Autograph display question

[whitehse]

My 26 year old son just moved out (for the second time) and I am now using his former bedroom for my "guy" room. It is a smaller bedroom with only one window facing west and it can get decent amount of light but nothing direct. I have a number of autographed baseballs in ball cubes and pictures signed to me that I want to display. I know displaying these items in direct sunlight will fade them but how about just normal, natural light. Will this also cause these items to fade as well? I assume the best thing to do is put a shade on the window but I am not sure I want to do that. Looking for any thoughts you might have.

[Maddog]

A number of years ago I had some signed baseballs in cubes sitting on my bookcase, no where near the light coming in from my window. The only light that hit them was from regular ordinary 60w light bulbs. The balls that faced the light turned, those behind them were still good.
Needless to say, all baseballs are now in closed boxes in a closet
Makes it rather difficult to look proudly at your collection

[mr2686]

Get UV cubes for sure. I would also invest in some really good blinds or shutters go keep it dark in there when you're not using the room. Also, any bulbs used should be LED lighting. I have a similar room, and since I'm only in there a small fraction of the day...or even a couple times a week, it just makes sense to keep it dark in there.

[Maddog]

interesting thing about the UV cubes is that they only last a few years. After that they actually loose the protection. I was shocked when a dealer told me about that. I still pay the extra buck or so to get them and still box them away

[tazdmb]

Were the cubes they were originally in when faded UV Protection Cubes? I keep all my signed baseballs in UltraPro UV cases, inside a UV Protected Display case in my basement that has a little natural light coming through frost covered windows.

Now you got my all scared they will fade.

[mr2686]

I don't think you need to worry. This is from an article on UV cubes/protection:
For the average use by collectors (store/home lighting), and taking into account the low-UV lighting, the UV protection should last a lifetime. The life span for harsh sun is 2-3 years. However, this is not recommended and is almost never how these products are used.

[HRBAKER]

This is the primary reason I don't collect signed baseballs.

[Maddog]

Originally Posted by tazdmb

Were the cubes they were originally in when faded UV Protection Cubes? I keep all my signed baseballs in UltraPro UV cases, inside a UV Protected Display case in my basement that has a little natural light coming through frost covered windows.

Now you got my all scared they will fade.

Let me explain before I get more people scared:0
The ones on my bookcase away from sunlight were in regular cubes.
Once I noticed the change I changed to the UV cubes, that's when I was told that they give more protection but they are not a cure all. They lose their effectiveness in 2-3 years if kept in light.
From everything I ever read or discussed with others the ONLY solution is to keep all baseballs away from ANY light source.
Of course if you want to display them, I would suggest an enclosed cabinet that can be opened for show and then closed.
now that I'M scared, it's time to check the closet to see if all is well

[cottnat]

I have my baseballs in home plate display cases from sfdisplays (ebay seller and they also have a website). I have two 43 baseball cases filled, and probably could get a 3rd now. I have them in my office room where the light is usually off (I don't usually work from home). I also have them on the same wall as the window, so they get no sunlight directly on them. The cases are a great deal at $90 delivered or so and have UV protected glass and a lock. They display great. I haven't noticed any fading or conditions of the baseballs getting worse since I have had them in there and its probably been two years. If I can't display my collection, I guess it's hardly worth having them, but maybe that's just me.