19305
Accession Number
3714
Author
Padfield, Tim; Landi, Sheila B.
Title Of Article Chaper
The light-fastness of the natural dyes
Title Of Journal Book
Studies in conservation
Volume
11
Issue
4
Pages
181-196
Language Of Text
English
Language Of Summary
French;German;Italian
Literature Type
Serial
Literature Level
Analytic
Abstract
Information on the light-fastness of natural dyes is reviewed. New tests on the fastness of several dyes in fluorescent lamp light are reported. Nearly all natural dyes have a light-fastness below BS grade 5. Most have a fastness below 4. Nearly all natural dyes will fade badly during an exposure to 50 million lux hours of artificial light, or to a much smaller dose of daylight. In many museum displays serious fading of most dyes would occur in less than fifty years. There is no very effective way of reducing the rate of fading. Ultraviolet absorbers over light sources give a worthwhile increase in light-fastness to most, but not all dyes. Low relative humidity reduces fading. Display in cases filled with an inert gas benefits most dyes, but accelerates the fading of some pigments used on fabrics. Valuable textiles whose dyes have a light-fastness below 6 should not be permanently displayed.
Keywords
Museum, climatology; Humidity, air climatology; Light, deterioration; Museum, illumination; Colour, dye light fastness; Ultraviolet, absorbent; Humidity, air humidification ICCROM
pub_id
19305