Lena Rivera
When it comes to paintings, UV glass is essential for protecting the artwork from sunlight damage. While there are several ways to identify UV glass, the most effective method is to use a UV meter or a UV black light. UV glass will have a distinct ripple or orange peel effect when viewed closely or at an angle. Additionally, UV-coated glass tends to have an orange or brownish tinge when looking along the edges. It's important to note that the effectiveness of UV glass in preserving artwork diminishes over time, so regular inspections and replacements are necessary.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reflection colour | The light reflected off the glass will be purple, green, or blue. |
| Texture | Tru Vue conservation glass has a distinct ripple on the surface. |
| Stickers | A sticker on the back of the frame may indicate the type of glass used. |
| Scratch test | If you have access to the inside of the frame, use a sharp knife to gently scratch the surface. If there is a UV coating, it will scratch. |
| Coating colour | UV-coated glass has an orange or brown tinge when looking along the edges. |
| Black light test | Place a known piece of UV filtering media in front of a lamp shining on a mat in a dark room. If the glass has the same effect as the UV filtering media, it is likely UV filtering. |
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What You'll Learn
Check for a label or sticker on the back of the painting
Checking the back of a painting for a label or sticker is a good way to identify whether the glass is UV-coated. Reputable glass manufacturers often provide information about UV protection on their products, so look out for labels that mention UV protection or UV400. UV400 glass blocks 100% of UVA and UVB rays, so this is a good indicator.
Some framers put a sticker on the back of frames with UV/specialty glass and mention it on the description/price tag. In addition, standard boxes of glass come with a set of stickers to apply to the back of the frame that explain the care rules and the product chosen. So, if your painting has UV glass, there should be a sticker on the back.
If there is no sticker, there are other checks you can do. One way is to hold the art up towards the light and look for an orange peel ripple effect. If you don't see this, it is unlikely that the glass has a UV coating. UV glass also has an orange tinge when looking along the edges.
You can also try a simple DIY UV test. In a dark room, hold a UV light source close to the glass and a piece of paper or a UV detection card. If there is fluorescence on the glass or card, this indicates the presence of UV protection.
It's worth noting that UV protection is particularly valuable for protecting artwork from UV radiation damage.
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Use a UV meter or UV black light to test the glass
Using a UV meter or UV black light is a common method to determine whether a painting has UV glass. This technique can be used to evaluate the hidden details of antiques, including repairs, touch-ups, and embellishments.
To begin the testing process, take a known piece of UV filtering media, such as acrylic or glass, and slide it in front of a lamp shining on a mat in a dark room. Observe the change in the reflected light on the mat. If the light changes from bright purple to almost black as you introduce the UV filtering media, it confirms the presence of UV light.
Now, perform the same experiment with the "unknown" glass from the painting. If you observe a similar effect, with the light changing from purple to black, it is likely that the painting is protected by UV filtering glass. On the other hand, if you notice a bright purple or violet glow through the glass, it indicates that there is no UV filter.
Additionally, UV black lights can be used to inspect paintings for repairs and touch-ups. Modern paints typically fluoresce under UV light, so you can detect any recent alterations or restorations. This is particularly useful when examining hairline cracks in oil paintings, as they become more visible under UV light.
It is worth noting that UV lamps are essential tools for evaluating all forms of artwork for their condition, age, and authenticity. Conservators and restorers can use these lamps to detect previous restorations and repairs that may be concealed in the artwork.
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Observe the colour of the glass edges
The colour of the glass edges can provide a strong indication of whether the painting has UV glass. UV glass typically has an orange or brownish tinge when viewed along the edges. On the other hand, regular glass tends to exhibit a greenish hue. This method is particularly useful for identifying older UV glass, as the "'texture'" of older UV coatings tends to be more obvious and "goopy".
It is worth noting that the effectiveness of UV glass in filtering UV light decreases over time. This degradation is due to the UV coating being applied to the glass's surface rather than being incorporated into the glass composition, as seen in modern acrylic glazing. Therefore, when inspecting the edges of the glass, it is essential to consider the age of the glass. Older UV glass is likely to have a more noticeable colour difference compared to regular glass.
Additionally, it is important to remember that not all UV glass will exhibit the same colour characteristics. Some UV glass products, such as Tru Vue, are known for their distinct "orange peel effect," which refers to the rippled surface texture. This texture can be observed when viewing the glass closely or at an angle. Therefore, if the glass in question does not have an orange or brownish tinge, it may still be UV glass, especially if it exhibits the unique surface texture associated with specific brands.
