Dear Collector,

I have to admit that after years of framing, we and the rest of the industry didn’t know better all those decades ago..

We thought acid free barriers were just as good as rag mats. Many years ago, we didn’t mind using masking or scotch tape. We only thought of the materials we used, not necessarily the medium of the art or print. But after many signed prints, balls, books, posters and countless other collectible items, I need to tell you about that signature you cherish.

Chances are, it will fade with time. It will fade faster than your love and idolization of the person who signed your item.

You’ve been told that sunlight is bad for art. Well, all light is to a varying degree. But it’s not just the amount of light on your art, it’s the pigments that were used by the printer, artist, signee. Pigments have a varying degree of lightfastness, and sharpie markers don’t have anywhere near the legs of artist quality paints. Ball point pens are the worst offender.

So, if you want your hollywood star’s or athlete’s or author’s signature to last, protect it with some UV glass. While the pigments may degrade on its own (there’s too many variables, from pigment, to environment to other quality materials to know when), give it a fighting chance with quality glazing.

After all, that signature is from the hand of your hero…