UV Protection for Artwork in Los Angeles, California
LA's intense sun fades artwork fast. UV-protective framing keeps your pieces safe for years.
When Your Art Needs UV Protection in Los Angeles
Los Angeles gets over 300 sunny days a year. That's a lot of UV exposure for anything hanging near a window. UV radiation breaks down pigments, bleaches photographs, and yellows paper over time.[1] We've seen prints in mid-century homes in the Hollywood Hills fade badly because of floor-to-ceiling windows. And wildfire smoke during fire season adds another layer of damage to unprotected art. If your piece is near a window, in direct light, or simply old and precious, UV-protective glazing isn't optional. It's the difference between a piece that lasts decades and one that fades in a few years.
Fading Photos Near Windows
Sunlight hits window-facing walls hard in LA homes. Photos can fade noticeably within a few years without UV glass.
Fine Art in Bright Rooms
Original paintings and prints lose color from UV exposure. UV-filtering glazing blocks the rays that cause the most damage.
Sports Memorabilia Display
Signed jerseys and cards are one-of-a-kind. We frame them with UV glass so the ink and fabric don't break down.
Paper Art and Prints
Paper yellows fast under UV light. Acid-free matting combined with UV glass gives paper art its best chance.
Heirloom and Family Portraits
Old family photos are irreplaceable. UV-protective framing stops light damage before it starts.
Commercial and Office Art
Offices with big windows are tough on art. We help businesses in LA protect their framed pieces for the long haul.
Why LA Homeowners Trust Frame 2000 for UV Protection Framing
Skipping UV-protective glazing is the most common mistake we see. People choose regular glass to save money and then call us years later about faded art. We've been doing this since 1989. We use museum-quality materials, and every job stays in-house. So you get real archival protection, not a shortcut.
What to Expect When You Call Us
Protect Your Art Before It Fades
Don't wait until you notice fading. Our picture frame shop team in Los Angeles is ready to help you. We can pick the right UV protection for your artwork today.
How UV Protection Framing Works at Frame 2000
The process is straightforward, and we walk you through every part of it.
Bring In Your Piece
Come into our Venice shop on Lincoln Boulevard. We'll look at your artwork, talk about where it hangs, and figure out how much UV exposure it gets. That tells us which glazing option makes the most sense.
Pick Your Frame and Glass
We have thousands of frame designs and multiple UV glazing options. You'll see a digital preview using our Arteck Software before anything is cut. So you know exactly what you're getting.
We Frame It In-House
Every piece is framed right here in our shop. We use archival materials and museum-quality techniques. When it's done, your art is protected and ready to hang.
UV Protection Framing Cost in Los Angeles
Pricing depends on the size of your piece, the frame you choose, and which UV glazing option fits your needs. Standard UV glass costs less than conservation-grade museum glass, and both are far better than regular glass. In LA, where sunlight is intense year-round, spending a little more on glazing is almost always worth it. We give you a clear quote before any work starts. No surprise charges, no add-ons you didn't ask for. Free estimates are always available when you bring your piece in.
UV Protection Framing Questions Answered
Here are the questions we hear most from LA customers about protecting their art.
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How much does UV protection framing cost in Los Angeles?
Most UV protection framing projects run between $80 and $600 or more, depending on size and materials. Smaller prints with standard UV glass cost less. Larger pieces or museum-grade conservation glass run higher. We give you a full quote before starting, so there are no surprises.
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How long does it take to get UV framing done?
Most orders are ready within a week or two. Turnaround depends on how busy we are and which materials are needed. We do all work in-house at our Venice shop, so we're not waiting on outside vendors. If you have a deadline, just tell us when you drop off.
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Can I just use regular glass to save money?
You can, but we don't recommend it for anything you care about. Regular glass blocks almost no UV rays. In LA's sunny climate, fading can show up in just a few years. UV-protective glazing costs a bit more upfront, but it protects your investment far longer.
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What's the difference between UV glass and museum conservation glass?
Standard UV glass blocks around 97% of UV rays. Museum conservation glass blocks 99% or more and also reduces glare a lot. Both are much better than regular glass. For fine art or irreplaceable pieces, conservation glass is worth the upgrade. For everyday photos and prints, standard UV glass works well.
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Is UV damage happening right now to my framed art?
If your piece is framed with regular glass and near a window, yes. UV damage is slow, but it's constant. You often don't notice it until the fading is already significant. Bringing your piece in sooner means we can stop the damage before it gets worse.
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What are the signs that UV light has already damaged my artwork?
Faded colors, yellowed paper, and washed-out photos are the most common signs. Ink on signed items can also lighten or shift in color. If one part of the piece was in shadow and looks different from the exposed part, that's a clear sign. We can assess the damage when you bring it in.
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Does UV-protective glass work for sports memorabilia too?
Yes, and it's one of the best things you can do for signed items. Ink on jerseys, balls, and cards is especially sensitive to UV light. We frame a lot of memorabilia here in LA and always recommend UV glazing. A faded signature on a one-of-a-kind piece can't be fixed.