This paper presents an alternative method of measuring relative stability of various formulations of clear urethane coatings subjected to accelerated ultraviolet exposure. Visible spectral transmission curves can be used to directly determine the degree of yellowing of several coating samples at any time interval desired, without destroying the samples. This method provides numerical ratings which correlate better with visual observation than previously used point measurements. In some cases, a considerable time savings can be realized using this method, compared to physical and chemical methods of determining the degree of degradation. Progressive changes in color with time may be followed to evaluate rate of discoloration or leveling-off tendencies. Several combinations of chelate absorbers are added to the basic coating formulation in varying amounts and evaluated by this direct method. An accelerated exposure cabinent, which was developed especially for this study, is described. The cabinent is designed to handle up to 24 test samples.