face. The pattern goes all the way through, so it wears in rather than wearing off.
Care
Keep them right
A few habits keep acetate and lenses looking new.
- Clean
- Microfiber clothOr mild soapy water. Never paper towels.
- Store
- In the caseFold the temples first.
- Avoid
- High heatCar dashboards and radiators can warp acetate.
