Fading Facts

All materials fade from sunlight in time. Fading is inevitable and the same applies whether it is caused by exposure to intensive sunlight for a short time or a long exposure to the weaker light of cloudy overcast days. Here in the Pacific Northwest, the sun’s damage can be especially harmful, because in spite of our cloudy winter months, damage from fading still continues.

Visible light and infra-red heat are other factors that contribute to fading, which is why effective film installations must harness all three sunlight elements. Ultraviolet light rays bounce off solid objects-buildings, trees, streets, etc. Therefore regardless of a window’s compass orientation, you can still have a fading problem. Natural fibers like silk or wool are less fade resistant than synthetic fibers. Antiques, tapestries, rugs, etc., use less stable dyes and will fade more quickly. Fluorescent dyes are less color stable than other colors.

Severe fading can be minimized with the use of solar control window film, which blocks 99.9% of all UV rays drastically reducing the damage and enabling most fabrics and furnishings to look fresh and vibrant for years to come. No window film can totally eliminate fading.

What Causes Fading?

To understand the causes of fading, one needs to know a little about the makeup of sunlight.

Sunlight is basically made up of three elements:

Visible light – the part which enables us to see

Infrared light – the part which we feel as heat

Ultraviolet light – we cannot feel it or see it, but it is the main factor in causing fabrics, furniture and works of art to fade.

Fading is a result of these three “sunlight “ factors and, to a lesser degree… indoor artificial lighting, humidity and poor dye anchorage play a role as well.

Facts About Fading

FADING IS INEVITABLE… all materials fade in time.

FADING OCCURS… whether exposure is from intense sunlight over a short period of time or weak sunlight over a long period of time.

SEVERE FADING CAN BE MINIMIZED… with the use of Solar Control Window Films.

Reducing the Innevitability of Fading

UV Reduction:

Average clear glass filters 25%
Dual-pane glass filters 50%
Low-E glass filters 60%
ABC Sun Control Window Films filters 99.9% of UV

Window film is an effective means by which to help reduce fading. Remember, fading can never be eliminated, however the installation of film on windows can drastically reduce the damage, enabling most fabrics and furnishings to look fresh and vibrant for years to come. And, even more importantly, the composition of the film you choose will always make a dramatic difference in the results achieved.

What Fades?

Laboratory tests using Xenon arc simulated sunlight per test conditions from The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists show that furniture, fabrics, works of art, flooring and, even decorative wall paint fades with time (some more than others).

Here are some tips from the pros:

Wood: Natural wood finishes are much more stable than stains or finishes which alter the color of the original wood. And, wood may actually darken with prolonged exposure to UV rather than fade to a lighter color.

Fabrics: Results differ depending upon fiber type, dye color and stability and/or pattern printing techniques. Fabric cost has no bearing on the degree of fade damage and expensive fabrics may be as vulnerable to fading as less expensive fabrics.

Artwork: From photographs to paintings, tapestries to wood sculptures, certain media will fade more rapidly than other works of art. A watercolor, for example, is far more vulnerable than an oil painting. A tapestry of bright bold colors may deteriorate more rapidly than a solid wall hanging. To be safe, never place art in direct sunlight.

Occupants: The sun’s harmful UV rays damage more than furniture and fabrics, that is why The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends the use of Window Film as a device for the protection of skin.


Click Here to view our PDF on Fading

TRA Medical Imaging Administrative Offices Tacoma, LEED Case Study

Task:

TRA Medical Imaging was looking for the perfect property to combine all of its administrative support employees, and wanted to remain in downtown Tacoma. The organization purchased two historic structures originally built in the early to late 1900s: both structures were former Ford Motor Company dealerships. TRA decided to invest the time and resources to apply for historic building status with the State of Washington. The guidelines for Washington State historic buildings and properties mandated that the exterior window design be preserved, not compromised, and yet TRA was still required to bring the two buildings up to state energy code.

Solution:
Hüper Optik’s Ceramic 60 was chosen because of the film’s unique ability to preserve views, and to reduce the ultraviolet rays coming through the window units, thus decreasing energy consumption. With the installation of a full-size panel, single-pane glass storm window on the inside, and Ceramic 60 installed on the protected side of the storm panel, the building’s envelope was significantly sealed against energy loss.

Result:
The extreme energy saving performance of Hüper Optik’s Ceramic 60 delivered a comfortable environment for TRA’s Administrative Staff. The TRA Medical Imaging Complex maintained its historic building mandates, and was able to meet Washington State Energy Code requirements as well.

