Preserving Watercolours
Consider upgrading your chosen artwork to include a UV-protective acrylic screen.
The general advice below reflects widely accepted conservation practices, which can be found in many online resources.
Learn about what influences the longevity of watercolours
1. Are watercolours prone to fading?
Artwork, whether painted or printed, can retain its beauty for years with proper care. Watercolours, however, are more prone to fading compared to mediums like oils or acrylics due to the thin, translucent layers of paint, which are more delicate.
Fading occurs because high-energy UV light from sunlight breaks down the chemical bonds in pigments. Pigments with a high tolerance to sunlight and slow fading are said to have “good lightfastness,” while those that fade easily are described as having “low lightfastness.”
LIGHTFASTNESS
A pigment's ability to resist fading is largely determined by the quality of paints and the display conditions
The best way to protect a painting from fading is to keep it out of direct sunlight and shield it with a UV-protective screen.
2. Will glass suffice or do I need UV protection?
Paintings with standard glass screens are suitable for locations away from bright or direct sunlight, such as a small home office, a staircase, or a room with minimal windows.
If the artwork is displayed in a sunlit area, such as a kitchen extension with abundant light or near large windows, UV-protective screens are highly recommended; otherwise, some pigments may start to fade within months to a year. With proper UV protection, a moderate amount of direct light during the day is generally safe.
SCREEN
Standard glass (left) lacks UV protection and exhibits a faint green tint. UV acrylic (right) is lightweight, shatter-resistant and provides UV protection and clarity
At Schafernaker Art, some paintings are automatically offered with UV protection. However, if you would like to upgrade a piece that does not include it, please contact art@schafernakerart.com. Be sure to include your order number or canvas code in the email. This service is available for an additional fee, which varies depending on the screen size and type (anti-glare or glossy/regular) and typically costs an additional 5–10% of the original artwork price. Please note that there will be additional waiting time as the screen needs to be ordered from a specialist. Alternatively, you can replace the screen yourself or seek assistance from a professional framing service.
3. Are the paints professional-grade?
PAINTS AND PAPER
Using high-quality watercolour paints and paper helps ensure artwork remains in excellent condition for decades
