When you invest in a beautiful piece of art, you want it to last as long as possible and stay in excellent condition. However, many people don’t realize that, even when artwork is displayed indoors, it faces constant threats from light, humidity, and other pollutants. One of the most effective ways to protect your artwork from these issues is by using conservation glass in your custom framing. How does conservation glass work to protect the investment you’ve made in your artwork?
What Is Conservation Glass?
Conservation glass, which is sometimes referred to as UV-protective glass, is designed to shield artwork from damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays. Standard framing glass can block some UV light, but not enough to fully protect your artwork. Conservation glass is engineered to block up to 99% of harmful UV rays. This significantly reduces the risk of fading, yellowing, and deterioration over time.
Why Is UV Protection So Important?
Most people think of UV rays as something to worry about when they’re outside, but indoor light sources, like sunlight streaming through windows and even some artificial lights, also emit UV radiation. These rays break down the chemical bonds in pigments and paper, which causes colors to fade and materials to become brittle over time. If you want to protect your artwork for as long as possible, UV protection is essential. Conservation glass acts as a barrier so that you can display your pieces without worrying about damage from light exposure.
What Are the Other Advantages of Conservation Glass?
Besides its ability to block out UV rays, conservation glass offers several other advantages that help protect your artwork:
- Reduced Glare: Depending on what type of conservation glass you choose, it can also cut down on glare. This makes your artwork easier to view from all angles, and it can be particularly important for areas that receive a lot of sun, like lobbies.
- Scratch Resistance: Conservation glass is durable and scratch-resistant, which provides an extra layer of protection for your art. This also makes it a great choice for high-traffic areas, as it is less likely to be damaged by someone accidentally brushing by.
- Clarity: Unlike older types of protective glass that can distort the artwork’s colors or clarity, modern conservation glass ensures that colors and images remain vivid and true to life. Conservation glass is an excellent choice for photography too, not just traditional artwork.
Why Professional Framing Matters
To fully experience the benefits of conservation glass and protect your artwork properly, professional framing is key. An experienced custom framing shop will not only help you choose the right type of conservation glass but also ensure that all materials used are acid-free and archival quality. DIY framing or using low-cost pre-made frames often means cutting corners on materials that could harm your artwork in the long run. Professional framers are trained to handle artwork safely and build frames that do more than just look good.
The Chessler Company Can Help Protect Your Artwork
At The Chessler Company, we work with interior designers, multi-family property owners, healthcare facilities, corporate offices, and other businesses throughout the Mid-Atlantic region to create cohesive, memorable artwork experiences. Whether you need assistance with selecting artwork, framing it, or installing it, we are proud to be your one-stop shop for all of your art needs. Since 1959, our family-owned and operated company has been helping families like yours make memories last forever. To learn more about our framing services, call us at (410) 358-5161, and let us help you decorate your space!