Fluorescent lighting does not emit the full spectrum of light, so it cannot reflect all colors. Warm colors such as oranges, browns and reds may appear muted when you showcase your works under this type of lighting.
Fluorescent lamps emit a high concentration of UV rays, which can cause significant damage to many types of artworks.
Over time, UV rays emitted by fluorescent lighting fixtures can break down the pigments in both oil and acrylic paints, causing the colors to appear washed out.
Fabrics are also susceptible to damage from UV rays. After significant exposure to fluorescent lighting, fabric dyes can appear washed out. UV rays can even weaken fabric fibers.
Without adequate protection, sculptures made of foam core board can sustain damage from UV rays. Although foam core boards are faced with UV-resistant paper, exposed edges are not protected unless they are painted.
The easiest way to prevent fluorescent lighting damage is to frame artworks with UV-resistant glass or plexiglass.