Will Window Film Really Stop Fading Of Fabrics?
There are six factors affecting fabric fading:
1. Ultraviolet Light
2. Visible Light
3. Heat and Humidity
4. Chemical Vapors (including ozone)
5. Age of Fabric
6. Dye Fastness
Ultraviolet (UV) light, from the sun, contributes to approximately 40% of the fading process,
which can ruin furnishings long before their time. Visible light and solar heat can
contribute approximately 25% each. The remaining 10% can be attributed to
miscellaneous effects such as indoor artificial lighting, humidity, heat and poor dye
anchorage.
Clear single pane glass (1/8" to 1/4") will reject 23-28% of the ultraviolet light from the sun.
Insulated glass is slightly better, rejecting 36-41%. Window films installed on glass reject
99% of solar ultraviolet light.
Different types of clear glass and window systems will reject 13-29% of the solar heat.
With window films, 80% solar heat rejection can be obtained.
Solar control films contain ultraviolet absorbers which reduce the amount of ultraviolet
radiation being transmitted through glass. Both visible light and ultraviolet radiation are
important causes affecting fading to floors, carpets, draperies and other furnishings for the
home.
Fading is a complex issue because each and every material has a different propensity to
degrade from exposure to ultraviolet radiation and other contributory factors. For example,
wood is extremely vulnerable to fading from sunlight. It is generally accepted that UV
radiation can be responsible for roughly 40%-60% of all fading. Solar control window film
products are not guaranteed to stop or cure a fading problem. However, professional
quality window film can significantly reduce fading caused by ultraviolet, visible light and
solar energy. The degree of protection you obtain is closely tied to the type of film you
select.
No window film can eliminate fading. It can however, offer maximum protection from
fading due to solar ultraviolet light and solar heat.
There are six factors affecting fabric fading:
1. Ultraviolet Light
2. Visible Light
3. Heat and Humidity
4. Chemical Vapors (including ozone)
5. Age of Fabric
6. Dye Fastness
Ultraviolet (UV) light, from the sun, contributes to approximately 40% of the fading process,
which can ruin furnishings long before their time. Visible light and solar heat can
contribute approximately 25% each. The remaining 10% can be attributed to
miscellaneous effects such as indoor artificial lighting, humidity, heat and poor dye
anchorage.
Clear single pane glass (1/8" to 1/4") will reject 23-28% of the ultraviolet light from the sun.
Insulated glass is slightly better, rejecting 36-41%. Window films installed on glass reject
99% of solar ultraviolet light.
Different types of clear glass and window systems will reject 13-29% of the solar heat.
With window films, 80% solar heat rejection can be obtained.
Solar control films contain ultraviolet absorbers which reduce the amount of ultraviolet
radiation being transmitted through glass. Both visible light and ultraviolet radiation are
important causes affecting fading to floors, carpets, draperies and other furnishings for the
home.
Fading is a complex issue because each and every material has a different propensity to
degrade from exposure to ultraviolet radiation and other contributory factors. For example,
wood is extremely vulnerable to fading from sunlight. It is generally accepted that UV
radiation can be responsible for roughly 40%-60% of all fading. Solar control window film
products are not guaranteed to stop or cure a fading problem. However, professional
quality window film can significantly reduce fading caused by ultraviolet, visible light and
solar energy. The degree of protection you obtain is closely tied to the type of film you
select.
No window film can eliminate fading. It can however, offer maximum protection from
fading due to solar ultraviolet light and solar heat.
UV Protection from the Sun
Exposure to direct sunlight can cause many coloured or painted materials to fade.
Damage due to fading is caused by UV light, visible light, heat (including infra-red light),
artificial lighting indoors, humidity, and poor dye anchorage – but the first three account for
90% of fading. Ultraviolet, visible light and heat all pass through ordinary glass and can
cause damage to goods in the home, office, shop window, or museum.
Our fade protection window films are specially designed to filter out at least 99% of
harmful UV and reject infra-red heat but still leave a pleasantly lit living or display
environment. While no film can completely eliminate the effects of fading due to the solar
spectrum, over 80% of UV, infrared, and visible light can be rejected with vast range of fade
protection films.
The range includes films which are ultra clear (once installed, the film is virtually
undetectable), tinted, or reflective to offer a choice of fade protection performance and
visual characteristics.
Exposure to direct sunlight can cause many coloured or painted materials to fade.
Damage due to fading is caused by UV light, visible light, heat (including infra-red light),
artificial lighting indoors, humidity, and poor dye anchorage – but the first three account for
90% of fading. Ultraviolet, visible light and heat all pass through ordinary glass and can
cause damage to goods in the home, office, shop window, or museum.
Our fade protection window films are specially designed to filter out at least 99% of
harmful UV and reject infra-red heat but still leave a pleasantly lit living or display
environment. While no film can completely eliminate the effects of fading due to the solar
spectrum, over 80% of UV, infrared, and visible light can be rejected with vast range of fade
protection films.
The range includes films which are ultra clear (once installed, the film is virtually
undetectable), tinted, or reflective to offer a choice of fade protection performance and
visual characteristics.
FACTORS THAT CAUSE FADING OF MATERIALS
"As a Rule of Thumb"
"As a Rule of Thumb"
| Average clear glass filters 25% Dual-pane glass filters 50% Low-E glass filters 60% Applied Window Film filters 99.9% of UV! |
Copyright Smartfilms Inc. 2013
