Arizona’s abundant sunshine is one of the state’s defining features, but it can present a challenge for homeowners and collectors displaying artwork.
Paintings, paper and other mediums can all be affected by prolonged exposure to light, while the heat and environmental fluctuations associated with sunny locations can create additional risks. Understanding where and how to display artwork can help preserve its appearance and condition for years to come.
Our professional art conservators have put together this helpful guide of frequently asked questions, you can also contact us via info@fineart-restoration.com if you have any concerns about a painting in your care.
Can Sunlight Fade Paintings?
Yes. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause pigments and other materials to fade or change over time. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is particularly damaging, although visible light also contributes to deterioration.
One of the most important things for collectors to understand is that fading generally cannot be reversed. An art conservator may be able to address other condition problems or improve the overall appearance of an artwork, but original color that has been permanently altered by light cannot simply be restored.
The level of risk can vary considerably depending on the type of painting and the materials used. Traditional oil paintings often contain pigments with varying degrees of lightfastness, meaning some colors may remain relatively stable while others can fade or change with prolonged exposure. Modern acrylic paintings can also be affected by light and heat, with their long-term response depending on the pigments, binders, additives, and other materials used by the artist.
Below is an example of the stabilization conservators can perform on a painting structurally damaged by heat, as this is the most common threat in environments of strong sunlight.
Watercolor paintings require particular care. Because watercolors are typically applied in thin layers on paper, changes to light-sensitive pigments can become especially noticeable. The paper support itself can also discolor or deteriorate with excessive light exposure. For this reason, watercolors and other works on paper should generally be displayed under more carefully controlled lighting conditions.
Below is an example of a watercolor before and after prolonged exposure to sunlight. The colors have faded and cannot be reversed, but they can be stopped from fading further if the correct measures are put in place.
Ultimately, an artwork’s vulnerability depends on its pigments, binding medium, support, age, construction, previous treatments and exposure history. Whether you own an antique or modern painting, limiting prolonged exposure to direct sunlight is one of the simplest ways to reduce the risk of permanent fading and deterioration. Below is an example of a watercolor painting with acid and environmental damage to the paper.
Arizona Sunlight Creates More Than a UV Problem
In Arizona homes, direct sunlight can present another concern: heat. A painting displayed beside a bright window may experience significant changes in surface temperature throughout the day. Heating and cooling can contribute to fluctuations within the materials that make up a painting.
Paintings are layered objects. An antique oil painting, for example, may include a canvas or wooden support, ground layers, multiple layers of paint and varnish. These materials do not necessarily respond to environmental changes in exactly the same way.
Over time, unsuitable or rapidly changing conditions can contribute to problems such as cracking, lifting paint, distortion, or other forms of deterioration. These issues may eventually require painting conservation and restoration to stabilize the artwork and prevent further damage.
For this reason, finding a location with a reasonably stable environment can be just as important as reducing UV exposure.
What Temperature Should Paintings Be Kept At?
For artwork displayed in a home, stability is generally more important than trying to maintain a museum environment. A comfortable, relatively stable indoor temperature around 65 – 75°F is a sensible target for many household collections. Avoid locations where artwork will experience repeated or extreme temperature changes – leading to issues such as the cracked surface below.
This means thinking carefully before hanging valuable artwork in locations such as:
- Areas of prolonged direct sunlight
- Immediately beside large windows or glass doors
- Above fireplaces
- Near heating or air-conditioning vents
- Against unusually hot exterior walls
- In garages, attics or other spaces with substantial temperature swings
Arizona’s climate makes some of these locations particularly challenging, especially during the hottest months of the year.
Does Varnish Protect an Oil Painting From Sunlight?
Varnish can provide an important protective layer on an oil painting, but it should not be treated as a substitute for appropriate display conditions. Depending on the varnish and its formulation, it may offer some protection from environmental contaminants and can help create a more even surface appearance. Certain modern varnishes may also incorporate UV-stabilizing properties.
However, varnish cannot make a painting immune to prolonged sunlight. Varnishes themselves can also change with age. Older natural resin varnishes, as seen in the photograph above, may yellow or darken over time. A professional conservator can examine a painting to determine whether an existing varnish is appropriate, deteriorated, or potentially suitable for varnish removal and replacement as part of a professional conservation treatment.
