{"id":1086,"date":"2023-03-15T12:02:10","date_gmt":"2023-03-15T12:02:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.acmeplastics.com\/content\/?p=1086"},"modified":"2023-03-08T22:00:39","modified_gmt":"2023-03-08T22:00:39","slug":"dangers-of-uv-lighting-to-documents-and-artwork","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.acmeplastics.com\/content\/dangers-of-uv-lighting-to-documents-and-artwork\/","title":{"rendered":"Dangers of UV Lighting to Documents and Artwork"},"content":{"rendered":"

Just like our skin suffers damage from the sun\u2019s UV rays, documents and artwork face a similar fate without some sort of protection from UV lighting. Here we discuss how UV light chemically affects documents and artwork. And just like we can slather on sunblock to prevent sunburn and UV ray damage, there are solutions for protecting for these paper-based valuables, too. We\u2019ll discuss some of them, but specifically, the importance of UV resistance in acrylic sheeting<\/a> to safeguard you documents and artwork.<\/p>\n

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What is UV light?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Ultraviolet (UV) light is a type of electromagnetic radiation. Electromagnetic radiation is transmitted in waves or particles at different wavelengths and frequencies. UV light has shorter wavelengths than visible light and falls on the electromagnetic spectrum between visible light and x-rays. Most of our exposure to UV light comes from the sun, but there are artificial sources as well, including halogen lights, tungsten-based lamps, fluorescent and incandescent lighting, and some lasers.<\/p>\n

Dangers of UV Light on Documents and Artwork
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UV light\u2019s shorter wavelengths vibrate more quickly (or get \u201cexcited\u201d) and begin to expand, split, then re-bond, causing damage to paper fibers. Deterioration includes fading, discoloration, and oxidation. UV damage to documents and artwork is irreversible. Here\u2019s more on how it can cause damage:<\/p>\n

Fading and distortion of colors.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

UV light breaks the chemical bonds of color molecules in artwork and photography. As the molecules break apart, the image begins to fade.<\/p>\n

Weakening of organic materials (paper). <\/strong><\/h3>\n

When exposed to UV light for extended periods of time, paper and other organic materials will weaken, bleach, or yellow.<\/p>\n

Photo-oxidation<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n

UV light also causes photo-oxidation. This results in prints turning yellow and\/or paper becoming brittle over time.<\/p>\n

Foxing.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

While foxing\u2014the reddish, brown spots caused by iron in the paper\u2014occurs naturally with aging, exposure to direct light, and specifically UV light, can accelerate the process.<\/p>\n

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Implications of Document and Artwork Damage
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Here are three ways UV light can harm documents and artwork.<\/p>\n

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Reduces value<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n

As mentioned above, UV light damage is irreversible. If you have artwork or a document that is rare, historical, and\/or has monetary significance you want to take proper precautions to protect your investment.<\/p>\n

Affects artistic aesthetic<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n

Over time, UV light can fade the image, whether it\u2019s a watercolor painting or a photograph. But that\u2019s not all. It can cause brown spots, yellowing, and damage the physical and chemical structure of many materials, including paper, photographs, cloth, leather as well materials used to create the art, such as inks and dyes.<\/p>\n

Diminishes access to information on the documents<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n

Discoloration on historical documents will make it harder to read or fully appreciate intricate artwork.<\/p>\n

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Solutions for Protecting Documents and Artwork from UV Light<\/strong><\/h2>\n

While UV light damage is irreversible, it is preventable. Here are a few ways to minimize deterioration.<\/p>\n