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Infrared Energy
Definition: Infrared energy refers to radiation in the electromagnetic spectrum with wavelengths longer than visible light but shorter than microwaves. Although invisible to the human eye, infrared energy produces heat and, when present in sunlight or artificial lighting, can contribute to the fading, warping, or deterioration of artwork and framing materials. In the context of picture framing and art conservation, infrared energy is considered alongside ultraviolet energy as a significant environmental factor that can damage artworks over time.
How Infrared Energy Affects Art
- Heat Generation: Infrared radiation transfers heat to paper, pigments, and substrates, accelerating chemical degradation.
- Fading of Pigments: Prolonged exposure can cause dyes and fugitive colors to fade more rapidly.
- Material Warping: Organic substrates like wood, canvas, and paper expand and contract under heat, leading to warping or buckling.
- Synergy with UV Damage: Infrared exposure, when combined with ultraviolet radiation, compounds fading and brittleness.
Preventive Measures
- UV-Filtering Glazing: Use UV-filtering or anti-reflective glass that also blocks portions of the infrared spectrum.
- Specialty Acrylics: Products like EX-74 Resin offer fade resistance by filtering harmful UV and IR energy.
- Lighting Control: Avoid direct sunlight on artworks and use LED or low-IR light sources in display areas.
- Climate Regulation: Keep framing environments cool and stable to minimize the thermal effects of infrared exposure.
Applications in Conservation
- Lighting Design: Museums and galleries often specify lamps with minimal IR output to reduce heating of displayed works.
- Protective Glazing: Specialized glazing and acrylics filter both UV and IR for archival protection.
- Infrared Imaging: While harmful in uncontrolled exposure, infrared technology is also used as a diagnostic tool in art conservation to reveal underdrawings and alterations.