I have a large collection of relatively cheap 24x36 frames with basic plexi and I've recently moved to a very open, South facing house that gets a load of sunlight (yeah, I know, poor me). My issue is I'm now concerned about my prints getting too much sunlight and fading. I was wondering if anyone had any experience with adding UV protection film to existing frames rather than buying fresh frames/glass?
I've found a place that does custom cut "99% UV filtering" adhesive film for windows and wonder if it might work with frames too. Am I mad?
UV protection film
Sunlight is bad and UV filtering only slows down the inevitable. UV filtering can slow it down a lot but no one can tell you how much since there are too many variables. Also, if it fades 10% in 50 years will you notice or care? However, if you do nothing, then yeah you will probably notice is less than 10 years.
If you really want no damage to the prints then duplicate them and frame and display the copies. If you want to frame and display the originals then swap the acrylic out with Evonik UV filter acrylic. It has a built in 99% UV filter that will not fade or peel over time. Put the film on the windows as well and then you will probably be good for quite a while…but not forever.
https://www.framedestination.com/framin ... rylic.html
If you really want no damage to the prints then duplicate them and frame and display the copies. If you want to frame and display the originals then swap the acrylic out with Evonik UV filter acrylic. It has a built in 99% UV filter that will not fade or peel over time. Put the film on the windows as well and then you will probably be good for quite a while…but not forever.
https://www.framedestination.com/framin ... rylic.html