How to Prevent Fabric Fading from UV Rays
Ah, the summer season: the taste of sunlit summer mornings, rooms bathed in light, days without a hint of artificial glow… and faded fabrics! Sunrays do bleach decorative elements—this is a fact. But how does this phenomenon occur? And what can be done to prevent these unfortunate discolourations?
Ultraviolet rays: the main culprits behind fading
While window panes generally block UVB rays, they do not stop UVA. The latter are responsible for wrinkles, pigmentation marks, skin ageing, and even skin cancers. Capable of burning the skin, they also bleach the colours in fabrics when combined with oxygen. Farewell to beautiful sofas, striking drapes, and vibrant curtains—ultraviolet rays destroy colour molecules wherever they pass. The sworn enemies of shopkeepers who struggle to fill their shop windows throughout the summer, ultraviolet rays tan the skin of living beings but fade furniture and decoration, even through window glass.
How can you prevent furniture from fading due to ultraviolet rays?
Well aware of this issue, and thanks to its meticulous work in offering unique and vibrant colours, Embrin has identified several alternatives to outsmart the effects of UV rays on furniture and decoration.
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Choose a curtain lining
Curtains are our main barrier against the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays indoors. It is therefore essential to have UV-resistant curtains that will not let them pass through, so they can act as a protective shield. Linen curtains are slightly transparent due to their delicate texture. This is why Embrin offers the addition of a satinette lining. This allows you to effectively block out sunlight and thus protect your belongings.
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Lay summer fabrics over your sofas
To protect your sofas, opt for a seasonal throw or a strip of fabric over surfaces exposed to the sun. This will help avoid any fading accidents on your lovely coloured furniture. Similarly, remember to store away cushions and boutis during the sunny season so as not to risk their colours fading.
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Use a hydrophobic protective spray
Good news: just as there are protective screens for your skin, there are UV sprays for textiles. These work like sunscreens for the skin, except you do not need to reapply them several times a day. Follow the usage instructions provided by the maker, and continue to enjoy vibrant colours in a bright, sunlit interior!
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Apply protective films to your windows
The most effective and radical solution is to apply protective films to your home’s windows. While these once had an unattractive dark tint, this is no longer the case, and you can no longer distinguish between a protected and an unprotected pane. To avoid bubbles, have them fitted by a professional. Your entire interior will then be protected from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays.