Do I Really Need Protection for My Framed Artwork?

My customers often ask whether UV-protective glass is necessary, especially when framing photographs, prints, certificates, textiles or artwork that will hang inside the home. The practical answer depends on

the value and sensitivity of the item, as well as the amount of daylight reaching it. However, for treasured or irreplaceable pieces, improved glazing is usually a sensible investment.

Ultraviolet light can contribute to fading and deterioration. Paper may become brittle, photographs can lose colour and fabrics may gradually weaken. Even if a frame is not positioned directly beside a window, daylight entering a room may still affect the contents over time.

A frequent misunderstanding is that ordinary household glass provides complete protection. Standard glazing may reduce some UV exposure, but it should not be treated as conservation protection. UV-filtering glass or acrylic is specifically designed to provide a higher level of defence.

ArtGlass's Clarity UV99 glass is designed to block 99% of harmful UV rays, helping protect photographs, paper and other framed items from fading and yellowing. We also offer Clarity AR99, which combines up to 99% UV protection with less than 1% light reflection.

Folks sometimes worry that protective glass will make their artwork look darker or less attractive. High-quality 'water-white' glazing is intended to preserve clear colour and defined image definition. For valuable pieces, the improvement in long-term protection can outweigh the additional cost.

Acrylic glazing may be useful where weight and safety are concerns. We describe acrylic glazing option as lighter than glass, shatter-resistant and available in UV-protective versions. This can be particularly helpful for large frames, children’s rooms, exhibitions or displays that need to be transported.

The best choice should be based on the object, location and budget. At dragonfly Framing we can explain the options clearly and recommend suitable protection without overselling unnecessary features.