While observing the colour of the glass edges can be a helpful initial step in identifying UV glass, it may not always be conclusive. Other factors, such as the presence of anti-reflective coatings or variations in manufacturing processes, can influence the appearance of the glass edges. Therefore, combining this observation with other identification methods, such as checking for labels or using UV light testing, can provide a more comprehensive assessment of the glass's UV protection properties.
In conclusion, observing the colour of the glass edges can be a useful indicator in identifying UV glass. The presence of an orange or brownish tinge along the edges suggests the possibility of UV protection. However, it is important to consider the age of the glass, the specific characteristics of different UV glass products, and the potential impact of other coatings or treatments. Combining this observation with other identification methods will help ensure a more accurate determination of the glass's UV protection capabilities.
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Examine the surface for a distinct ripple texture
To determine if a painting has UV glass, one of the methods is to examine the surface for a distinct ripple texture. This is done by holding the artwork up towards the light and looking for an "orange peel ripple effect". If this texture is observed, it is likely that the glass has a UV coating.
The ripple texture is a result of the UV glass filtering out ultraviolet (UV) light. UV light is a type of invisible light that exists just beyond the violet end of the visible spectrum. When projected onto a surface, it can cause certain substances to fluoresce or emit visible light, creating an illuminated appearance. This phenomenon is known as ultraviolet fluorescence and is utilised in various examination methods for paintings.
By examining the surface for the ripple effect, one can visually identify the presence of UV glass. This technique is useful when trying to determine if a painting has been treated with a UV-protective coating, which is commonly applied to artworks to prevent damage and discolouration caused by UV light exposure.
It is important to note that not all UV glass is created equal, and older UV glass may have a more obvious texture due to the manufacturing processes of that time. Additionally, the effectiveness of UV glass in blocking UV light may diminish over time, especially if the coating is placed on the outside of the frame where it is more susceptible to damage.
While examining the surface for texture is a useful indicator, other methods, such as using a black light or an ultraviolet lamp, can also be employed to confirm the presence of UV glass and its effectiveness in blocking UV light. These tools can help identify alterations to the artwork, such as overpainting, repairs, and signatures, that may be invisible under normal lighting conditions.
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Scratch the glass surface with a sharp knife
Scratching the glass surface with a sharp knife is one of the methods to determine whether a painting has UV glass. This method is particularly useful if you do not have access to the back of the frame to check for labels or stickers that indicate the use of UV glass.
To perform the scratch test, use a sharp knife to gently scratch the surface of the glass, preferably at the corner that will be hidden by the frame rebate. If there is a UV coating, you will observe a slight scratch on the surface. It is recommended to scratch both sides of the glass because, in some cases, the UV coating may be on the outside of the frame.
It is important to note that this scratch test may not work for all types of UV glass. Some manufacturers, such as Tru Vue, are known to have a distinct "'orange peel effect'" or a "'ripple' on the surface" of their UV glass, which can be observed when viewed closely or at an angle. However, other manufacturers may have different characteristics, and the scratch test may not always provide conclusive results.
Additionally, the effectiveness of UV glass in filtering UV light can diminish over time, especially if the coating has been accidentally placed on the outside of the frame, as routine cleaning can damage or remove it. Therefore, even if the scratch test indicates the presence of UV glass, it is advisable to consider updating the glass to ensure the artwork is protected with the latest and most effective UV-filtering solutions available in the market.
Another method to identify UV glass is by observing the edges. UV glass typically has brownish edges, while regular glass tends to have greenish edges. However, this method may not be conclusive, as some older UV glass may also exhibit green edges.
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Frequently asked questions
Check the back of the frame for a sticker that says whether the glass is UV-protected. If there is no sticker, you can try reflecting a light source off the glass; if the light appears purple, green, or blue, it is likely UV glass. Alternatively, you can use a UV 'black light' to test the glass.
If you are able to remove the glass from the frame, check for a distinct ripple on the surface of the glass, which would indicate UV protection. You can also use a sharp knife to gently scratch the surface of the glass; if there is a UV coating, you will see a slight scratch.
UV glass can protect your painting from sunlight, which can cause fading and discolouration of paper and pigments.
