How Light can Damage Art Light is obviously necessary to view art but at the same time can damage many of the materials found in paintings and works of art on paper.
Light can fade pigments and cause paper and textiles to become brittle.
Light levels in museums are controlled to minimize the deterioration that light causes. In our homes, however, light levels are generally much higher than in museums. Light levels are measured in lux. Recommended levels in museums are 50 lux for works of art on paper and 150 lux for paintings. A work of art hanging in your home in direct sunlight could typically be subject to 10,000 lux - 200 times the recommended level.