How can I protect an art print from fading in a sunny room?
The most useful step is to keep an art print out of direct sunlight and reduce the amount of strong light it receives. Quality paper, inks and framing help you make a considered choice, but they do not make an artwork fade-proof. If sunlight regularly falls across the picture, moving it is usually the simplest improvement.
Look at the wall throughout the day
A wall that looks shaded when you order may receive direct afternoon sun. Check it in the morning and later in the day, and remember that the sun's path changes with the seasons. Strong reflected light from nearby surfaces can matter too.
Try a side wall, a position further from the window, or a place protected by curtains or blinds during bright periods. Take a photo of the room at the sunniest time if you are comparing positions. You can still enjoy art in a light room without placing it in the sunniest patch.
What does archival ink mean for my print?
Some YDS product pages, including the Aoraki Mount Cook Art Print, describe archival inks and matte fine-art paper. Check the specification of the actual artwork you are buying rather than assuming every range has identical materials.
“Archival” is not a promise of a fixed number of years in any room. Display conditions, the ink-and-paper combination and exposure all affect the result. We do not recommend using a sunny window as a test of a print's longevity.
Conceptual room sketch, not a light simulation. Check the real sunlight in your room.
Does UV protection stop fading?
UV filtering can reduce one part of the problem, but visible light also contributes to fading. Auckland Art Gallery's conservation guidance recommends keeping artwork away from direct or strongly reflected light and limiting exposure. UV protection should be part of a display plan, not permission to leave a print in full sun.
If you are considering specialist glazing, ask the framer about the actual UV specification and what it protects against. Do not assume every clear pane or standard frame offers the same protection.
We also offer UV-protectant vinyl as an option. Contact us to discuss your artwork, where it will be displayed and whether this option is suitable. It does not make an art print fade-proof or replace careful positioning away from direct sunlight.
Look after the whole print
Choose a stable, dry display position away from obvious heat and moisture sources. Handle an unframed print by its edges with clean hands and avoid touching the printed face. Let a framer advise on suitable mounting and backing if you are arranging the framing yourself.
Do not apply protective spray, varnish or cleaning liquid to the artwork. If you notice fading, spotting, rippling or moisture inside a frame, get advice before attempting a repair. A photograph taken when you first hang the print can help you notice a change, although photos and screens are not precise colour measurements.
A quick check before you hang it
- Does direct sun reach this position at any time?
- Can blinds or curtains reduce strong light?
- Is the wall dry and away from a heater or steam?
- Do I know the specification of the framing I have chosen?
Contact us if you need information about a particular YDS print before choosing its position or framing.
Further reading: Auckland Art Gallery's care advice for paintings and works on paper.
YOUR DECAL SHOP · NEW ZEALAND
Let’s talk about your space.
Have a question about your wall art or a commercial project? Send us a photo and the details, and we’ll help you work through the options.
Have a photo or drawing to share? Email it to us with your project details.