The feasibility of using an oxygen-free environment to retard the rate of fading of colorants has been explored. The factors by which the life expectancy of a variety of colorants would be multiplied in such an environment were determined by accelerated fading experiments. In general, the life expectancy of most colorants can be increased by such techniques, but a complete halt of the fading process has not been generally observed. Some colorants were found to fade more quickly in an oxygen-free environment. However, it has also been found that at least 90% of the beneficial influence of an oxygen-free environment can be realized with as much as 0.2% oxygen (1% air) remaining in the environment of the colorant. Such an environment might be achieved and maintained at relatively little expense.