I need to hang some pictures in an area that gets direct sunlight. Do you have ultraviolet-resistant glass/plastic that I could use so they don't get sun-damaged?
We take the preservation of artwork very seriously, so all of our glazing options feature UV (Ultraviolet) protection. We have four types of glass, and four types of acrylic that all incorporate UV protection of at least 97%. We don't even carry regular, non-UV glass for use in custom framing, since this protection is so important for the lasting appearance of a framed item. Since the UV protection is always included, your selection of a glazing option will depend upon features like improved color clarity, abrasion resistance, or reflection control.
That being said, there is NO glass or plastic glazing that can protect artwork from 100% of light damage, since ALL light (including visible light) can fade or damage artwork over long exposure, and/or at high intensity. In fact, the only way to completely prevent light damage is to store the artwork in the dark and never look at it. Naturally, this is not how we enjoy art, so any type of display will necessitate some compromise of the artwork's total safety to allow the enjoyment of viewing it. Since the MOST damaging light is in the Ultraviolet range of spectrum, and we do not need to allow the transmission of these wavelengths to visually appreciate the art, it makes sense to block as much of this light as possible without inhibiting the transmission of visible light. By blocking about 97% of the UV light, our glass provides a significant amount of protection without causing any clarity problems. Even with this level of protection, however, strong and direct light will eventually cause some damage. The use of UV-protective glass is an excellent idea for pictures hung in conditions of strong direct light and will greatly extend their life under these adverse conditions, but you should understand that an item that gets direct sunlight is going to fade or discolor eventually, no matter what. If your items are extremely valuable or important to you, another hanging location would be the best thing you could do for them!
