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Using Specialty Glass for UV Protection

UV (ultraviolet) control glazing—such as UV-protective glass or Plexiglas—is often recommended by framers to protect works on paper from fading. While this advice is generally truthful, it can be misleading if it suggests UV glazing alone will fully prevent fading. In reality, UV glazing is only one part of an effective preservation strategy, and its benefits depend heavily on where and how an artwork is displayed.

Ultraviolet light is the most damaging portion of the light spectrum for fugitive pigments found in works on paper, textiles, and similar materials. High-quality UV control glazing can block up to 99% of UV rays without noticeably altering the appearance of the artwork, since UV light is invisible to the human eye. UV damage occurs because these rays penetrate the surface of paper and are absorbed, much like a sunburn on skin.

However, UV light represents only a small part of the total light spectrum that causes damage. Visible light also contributes significantly to fading, especially over time. Light damage is best understood as a combination of intensity and duration:

• • A little light over a long period results in slow fading

  • A lot of light over a short period causes fast fading.

Even with UV protective glazing, an artwork exposed to strong visible light—such as in a bright living room with large, uncovered windows—will eventually fade and the paper may darken, a condition known in the art trade as being “light struck.” Conversely, an artwork stored in a dark, climate-controlled space will not fade from light exposure, regardless of glazing.

Light damage is cumulative and irreversible, which is why museums strictly regulate light exposure. They assess each work’s sensitivity, limit light levels, and rotate objects between display and storage. Private collectors typically seek a more practical balance—displaying art for enjoyment while slowing deterioration over decades rather than centuries.

To minimize fading in home or office settings, several strategies are recommended:

• • Use UV protective glazing for valuable or irreplaceable works on paper.

  • Hang artworks in low-light areas such as hallways or bedrooms that are not in constant use.

  • Turn lights off when rooms are unoccupied.

  • Use blackout curtains or shades on windows that admit strong daylight.

  • Consider removable opaque fabric covers for artworks in unavoidable bright spaces or under skylights.

  • Avoid hanging sensitive works in kitchens and bathrooms, which combine high light, humidity, and temperature fluctuations.

  • Install UV tube covers on fluorescent lights, which emit more UV than incandescent or LED lighting at the same brightness.

  • Understand that LEDs and incandescent bulbs cause similar fading if they produce the same lumens.

Manufacturers such as Tru Vue specialize in conservation-grade UV glazing and provide expert guidance. Importantly, even they emphasize that UV glass slows fading but cannot stop it entirely. Early exposure often causes the most noticeable damage—especially to ink signatures—highlighting the importance of careful placement and light management from the start.