Why Kids' Art Books Fade Over Time and How to Prevent It

Quick answer

Kids' art books fade mainly due to light exposure, humidity, and poor storage. To prevent fading, keep your book away from direct sunlight, store it in a cool, dry place, and handle it with clean hands. For extra protection, consider using an art book that comes with free hi-res digital images, so even if the physical book fades, your child's art is preserved digitally.

You've invested time and love into creating a custom art book filled with your child's masterpieces. But over time, you may notice the colors aren't as vibrant as they once were. Fading is a common issue, but it's largely preventable with the right care.

In this guide, we'll explain why kids' art books fade and provide practical steps to protect your book's colors, ensuring your child's art stays bright for years to come.

Why Custom Art Books Fade

The main culprit behind fading is light exposure, especially ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV light breaks down the pigments in inks and dyes, causing colors to dull. Even indoor lighting and sunlight through windows can contribute over time.

Humidity and heat also play a role, as they can accelerate chemical reactions in the paper and ink. Additionally, poor-quality inks or low-grade paper may be more prone to fading, but even high-quality materials need protection.

• Keep your art book away from windows and direct sunlight.
• Avoid displaying it in areas with high humidity like bathrooms or kitchens.
• Store it flat in a cool, dry place when not being viewed.

How to Prevent Fading in Your Kids' Art Book

Prevention starts with where and how you store your book. Choose a bookshelf away from windows or use a closed cabinet to block out light. If you love displaying the book, rotate the pages you show so no single page gets excessive light.

When handling the book, make sure your hands are clean and dry. Oils and moisture can transfer to the pages, promoting deterioration. Also, avoid placing heavy objects on top of the book, as pressure can damage the pages.

Consider using acid-free tissue paper between pages to protect delicate artwork, especially if you've included items like report cards or early drawings that may use different inks or papers.

• Use UV-protective glass or acrylic in picture frames if you frame pages from the book.
• Keep the book in a stable environment to avoid humidity swings.
• Handle the book with clean, dry hands to prevent smudges and residue.

The Role of Digitization in Preservation

One of the best ways to safeguard your child's art is to have a digital copy. Many custom art book services, like Plum Print, include free hi-res digital images with every order. This means you'll always have a permanent backup that won't fade, even if the physical book does.

With digital files, you can print replacement pages or create new keepsakes if the original book becomes damaged or faded. This is a simple and effective strategy for long-term preservation.

Diagnosis: Fading Issues in Kids' Art Books

• Symptom: Colors appear washed out, especially on pages near windows or walls that get direct light. Compare a page that's been exposed to light with one that hasn't to confirm fading.
• Likely cause: UV light, humidity, and poor storage habits break down ink pigments over time. Identify the main environmental factor: light, moisture, or handling.
• Corrective action: Move the book to a shaded, cool, dry area; handle with clean hands; and use the included digital images as a backup. If fading is already noticeable, stop further damage by changing storage and handling habits.
• Stop or choose another option: If the book is severely faded and you can't restore it, consider reprinting from your digital files or ordering a new custom book. Digitization is your safety net; if you don't have digital files, it's worth checking if your service provides them.

Plum Print Custom Books: Built to Last

• Art Book Deposit: Bound to last a lifetime, your Plum Print custom coffee table book is the ultimate keepsake for children's art preservation. FREE Hi-Res Digital Images are included with every order, giving you a complete digital art portfolio. The free digital images provide a permanent, non-fading backup of your child's artwork, ensuring you can always reprint or share it.
• Memory Book Deposit: We preserve your cherished mementos, graduation cards, handwritten letters, newspaper clippings and more into beautifully designed books. If you're preserving items with unique inks or papers, a digitized memory book helps protect them from fading and other environmental damage.

Fading is a natural process, but with proactive care, you can significantly extend the life of your kids' art book. By controlling light, humidity, and handling, and by taking advantage of digital backups, you'll keep those precious memories vibrant for years to come.