Use UV-Protective Glazing Where Appropriate
For framed works, conservation-grade UV-filtering glazing can substantially reduce exposure to damaging ultraviolet radiation. UV-filtering acrylic or glass is particularly worth considering for vulnerable materials such as watercolors, signed memorabilia and other works on paper.
Window films designed to filter UV radiation can provide another layer of protection, particularly in rooms with extensive glazing. These measures reduce risk, but they do not eliminate the effects of light entirely. Even with UV protection, placing sensitive artwork in strong, prolonged sunlight is best avoided.
Why Artworks on Paper Are Especially Vulnerable
If you own watercolors, drawings, prints, or other works on paper, display location deserves particular attention. Paper-based artworks can be much more light-sensitive than many oil paintings. Pigments, inks, dyes, and the paper itself may all undergo permanent changes after excessive exposure.
For valuable or historically important works on paper, consider lower-light areas of the home, UV-filtering glazing, conservation-quality framing materials, and professional mounting techniques. Paper conservation can also address existing issues such as staining, tears, distortion and other forms of deterioration. Collectors with particularly sensitive works may also choose to rotate pieces periodically rather than keeping them continuously on display.
Where Is the Safest Place to Hang a Painting?
A good display location is generally one that receives indirect rather than direct sunlight and remains reasonably stable throughout the day. Before hanging a valuable piece, observe the room at different times. A wall that appears shaded in the morning may receive several hours of intense afternoon sun.
In an Arizona home, north-facing walls and interior walls can sometimes offer better options, depending on the property’s orientation and window placement. Curtains, shades, shutters, UV-filtering window films and thoughtfully positioned artwork can all help reduce exposure. If a beam of direct sunlight moves across the artwork during the day, another location is usually preferable.
What If a Painting Has Already Been Damaged?
Changes caused by excessive light or heat are not always immediately obvious. You may notice fading, discoloration, cracking, flaking or lifting paint, yellowed varnish, distortion, or changes in the painting’s surface. Avoid attempting to clean, re-varnish, flatten or retouch the artwork yourself. Treatments that appear straightforward can permanently alter original materials or make subsequent conservation more difficult.
A professional painting conservator can perform an artwork condition assessment to identify deterioration and determine which changes may be treatable. Although pigment fading itself generally cannot be reversed, other problems, such as deteriorated varnish, surface contamination, unstable paint, tears or structural issues, may be suitable for painting restoration or conservation treatment.
Preserving Artwork in Arizona
Arizona’s climate does not mean paintings need to remain hidden away. Thoughtful placement and a stable indoor environment can make a significant difference.
Keep valuable artwork away from prolonged direct sunlight, avoid locations that experience significant heat or temperature fluctuations, and consider UV-protective glazing or window films where appropriate. Be especially cautious with works on paper, photographs, and other light-sensitive materials.
If you are unsure whether an artwork has suffered environmental damage, or want advice before displaying an important piece, a professional conservation assessment can help identify vulnerabilities and recommend appropriate preventive measures.
Fine Art Restoration Co. provides art conservation and restoration services for private collectors and institutions. If you are concerned about fading, cracking, deteriorated varnish, or other changes to a painting or artwork, our conservators can assess its condition and recommend an appropriate course of treatment.
Contact Our Experts
If you’re unsure whether your artwork requires restoration or simply expert advice, our conservators can provide a professional assessment and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
We work with collectors, insurance companies and institutions across the United States, offering conservation, restoration, condition reports, collection care, and coordinated fine art transportation to ensure your artwork receives museum-quality care.
Fine Art Conservation Services
Fine Art Restoration Company provides museum-standard conservation services for collectors, homeowners, galleries and insurers throughout Arizona and across the USA.
We can assist with:
- Modern & contemporary artwork restoration
- Antique oil paintings conservation
- Watercolors, drawings and print restoration
- Antique and modern frame repair
- Ceramics and sculpture restoration
- Collection care and condition reports
- Insurance claims including restoration after fire contamination, water exposure or accidental damage
If you’re concerned about the condition of your artwork, or simply want expert advice on displaying and caring for your collection, we’d be delighted to help. Contact our team today to arrange a professional assessment or discuss your conservation needs.
