Displaying and sun damage

[Matt-88]

Hey,

Just wanted to know what others thought of this (its probably a very straightforward answer), I have the Ikea glass cabinets like I've noticed a lot of others do. I used to display other stuff in there but since getting my SW collection back I'd like to get more of it on display but I'm a bit concerned at having it exposed to light. At certain points of the day for maybe a few hours, I have strong sunlight coming in that lands on the cases, I can't really move them as I have big windows so most places get the sun. I'm assuming after a while it's going to cause damage to the vintage stuff (plastic and boxes) the same as leaving it on a windowsill? I believe newer stuff doesn't suffer as much, I've heard its better protected against UV? Does the glass cabinet offer any protection at all? I'm guessing not. Any advice for anything else I can do to protect?

 

[Richard_H]

You can put a UV film on the front of the glass. There's a thread about it somewhere if you do a search or look further down in this section. It's quite cheap and the same stuff you put on windows.

 

[db94]

I put UV film on my window for peace of mind - still close the blind when it's really sunny but it has made a big difference. Very easy to do, surprisingly cheap. I'll go look out the website details and let you know.

 

[x-pack]

Sunlight will damage your collection. End of. Don't forget that vintage Star Wars toy packaging was not designed to last, therefor it needs some protection from sunlight, heat etc.

Best to move it to a shaded spot 8)

 

[Matt-88]

Thanks everyone, I'll have a search about the forum some more too. If you have the link db94 that would be awesome.
x-pack - Most of it is packed in plastic storage boxes in a cupboard currently. really want to get a few bits on display so I'll have a look at the UV film and perhaps see if I can shift the room around a bit to make some shade!

 

[PIGCITY]

If you want to enjoy it and brings something to your life then **** it and get it out there.
You only live once so make the most of it while you can....no matter what you do it won't last forever.

 

[x-pack]

I do agree with PIGCITY, these collections should be displayed and enjoyed. But just don't put your collection in direct sunlight is the sensible advice, not if you value it anyway.

 

[Jez]

I'm a bit paranoid about sun damage. Mine are on full display in my spare room, however i do have the curtains (with Black out lining) permanently closed. This means that i can always nip in to the room and glory at my collection and all guests get a slice of vintage heaven! Every now and then the guests will open the curtains in the morning, but i quickly nip back in there to ensure that darkness resumes

 

[olisuds]

Some interesting points about avoiding damage from sunlight.

I must admit i have given it a lot of thought as I've put a lot of time and money into my set of figures and would not be happy to see them discoloured. Here are some points to consider:

Display case: Most acrylic display cases offer better protection against damaging UV rays than glass. You can also buy display cases made with additional UV protection. However if your display is in intense direct sunlight even the 1-2% of UV rays that get through will add up over time.

Windows: I would certainly consider a UV resistant film otherwise you'll end up with the curtains drawn all day long. The films with the greater UV protection do seem to have more of a yellow tint to them. There are removable and non removable films. For some reason I've found the removable films seem to be tinted more (yellow or brown). Also they arent easy to get hold of in the UK and importing from the US is expensive.

Situation: OK so you obviously want to avoid puting your display case on a wall that receives direct sunlight but consider which direction your windows are facing and the seasons. If you are South or North facing you wont get much light throught he windows in Summer but in winter you will (South facing straight in during the day and North facing on side walls during morning and evening). OK I know this sounds a bit excessive to think about but there's no point in going to the effort of finding somewere for your display case out of the sun if in 6 months time its basking in intense direct sunlight for half the day. I learnt this the hard way when I put my display case up on a shaded wall and 6 months later found it was now in direct sunlight every morning.

And yes i totally agree with the statement that you want to enjoy your collection but taking sometime to think about these things will at least stop you from drawing the curtains all day or covering your collection up.

 

[db94]

Here's the link to the UV film we bought. We went for the Prestige 70 and it really does work very well.
Company offers free samples so give them a try.

http://www.abodewindowfilms.co.uk/acatalog/Heat_Glare_Window_Film.html

 

[olisuds]

ts pretty awesome.

I think I'm going to get me some of that when i move into the new house

 

[Matt-88]

Cheers for the link, just ordered a sample of the 70 stuff so will see what its like. Could turn out to be a pig of a job as my windows are loads of separate small panes rather than one big one and there are three massive full length windows to do All worth it in the end!

 

[db94]

my windows are loads of separate small panes

I'd ask for loads of free samples

 

[Matt-88]

Don't know if I'd get away with that! I'd need at least 45 squares! :lol: