Tin signs and cans will fade from the ultraviolet rays coming in a window or from a fluorescent light. Plexiglas UF-1 or UF-3 will cover the window and keep the rays away from your collection. There are also plastic sleeves to cover fluorescent tubes.
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UV will fade many objects, cloth, paper, wood, where ink is printed on the surface. Tin may fade if printed. Enameled metal will not fade.
Fluorescent sleeves will shorten lamp life die to heat build up.
American Fluorescent makes a range of fluorescent lenses or covers, some snap on to the tube. The acrylic covers are best in white. Styrene covers will disintegrate and yellow over time due to UV and heat, acrylic will not.
Finally, match the light source color to your object.
For incandescent equivalent, use 2700 or 3000 kelvin with a CRI of 80 or better.
Philips makes 930 (incandescent color)and 950 (daylight color) fluorescent lamps. These are the best color rendering fluorescents available.
Finally, for a collection that is archival, or high value, consult a lighting designer (see IALD on line).
Would a frosted glass lamp cover protect against the UV rays?
Glass blocks UV, so yes. Good question.
While researching a restoration project for laminated stained-glass, I spoke to an expert in the glass industry,about how I could protect the 120 s.f. feet of stained glass panels from UV damage.
When I asked how well did the suggestions he made resist UV light, he spoke of 16 to 20%.
Was there a higher protection? I asked. Sure, he replied, but you wont see much through the glass.
If you have valuable items that are susceptible to UV damage, the only protection you really have is keeping the objects out of direct light. Don't let the UV filter claims lull you into a false sense of security...
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