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What is UV-filtering glazing?
UV-filtering glazing is the glass or plastic in front of a framed work that filters ultraviolet light, one cause of fading. The Canadian Conservation Institute recommends it, notes that light damage cannot be reversed, and gives no filtering percentage, so a product's percentage is the maker's claim.
Diagram: UV filtered by glazing. Schematic.
What the sources say
| Point | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Why | Light damage cannot be reversed | CCIP, CCIN |
| Glazing | Frame works behind glass or plastic that filters ultraviolet light; no filtering percentage is given | CCIP |
| Default | Glazing for artwork not of only temporary interest should include a UV filter; anti-reflective and anti-static versions exist | WFR |
| Contact | Glazing must not touch the paint surface | CCIN |
| Windows | Block UV with film on windows and control daylight with blinds | MGS |
| Lamps | Avoid unfiltered UV-emitting fluorescent lamps and individual picture lights | MGS |
| Level | At or below 200 lux for paintings | MGS |
Because the CCI page gives no percentage, treat any figure printed on a product as the maker's claim and ask how it was tested. UV filtering lowers one cause of fading; direct sun, heat and strong lamps still matter, which is why the care guide also covers where to hang.
Sources
- Canadian Conservation Institute (Government of Canada): basic care, works of art on paper (fetched 2026-11-12)
- Canadian Conservation Institute (Government of Canada): basic care, paintings (fetched 2026-11-12)
- Wikipedia: Picture frame (fetched 2026-11-12)
- Museums Galleries Scotland: caring for paintings and frames (fetched 2026-11-12)
Figures from these pages are paraphrased and re-checked on 2026-11-12. Where two sources disagree, both figures are shown. Hardware and wall products vary, so follow the pack instructions.