From our intensive investigation of paint fading, it has become clear how difficult it is to predict the particular light sensitivity of a paint on an art object.  The lightfastness of the paint not only depends on the pigments it contains, but on the physical state of the pigment particles, the type of paint application, and the amount of fading that has already occurred. 

New instrumentation to identify artifacts sensitive to light exposure, based on the direct measurement of lightfastness, has been developed.  The micro-fading tester allows for non-destructive, highly sensitive analysis to be performed on artifacts.  Simultaneous sample illumination, using visible and UV light, and acquisition of color measurements provide a rapid measure of the effects of light exposure on the material. 

We are continuing research in the areas of:

• Instrument development

• Applications

• Digital representation of color fading. 

The micro-fading tester has been demonstrated at many museums and has been shown to be a valuable tool for determining which artifacts are susceptible to damage under traditional lighting conditions. 

 For more information:  
            Whitmore et al. JAIC, 38 (1999): 395-409. (Abstract) (pdf [861 KB])
            Whitmore et al. International Institute for Conservation,
               Melbourne (2001): 200-205. (Abstract) (pdf [560 KB])
            Whitmore, P. M. in The Broad Spectrum: The Art and Science of 
               Conserving Colored Media on Paper (2002): 241-244. (pdf [246 KB])
            Morris, H. R. et al. JAIC, 46 (2007): 215-228. (Abstract) (pdf)

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