Lighting oil paintings is not like illuminating other pieces of art, it requires specialized lighting techniques.

Oil paintings are often many years old and are much more delicate than art from other mediums. This makes them susceptible to subtle risks from ultraviolet radiation and excessive heat.

While these stresses can damage any piece of art, they are much harder on fine art made with certain pigments. For this reason, homeowners must plan accordingly when setting up fixtures, as some are too risky to use for lighting oil paintings or other artwork.

Heat and ultraviolet radiation will both cause steady damage to art canvases, but they are also punishing on oils.

Over time, the stress placed on the pigments by heat and radiation will cause them to discolor, break down, and possibly split. Once this occurs, restoration can be extremely expensive and just impossible in some situations. However, if done with the right fixtures, lighting oil paintings is possible without worrying about heat or UV rays.

The easiest way to remove heat from the equation is to use fixtures that are installed a safe distance away from the art. Recessed fixtures like Phantom LED contour projectors as well as track fixtures, are all set up several feet away from the art. This provides more than enough buffer for heat dissipation. UV radiation is trickier to deal with, as it is especially plentiful in older halogen fixtures that are used by fine art lighting experts. Most high-end fixtures are compatible with UV filters, though, and these will eliminate almost all of the ultraviolet rays from the illumination. This does not alter the appearance of the light in the slightest. Today, lighting experts and fine art galleries recommend LED framing projectors for lighting oil paintings because they totally eliminate any issues related to heat or fading.

Following these simple recommendations will ensure that your priceless piece of fine art will bring you joy for many more years. If lighting oil paintings is something that interests you, contact us. You can also give us a call toll-free at 800-863-1184 or read our customer testimonials about Phantom Lighting Systems in Houston, Texas. What can we light for you?