Artwork Preservation

Protecting Works on Paper

It is a most unfortunate fact that the ultraviolet light produced by any light source can cause a slow, steady decline in the color, vibrancy, intensity and overall appeal of artworks created on paper.  While oil and acrylic paints might change colors very slowly, works on paper done in watercolor, for instance, fade at a rate that is in direct relationship to the quantity and brightness of light exposure.

If you expose a watercolor painting done on any professional quality paper (acid-free, archival) to a bright, intense light source, you will see that the colors begin to change and fade very quickly.  Since very few of us choose to display our artworks in a strong light, the damage created by the ultraviolet spectrum of the light is usually unnoticed.  Because the fading and color changes occur over a long period of time, we tend to grow accustomed to the diminished colors and tones. 

There are several ways you can work to protect your paper artworks.  It is well known that art that is not on display should be stored properly.  This usually means an acid-free, archival folder or print box.  But, when it comes time to frame and display these artworks, consider selecting a type of glazing that offers protection.

At this time we are fortunate to have several types of glass that restrict the penetration of ultraviolet light.  Common clear glass offers limited protection but is much better than forgoing the use of glass altogether. 

Non-glare glass is the next step up the protection ladder and offers approximately 44% blockage of ultraviolet light.  It is created by subjecting clear glass to an acid dip, causing a slight frost on the glass.  Modern non-glare glass is etched on one side only.  This one-side treatment eliminates most of the image and detail softening qualities of old fashioned non-glare glass (etched on both sides).

Conservation glass is very special in that it takes a product similar to either clear or non-glare glass to a new level.  Conservation glass is coated on the artwork side of the glass and effectively blocks 98% of the ultraviolet penetration.  It reflects back the UV with the coating and prevents nearly all UV damage to artworks on paper.  Conservation comes in the same two qualities of glass:  clear and non-glare.  Cost is higher than traditional clear and non-glare, but the degree of protection is over doubled.

The last type of glass that is available is museum glass, which offers both a nearly reflection-free surface and a very high degree of UV protection.  This choice would be best for original works or very costly, collectable items on paper.

Acrylic sheeting is a choice preferred by many photographers because it does not cause any tonal changes in the photographs.  Because of the silica content, some glass products do have a “color.”  Acrylic sheeting is unbreakable and comes in clear and non-glare.  Some manufacturers offer a very high grade of material, which offers moderate protection from UV. 

In summary, consider the ground upon which your artwork is created.  Coat oil paintings with special products created to help block UV and to preserve the luminescence and shimmer of the paintings.  But for paper art, use the glazing material that best suits your application and budget.  And remember, art that is displayed can be enjoyed every day.  It makes a house a home and shares your style with family and guests.

Copyright ARTtalk Vol. 18 No. 11 — September 2008