Lightfastness information

Relative humidity (RH) can have a significant effect on lightfastness. In general, higher
RH leads to lower lightfastness. This is because water molecules can act as catalysts
for the chemical reactions that cause dyes and pigments to fade. Additionally, water can
cause materials to swell, which can make them more susceptible to damage from light.

The effect of RH on lightfastness varies depending on the specific materials involved.

For example, dyes on cotton are more sensitive to RH than dyes on wool. This is
because cotton fibers swell more than wool fibers when exposed to moisture.

The following are some examples of how RH can affect lightfastness in different
materials:

 Textiles: Fading of dyes on textiles can be accelerated by high RH. This is

especially true for cotton fabrics, which are more sensitive to moisture than other
fabrics.
 Paper: Fading of inks and other materials on paper can also be accelerated by
high RH. This is because paper is a porous material that can absorb moisture
from the air.
 Paintings: High RH can cause paintings to fade over time, especially if the paint
contains water-soluble pigments. This is because water molecules can dissolve
the pigments and cause them to migrate through the paint layer.

To protect materials from lightfastness loss, it is important to control the RH of the

environment in which they are stored. This can be done by using dehumidifiers or air
conditioners to maintain a RH of 50% or less.

Here are some tips for protecting materials from lightfastness loss:

 Store materials in a cool, dry place.

 Avoid direct sunlight.
 Use UV-blocking filters on windows and display cases.
 Frame artwork using acid-free materials.
 Handle materials carefully to avoid damaging the surface.

By following these tips, you can help to preserve the lightfastness of your materials for
many years to come.
Wavelength of Xenon Test

 340 nm xenon test machines emit light in the UVA range, which is the same type of UV radiation
that is emitted by the sun. UVA radiation is responsible for causing premature aging and skin
cancer in humans, and it can also cause materials to fade and degrade. 340 nm xenon test
machines are used to test the durability of materials to UVA radiation.

 420 nm xenon test machines emit light in the visible range, which is the same type of light that we
can see with our eyes. Visible light is not as harmful as UV radiation, but it can still cause
materials to fade and degrade over time. 420 nm xenon test machines are used to test the
durability of materials to visible light.

 300-400 nm xenon test machines emit light in the entire UV range, including both UVA and UVB
radiation. UVB radiation is more harmful than UVA radiation, and it can cause materials to
degrade and break down more quickly. 300-400 nm xenon test machines are used to test the
durability of materials to both UVA and UVB radiation.

 300-800 nm xenon test machines emit light in both the UV and visible ranges, as well as the
infrared range. Infrared radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation that is not visible to the
human eye, but it can be felt as heat. 300-800 nm xenon test machines are used to test the
durability of materials to a wide range of environmental conditions, including UV radiation, visible
light, and heat.