The busy weekend was a blessing to help ease the loss of my constant companion, Jesse (thanks again to everyone). I thought I could get back to working on something today, but find my heart's not in it still. So instead, I've taken down my Fabric Guard test to see how well its UV protection worked.
Well, I am truly disappointed. While the treated fabrics repel water as per product description, they have not been protected from fading due to light exposure (a total of about 5 weeks). If you click on the larger picture, you may be able to see on some of the pieces where the masking tape protected a strip of the untreated fabric from the light. Clearly, there is no difference between the exposed areas of the treated and untreated fabrics.
I've always known that some commercial fabrics fade more so than others, and it was interesting to note those differences in my samples here. The orange with the tiny print is an old Harriet Hargrave reproduction fabric and it held up quite well, as did that solid red. The other orange as well as the lighter print red show fading though and the navy floral really faded. As for the batik, it looks to have held up fairly well. with minimal fading The light turquoise hand-dye did fade while the green teal one faded very little if at all.
So what are we to do now? Does anyone know of a product out there that DOES protect fabric from fading?Now that I'm exhibiting in shows unfamiliar with handling textiles and selling more of my work, this whole fading problem really worries me. I can control the light quilts in my possession receive but not once they leave my hands. My conscience is suffering here. I need a solution.
Well, I am truly disappointed. While the treated fabrics repel water as per product description, they have not been protected from fading due to light exposure (a total of about 5 weeks). If you click on the larger picture, you may be able to see on some of the pieces where the masking tape protected a strip of the untreated fabric from the light. Clearly, there is no difference between the exposed areas of the treated and untreated fabrics.
I've always known that some commercial fabrics fade more so than others, and it was interesting to note those differences in my samples here. The orange with the tiny print is an old Harriet Hargrave reproduction fabric and it held up quite well, as did that solid red. The other orange as well as the lighter print red show fading though and the navy floral really faded. As for the batik, it looks to have held up fairly well. with minimal fading The light turquoise hand-dye did fade while the green teal one faded very little if at all.
So what are we to do now? Does anyone know of a product out there that DOES protect fabric from fading?Now that I'm exhibiting in shows unfamiliar with handling textiles and selling more of my work, this whole fading problem really worries me. I can control the light quilts in my possession receive but not once they leave my hands. My conscience is suffering here. I need a solution.
2 comments:
Perhaps if you made up a brochure with care and handling, including display instructions to give to buyers and displayers you'ld feel less "guilt."
"Fine Art" pieces, as in water colours and oils, won't stand a lot of light or direct sunlight without fading either.
It is art. One can buy resin or plastic if they don't want to be aware of care.
I co-ordinate an ArtWalk, but even as artists and exhibitors it's our "privilege" to educate.
Nora
Actually, I HAVE made up a care brochure which I've given to those I've sold directly to. If they don't follow my suggestions, both written and oral, I feel no guilt. These exhibit venues though, I'm not sure I'll get that chance. Theoretically they will pass along the name of the buyer, but whether I"ll have any personal contact with them, I don't know. I suppose you're right - anyone who purchases fine arts has the obligation to education themselves about its care. Still...
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