Sunlight/UV radiation damage to collection?

[BKEHV]

Hi guys,

Recently, me and my wife bought a new house but there's one issue:
In my old house, I had a room without windows which I used to keep my display cabinet. There was no sunlight coming into the room.

In my new house, I have a beautiful new "mancave" but there's a big dormer with windows on one entire side of the room. Although there's double glass, I'm afraid to put my (glass) display cabinet in the room because sunlight/UV radiation might affect/discolour ribbons, documents or even medals/badges.

What are your thoughts? Would it still damage the items though double glass + a glass cabinet? I'm looking forward to your replies!

[Robert J.D.]

I would suggest buying “blackout” curtains, which are heavy drapes sold in many colors that are used to block out daylight for night shift workers having to sleep in the day. Properly installed, hardly any light will enter your new collecting room.

I absolutely LOVE mine.

Robert

[BKEHV]

Hi Robert,

Thank you but the thing is, I also use the room for other things. For example I'm also a music producer and my studio is in the same room. I kinda like to have a little daylight in the room. That's why I want to know if this can affect my items

[Tanker Mike]

Window Film

Hi,

Check this link out. I don't work for 3M but had this product in my old house and it worked great.

Mike

https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/home-window-solutions-us/

[swjXE]

Hi,

Check this link out. I don't work for 3M but had this product in my old house and it worked great.

Mike

https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/home-window-solutions-us/

It sounds like Mike has the best solution here, but for now I believe that you must at least avoid direct sunlight on your collectables.

[BKEHV]

Hi,

Check this link out. I don't work for 3M but had this product in my old house and it worked great.

Mike

https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/home-window-solutions-us/

Thanks Mike!
I've contacted a company here in The Netherlands for more information.
For now, my complete collection is safely packed in a box and I will not get it out before I'm sure everything's safe

[jmcm]

In my room I have a 4' x 6' window, I have blinds on the window and a sheet of 1/4'' plywood painted white covering the inside. I was terrified of the sun destroying my hats and tunics.

[Brian R]

I have UV protection on my glass. It works, but you can't use it alone. You'll also need curtains (but they don't have to be blackout curtains if you also have the window film).

B

[tk99]

To answer your original question, yes, sunlight and UV will destroy your collection.
Is it not possible to re-arrange the display cabinet away from the sun?

If you have direct sun, also consider the potential damage due to humidity level. Dryness is a killer to paper and wood.

[Frans H.]

Also be aware of the lights you are using in your room. The lights I have in my war room have also uv protecting.