Open Forum

 View Only

  • 1.  UV-Blocking Window Film

    Posted 02-05-2024 11:58 AM

    Does anyone have suggestions for best brands for uv-blocking window film? I thought I would be able to find some on Gaylord Archival but did not. 



    ------------------------------
    Curtis Royer
    Volunteer
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: UV-Blocking Window Film

    Posted 02-05-2024 12:43 PM

    Hi Curtis,

    It's not exactly what you're looking for, but this would cut down on the light at large. We use SOLVEX 70/30 window film to cut down on the amount of natural light coming into the galleries. We love the stuff. Good luck on your search....

    Best

    Matt



    ------------------------------
    Matthew Isble
    Exhibit Designer & Founder of MuseumTrade.org
    misble@crockerartmuseum.org
    Crocker Art Museum
    Sacramento CA
    misble@crockerartmuseum.org
    ------------------------------



  • 3.  RE: UV-Blocking Window Film

    Posted 02-06-2024 06:49 AM
    HI Curtis,
    There is a company that has been supporting museums and galleries nationwide.
    Carol Borow has since retired but links to  https://www.filmsandgraphics.com/
    Im sure if you contact them, they can help, they had provided the following services in the past:
    Here is info that they sent me a couple of years ago..

    Many museums and galleries are using CHB industries
    Solar Window Films:
    • Reduce Fading, cracking and other damage caused by the sun
    • Block heat 
    • Soften Glare 
    • Enhance Comfort 
    • Save Energy Dollars
    CHB has had a lot of experience successfully dealing with these issues. These are some of the art institutions that they have recently worked with:
    • Art OMI
    • MoMA
    • The Metropolitan Museum of Art
    • The Met Breuer
    • The Rockefeller Archives
    • The Frick Collection
    • The Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum
    Please keep in mind that CHB also can supply and install:
    • Security and Blast films to deter break ins and other security risks
    • Anti Graffiti films to protect Street front glass and tops of glass display cases.
    • Distraction Bands for office fronts
    • Decorative Films, Wall Graphics and Signage





  • 4.  RE: UV-Blocking Window Film

    Posted 02-06-2024 09:01 AM
    We had Vista applied, but it requires professional installation.  It works very well and has a life span of about 10 years.  You don't say whether your site is an historic house, so you may have considerations regarding that aspect.  The same company that installed the film fabricated scrim shades for us (lots of windows facing south).  The combination was very effective.

    Uline does sell a product by the roll, but I would not advise trying to install this yourself.  I did it myself at home and it was fine where you couldn't get close, but it can easily bubble.  If you google Vista UV blocking film, you will get numerous options (you don't say where you are located).





  • 5.  RE: UV-Blocking Window Film

    Posted 02-06-2024 03:16 PM
    For quality and reliability, I have always used 3M window films. I know you mentioned filtering UV in particular, but overall light reduction and infrared can have considerable benefits, as well. I once did a test, using a couple of gradations of light-blocking film, because people sometimes think that light-reduction will make the indoor space look too dark. The only adverse comment I received was that the space with the lesser light reduction looked too bright. I cannot guarantee that sort of result, but I think a test can be worthwhile.

    Best,

    Bruce

    A. B. MacLeish
    Curator Emeritus
    Newport Restoration Foundation

    85 Lake Street
    Cooperstown, NY 13326
    (C) 401-265-8607





  • 6.  RE: UV-Blocking Window Film

    Posted 03-04-2024 04:10 PM

    As Mr. MacLeish mentioned 3M is the brand to go for. They have several films to choose from, and all the necessary data (and data sheets) for your museum. I had one of their films applied to a very large set of windows in our museum seven years ago and it has done very well. A couple of times a year I will borrow a spectrometer from one of our science labs on campus to make sure its not degrading, and in 7 years it hasn't allowed in a bit of UV or IR. (It's rated for a 10 year lifespan)
    Look up local window tinting companies in your area and find one that is a licensed 3M dealer. 

    Good luck!



    ------------------------------
    Alan Rideout
    Head Preparator, Museum Photographer
    University of Kentucky Art Museum
    ------------------------------



Related Content