One of the other threads mentioned the adverse effect of UV rays on a layout. Rather than thread jack, I will ask here – what adverse effects? Is it more than just the fading of colors?
Richard,
The more intense the Sun is,(brighter) the greater the UV rays will be,which with exposure,will dry your skin,damage your reproductive skin cells,eye problem’s and many other health issues…Building materials,plastics and many others,It will destroy your clear coat on your car or truck,suv,especially if it is a dark,color,over time,will depend on where you live in the world…It’s worse in the US,around noon time,where I live anway…When the Sun is directly above you,that is when the UV’s are the strongest…If you would like more info,and I mean a lot,Google,Sun’s UV Rays strongest,you will find out things that most of us never were taught…
Cheers,
Frank
Given summer sun, clear skies, low humidity and a location where reflected light added to the effect, six weeks was enough to effectively destroy 2004-model Atlas flex track ties and a train-set boxcar of uncertain ancestry. Before my little experiment I had plans for an outdoor empire. When the test results came in I retreated to the garage - just as hot, but no windows, so no sun!
UV from electrical sources lacks the raw power of direct, unfiltered sunlight, but it is still damaging over time. If the UV generators are on 24/7, the time will be a lot shorter than if the lights go out when you leave the room.
Checking for, and repairing, UV damage is just one more brick in the wall of layout maintenance.
Chuck (Modeling rainy, hazy Central Japan in September, 1964 - in sunny Southern Nevada)
Chuck,
‘‘We Don’t need no Education’’,‘‘You can’t have no pudding,IF you don’t eat your meat’’…‘‘Pinky,Get off the Line’’,LOL…‘‘All in All,just another Brick in the Wall’’
Cheers,
Frank’
Really no way to get away from the effect of UV rays on anything unless no light ever hits it. Try to minimize light entering your layout area & be aware that even flourescent tubes emit UV rays.
There are UV limiting coatings that can be used instead or on top of Dulcote, but probably not necessary unless your layout is in a sunny room. You will probably out live the noticeable effects if you just follow some precautions. You should probably be more concerned about your skin & UV rays.
Frank, I’m afraid only about half of us will appreciate your post. [tup]
Who ever doesn’t know Pink Floyd, god help them.
“I’ve got a li’il black book with 'is poems in it!”
(sorry, I just couldn’t resist)
Remember those old PC monitor cases and printers that were off white when new? After a few years under the office flourescent lights, they became a crappy off-yellow color? That is just the power of synthetic sunlight and UV rays. Not only that, but the plastic often also “dried out and became brittle”. The only way plastic lasts outdoors is if it is metal! Cedarwoodron
Hey, Frankie, leave those kids alone !
Rich
M - O - N - E - Y
Get away. You get a good job with good pay and you’re okay
“Come in here boy, have a cigar…” [{(-_-)}]
On a more serious note, what about displayed rolling stock on a shelf?
Does one side get more faded than the other?
NW
I’m sorry,guy’s,I just couldn’t resist,when, Tomikawatt, ( Chuck ) made that statement,about one more brick in the wall of layout maintenance…As far as display cases for trains,if in sunlight,over time I’m sure will do some change’s to color and materials,for what I have been reading about UV rays,they do penetrate glass and many,many other materials…
Cheers,
Frank
krylon makes a uv lear coatingthat works with floquil polly s paints. it does not work with scale coat. i spray it on then apply the dull coat. i do not have any problems with it and it is on g scale equipment that sits outside. if you worried about fading paint, you can use that. also a clear film can be purchased to cover window glass that is a uv filter.