Protecting the artwork and artifacts in their care from damage is the main functions of museums. At the same time, a museum must also display their collections, which involves balancing adequate lighting for proper visibility, while addressing preservation concerns at the same time. Light can slowly cause discoloration and structural damage in materials as it breaks down the molecular structure of dyes, pigments and substrates. And please note that light damage cannot be reversed by conservation treatment. But fortunately, there are several strategies you can take to protect the collections. This blog will provide solutions to reduce lighting damage to museum exhibits by addressing UV and heat problem.
How UV and Heat Exposure Harms?
1. UV Radiation: A Silent Killer
UV radiation generally can cause serious damage to museum exhibits. These high energy-rays can damage materials, causing fading, discoloration, and degradation. These are particularly visible on paintings, textiles, wooden crafts and leather.
For example, oil paintings can lose their vividness due to the fading of pigments over long periods of time when exposed to UV light , while paper can also become brittle due to the long-term effects of UV light, which will eventually lead to the loss of the painting. Therefore, reducing UV rays as much as possible is very important for museum to protect collections.
2. Heat: Accelerating the Distraction Process
Heat is another major reason of damage to museum artifacts. Many traditional light sources, such as incandescent and halogen lamps, emit a lot of infrared radiation, which can increase the temperature of a the small area. High temperature can accelerate chemical reactions and can cause materials degradation, resulting in paint cracking, and wood warping.
6 Solutions to Minimize UV and Heat Damage
1. Use UV-Blocking Filters and Glass
Here is one of the most effective ways to prevent UV damage, and it is to use UV-blocking filters and glass into your display cases. For example, many UV Blocking Glass solutions provide a protection from UV light, often ranging between 96% and 99.9%.
Additionally, it is possible to add UV filters to existing lighting fixtures. These filters are designed to absorb harmful UV rays before they reach your exhibits. Many LED lights are also come with built-in UV protection, reducing the need for additional filters and reducing maintenance costs.
UV filters
2. Opt for LED Lighting with Low Heat Emission
Using LED lighting is also a great ways to reduce UV and heat exposure. Unlike incandescent and halogen lamps, LED chips produce very little UV radiation and heat. This makes them an excellent choice for illuminating paintings, sculptures, and textiles.
Modern cool-beam LEDs are even more efficient because they dissipate away from the exhibit area directly while providing bright illumination.
3. Install Light Shields and Use Timers
To further control light exposure, consider using light shields or diffusers that soften the intensity of the light. This helps to minimize UV and heat exposure while the exhibits are still illuminated effectively. You can also use timers to limit the time the lights are on. For instance, setting the lighting system to only be active for specific durations will significantly reduce the total exposure.
For instance, some museums recommend that artifacts are only exposed to light source for up to 10 hours per day to prevent cumulative damage. During off times, you can use protective covers to shield exhibits from incidental light exposure.
4. Control the Distance Between Lights and Objects
The distance between the light source and the exhibit is crucial in minimizing the impact of heat and UV exposure. Mounting lights at a safe distance from sensitive items will help reduce the intensity of light hitting them. In particular, positioning the lights outside display cases is an excellent way to reduce direct exposure to UV and heat while still providing adequate lighting.
5. Utilize UV-Protective Coatings or Films for Windows
Windows can allow amounts of harmful UV radiation to enter the museum, even if the lighting inside is well controlled. Installing UV-blocking films on windows or skylights can also reduce the amount of UV light that reaches your exhibits. These films are especially beneficial during sunny days, helping to maintain a stable environment for your collections.
Additionally, shades can be used to cover windows during the day when the sunlight is strongest. This can prevent sunlight from impacting your valuable items and reduce the potential for heat buildup within the museum.
6. Monitor and Control Light Exposure
Finally, it’s essential to regularly monitor the light levels in your museum. Use UV meters and lux meters to track the intensity of UV radiation and light levels in various areas. This will help you ensure that the exposure levels are within safe limits for your exhibits. Many museums aim for a maximum of 150,000 lux-hours per year for sensitive exhibits, to limit the total amount of light exposure to reduce damage.
Conclusion
Lighting is a crucial element in presenting museum exhibits, but it comes with challenges when it comes to UV radiation and heat. To reduce the risks of damage, museums must take some useful approaches by selecting proper lighting, controlling exposure, and utilizing protective measures like UV filters and films. Switching to energy-efficient, LED lighting, using UV-blocking glass, and using proper light shielding are all essential ways in preserving the longevity of exhibits.
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