Rob Markoff
PFG, Picture Framing God
I contacted the technical department of Evonik/Cryo who make OP-3, a brand many farmers (including myself) use.
While not specifically addressing the question I asked regarding display of art in a controlled environment, here is the initial response. I am still working to get a response directly realted to picture framing.
Response from Cryo- The data can also be attributed to OP-3
Studies now show that ACRYLITE OP-2 sheet remains constant, in its UV filtering capacity, even under harsh accelerated weathering conditions.
ACRYLITE OP-2 sheet has been EMMAQUA® accelerated weathered by DSET Laboratories, Inc. in Arizona for a time period equivalent to 15 years of natural weathering. EMMAQUA weathering makes use of actual sunlight. To accelerate the weathering process, the sun’s energy is reflected off ten highly polished mirrors and focused on to the sheet’s surface. Focusing the sunlight concentrates the dosages of harmful UV radiation as well as all the wavelengths emitted from the sun.The EMMAQUA Test Machine also tracks the path of the sun, making the most of the sample’s exposure time. At certain times of the year the heat generated from the EMMAQUA Test Machine is so intense, sheet surface temperatures can reach as high as 140°F. To add another element of nature in this accelerated weathering test, moisture is introduced onto the sample’s surface at regular intervals via a water spray.
By using the EMMAQUA Test Machine you can achieve the UV radiation dosage equivalent to five years of natural exposure in an approximate one-year real time.The graph below shows that ACRYLITE OP-2’s UV filtering capacity has not diminished even after an intense accelerated weathering program equivalent to fifteen years of natural weathering.
This data can also be applied to ACRYLITE® OP-3 Acrylic Sheet.
They did also include the testing graph that showed continued filtration after accelerated aging.
Now, while not specifically answering my question, one could make a reasonable assumption that artwork would never be displayed in such a severe environment as the test with the power of the sun focused on ten mirrors directed at the sheet's surface and the surface temperature reaching 140 degrees.
If the filtration lasted the equivalent of over 15 years in that test, couldn't one reasonable argue that if the acrylic was used in a "normal" display condition appropriate for the display of artwork, it would last significantly longer?
At least we could definitively say at least 15 years, but I would feel comfortable saying it would last much longer.
While not specifically addressing the question I asked regarding display of art in a controlled environment, here is the initial response. I am still working to get a response directly realted to picture framing.
Response from Cryo- The data can also be attributed to OP-3
Studies now show that ACRYLITE OP-2 sheet remains constant, in its UV filtering capacity, even under harsh accelerated weathering conditions.
ACRYLITE OP-2 sheet has been EMMAQUA® accelerated weathered by DSET Laboratories, Inc. in Arizona for a time period equivalent to 15 years of natural weathering. EMMAQUA weathering makes use of actual sunlight. To accelerate the weathering process, the sun’s energy is reflected off ten highly polished mirrors and focused on to the sheet’s surface. Focusing the sunlight concentrates the dosages of harmful UV radiation as well as all the wavelengths emitted from the sun.The EMMAQUA Test Machine also tracks the path of the sun, making the most of the sample’s exposure time. At certain times of the year the heat generated from the EMMAQUA Test Machine is so intense, sheet surface temperatures can reach as high as 140°F. To add another element of nature in this accelerated weathering test, moisture is introduced onto the sample’s surface at regular intervals via a water spray.
By using the EMMAQUA Test Machine you can achieve the UV radiation dosage equivalent to five years of natural exposure in an approximate one-year real time.The graph below shows that ACRYLITE OP-2’s UV filtering capacity has not diminished even after an intense accelerated weathering program equivalent to fifteen years of natural weathering.
This data can also be applied to ACRYLITE® OP-3 Acrylic Sheet.
They did also include the testing graph that showed continued filtration after accelerated aging.
Now, while not specifically answering my question, one could make a reasonable assumption that artwork would never be displayed in such a severe environment as the test with the power of the sun focused on ten mirrors directed at the sheet's surface and the surface temperature reaching 140 degrees.
If the filtration lasted the equivalent of over 15 years in that test, couldn't one reasonable argue that if the acrylic was used in a "normal" display condition appropriate for the display of artwork, it would last significantly longer?
At least we could definitively say at least 15 years, but I would feel comfortable saying it would last much longer.
