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protecting paintings from fading

12 years ago

I'm searching for some artwork, hopefully a painting, to hang over my fireplace. We recently painted the room linen white, and I need to add some color in a major way! The fireplace is across the room from a wall of double windows. Certain times of the year a lot of sunlight comes in, and I'm worried about a painting fading. Is there any type of uv resistant glass to put over a framed painting? Obviously, I would rather not have it under glass, but that might be an idea. Would a giclee print hold up better? Thanks for your help.

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Comments (4)

lindac
12 years ago
You talking about an oil painting? They are notably resistant to fading. And I believe fresco also is resistant to fading.
The ink used in prints will fade....but it's very usual to put a print behind glass....and if you use non glare, UV resistant...you won't notice the glare. The non-glare glass does change the colors slightly though.
Of course if you spend thousands of dollars on a very large oil to hang opposite a wall of windows, I would consider covering with non glare UV resistant glass. I have noticed major museums often have pictures on loan that are covered with glass....I suspect that's a condition of the loan.
Linda C
wncang
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks so much for your reply. I have just started searching, and don't have anything in mind yet. Previously, we had a very large print over the fireplace, and it faded horribly. Good to know about oil paintings being resistant to fading. There are numerous antique and 2nd hand stores around my community, so I'm hoping I can find something locally without breaking the bank.
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Carol_from_ny
12 years ago
There are also window films you can put up on the windows to cut the damage the sun does.
Just remember if it's fading out a poster or painting it's also doing damage to any fabrics you have in that room too.
nini804
12 years ago
I have large oil portraits of each of my children, and the artist applied some sort of wax to each for protection. I don't know if it is uv protection or some other type of protection, but I have had my son's portrait for 7 years and my daughter's for 3 and have had no problems with fading at all.

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