Fluorescent paints can be incorporated into modern art objects.  The inherent nature of the fluorescent paints when illuminated with light is to gradually photobleach, simultaneously losing their fluorescence and color.  Typically, the UV wavelengths of light are considered to provide fluorescent colorants with their vibrant, eye-catching color.  However, these same UV wavelengths can be potentially damaging to the long term stability of the colorant by  causing photobleaching of the fluorescent component and fading of the chromophore.  How to balance the preservation of these colorants while at the same time enjoying their special fluorescent appearance is a key issue that prompted this study.

We have evaluated twelve fluorescent colorants (Dr. Ph. Martin's Radiant Concentrated Water Colors) illuminated with and without UV light.

Research focuses include:

• Evaluating the visual perception of the colorant under various light conditions (high and low correlated-color-temperature sources, simulated daylight sources with UV light included and excluded, and blacklight).
• Determining the light sensitivity of fluorescent colorants exposed to UV light.
• Assessing the difficulties for color matching of fluorescent colorants and inferring the original appearance of the colorant.
• Determining the current condition and future fading of fluorescent colors on paintings using the micro-fading tester.

For all the colorants the addition of UV light illumination only increased the total reflectance (a summation of the fluorescent and reflected light) minimally, the greatest increase for a colorant being less than 10%.  However, for some colorants the removal of UV light significantly slowed the fading process.  These results suggest that UV wavelengths of light can be removed to slow fading damage without severely compromising the vibrant appearance of the fluorescent paints.

For more information:
        Connors-Rowe et al. JAIC, 44 (2005): 75-94. (Abstract) (pdf)

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