“Upon completion of the installation, looking through the windows from the inside of the structure it is nearly impossible to see the difference of visibility through the glass, but the reduced heat gain through the windows is very noticeable.”
--Dale A. Anderson, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, CSBA

• Helps commercial chillers operate even more efficiently
• Preserves original exterior window design for state historical buildings
• Allows for use of daylight in historic interiors
• LEED points for energy reduction

LEED Case Study Tacoma Police Department

HÜPER OPTIK® ENERGY SAVER CERAMIC 35 EXTREME CERAMIC PERFORMANCE FOR LEED BUILDINGS

Tacoma Police Department

Task:

ABC Sun Control helped The Tacoma Police Department achieve LEED Certification several years ago, and is currently a LEED Silver property. The building’s modern design features an entire wall of glass, and several atria inside, and makes good use of day lighting throughout the building. Constructed with over 15,000 square feet of glass, the Facility Management and Engineering Team was looking for an energy efficient option that would allow the outside views to remain intact. Hüper Optik Energy Saver Ceramic 35 delivered the energy savings need to maintain LEED Silver status, and to keep the beautiful views of the police headquarters in Tacoma: a well-known locale and one of the first LEED Silver buildings in the state of Washington.

Solution:

ABC Sun Control chose Hüper Optik’s Energy Saver Ceramic 35 because of the film’s unique ability to preserve views, and protect the recent upgrades in environmentally friendly flooring and furniture.

Result:

The extreme energy saving performance of Hüper Optik’s single-layer ceramic delivered a comfortable environment for Tacoma’s citizens, its law enforcement officers and other visitors to the building. The building’s engineers were able to report a reduction in the average cooling temperature; thus allowing the chillers to operate more efficiently during peak load demand.

Facts About Fading

All materials fade from sunlight in time. Fading is inevitable and the same applies whether it is caused by exposure to intensive sunlight for a short time or a long exposure to the weaker light of cloudy overcast days. Here in the Pacific Northwest, the sun’s damage can be especially harmful, because in spite of our cloudy winter months, damage from fading still continues.

To understand the causes of fading one needs to know a little about the makeup of sunlight. Sunlight is basically made up of three elements:

Visible Light-
the part which enables us to see

Infra Red-
the part we feel as heat

Ultraviolet Light-
which we neither feel nor see, but is the main factor in causing fabrics and furnishings to fade.

Visible light and infra-red heat are other factors that contribute to fading, which is why effective film installations must harness all three sunlight elements. Ultraviolet light rays bounce off solid objects-buildings, trees, streets, etc. Therefore regardless of a window’s compass orientation, you can still have a fading problem. Natural fibers like silk or wool are less fade resistant than synthetic fibers. Antiques, tapestries, rugs, etc., use less stable dyes and will fade more quickly. Fluorescent dyes are less color stable than other colors.

Severe fading can be minimized with the use of solar control window film, which
blocks 99.9% of all UV rays drastically reducing the damage and enabling most fabrics and furnishings to look fresh and vibrant for years to come. No window film can totally eliminate fading.

Why Window Film?

Living in western Washington affords us many privileges. One of the most breathtaking features is the beauty that surrounds us - panoramic views of the Puget Sound and Mt. Rainier are just a few of the natural splendors that make us want to leave our curtains, blinds or shades open all the time.

Unfortunately, viewing this beauty can also come with a price. Leaving window coverings open for extended periods of time can cause accelerated wear on your furnishings. This is especially true in Seattle, where the sun's damage can be exceptionally dangerous. The damage is inevitable, no matter if your furnishings are exposed to strong sunlight for a short period of time, or weaker light on overcast days for longer periods.

How can you solve this issue? It's easier than you think. Window films by ABC Sun Control are specially designed for upscale homes -and eliminate up to 99.9% of harmful ultraviolet radiation, a major cause of fading, cracking and peeling. They help to preserve the color brilliance of fabrics from draperies and bedspreads to upholstery and carpets. Antique furnishings, valuable artwork and hardwood flooring are also protected.

But this window tinting film does more than just save your furnishings. It is virtually undetectable, even on overcast days -a crucial element with our weather pattern. Easy to clean, ABC Sun Control window tinting film is scratch resistant and can easily cover the shape of any window no matter what the design, making them more versatile than traditional window coverings.

ABC Sun Control window tinting comes with a lifetime warranty, and applying the application of the film maintains existing window warranties.

There's no longer a need to worry about your furnishings being damaged by the sun's harmful UV rays. With ABC Sun Control window tinting films, you can protect your Puget Sound home's interior and still enjoy the natural light and views that make your home a more beautiful place to be.

ABC Sun Control, licensed, bonded and insured, has been meeting the solar and security film needs in the Puget Sound area since 1976, and their installation technicians are specially trained and accredited by the International Window Film Association.

New 3M Frosted Films website just launched!

We just launched our partner site (www.3mcrystal.com) with Starr Studios in San Francisco featuring 3M's Frosted Crystal, Dusted Crystal and Fasara films. As some of you know, Starr Studios owner Sean Starr and ABC go way back, and in addition to Sean working with ABC for several years on multiple projects, Sean and ABC owner Scott are both fishing fanatics.