06/20/2008

Protecting Precious Artwork

Solar Tint has assisted several museums in protecting their artwork. Recently, I read an article about protecting artwork and glazing. Here is an excerpt: “Although art cannot be enjoyed without light, it is important to be aware of that light can cause permanent damage to artworks. Heat and light accelerate fading and discoloration of paper, but the amount of destruction depends on the intensity and duration of exposure to these elements. Invisible ultraviolet rays from sunlight and fluorescent lighting cause the most damage. Once fading occurs, there is no way to restore colors. The photochemical reaction of light with environmental factors creates real hazards to art objects. Light reacts with oxygen, ozone, moisture and pollutants in the air to break up cellulose molecules, a process which causes embrittlement, and sometimes discoloration in organic supports. The light that can harm paper can also cause the fading of organic design materials such as dyes and pigments in paints, pastels, inks and crayons. All light can be damaging but the amount of damage depends on the intensity and duration of exposure. Daylight which filters through window glass contains ultraviolet radiation, the agent most damaging to artwork due to its ability to fade pigments rapidly. Ultraviolet radiation is also present in fluorescent light. One way to reduce the effect of light on artworks is through the use of effective glazing. Deterioration of artworks through light damage cannot be stopped but it can be slowed through the use of UV filtered glazing. All glazing has different characteristics and it is the responsibility of the framer to be aware of these. It is important customers have an understanding of the damage light can cause and that there is glazing which can slow the rate of deterioration.” Obviously, if light damages artwork, it also can fade the rest of your interior furnishings and floorings. Solar Tint window films can help slow the rate of deterioration from light by reducing UV by at least 99%, heat and glare.