posted by SHELLEY BRUCAR
Finally, there is a new, non-aerosol product available to protect fiber from fading and sun damage. The former, widely used product contributes to the destruction of the ozone layer while protecting fabric , and I have refused to use it for that reason, preferring fading to ozone depletion. It is my understanding that, due to federal regulations, aerosols in the US can no longer contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). However, they still contain hydrocarbons and/or compressed gases which do contribute to global warming and asthma-inducing smog. This is not exactly good for the air we breathe.
The new product, which I found at JoAnn Fabrics, is called ForceField UV SunBlock. It comes in a simple spray bottle. The directions state that it is to be used outdoors or in a very well-ventilated area.
To test for effectiveness, I have cut a piece of hand-dyed fabric in two and sprayed one with ForceField, not the other. My plan is to place both pieces of fabric in direct sun to see if the protected piece holds its color, and I will post results. Here is how the “ForceField test fabrics” look today:
Now I just have to wait for the sun!
And here is my newest completed piece. It can be seen until 12/20 at Simply Chicago Art, Evanston.
Moonlit Forest 49″ x 49″, (c)2009 Shelley Brucar fiber art
Surround Yourself with Serenity 
Hi.
Did you find that the UV spray helped your textile art from fading?
Thanks.
Alison
Hi Alison,
Having rearranged studio space and recently focused on painting (acrylic paint needs no protection!), I had forgotten about this experiment. Looking at my 3 pieces today, treated, untreated and control (no tx, no sun), it looks like there is the slightest amount of fading on the untreated piece and no fading on the treated piece. When the sun comes back, I will continue the experiment and post results, perhaps at the end of summer. Thanks for the reminder.
Shelley