How to Improve the Lightfastness of Paintings?

Lightfastness varies from one color to another. Modern techniques allow us to improve the quality of their pigments. Today’s selection of pigments is vast. Traditional shades with lower lightfastness can now easily be replaced with modern synthetic alternatives that last much longer in the light., which last much longer in the light without damage.

The lightfastness of Talens brand products is indicated on tubes, labels, and color charts using the following symbols:

+++ = lightfast for at least 100 years under museum conditions

++ = lightfast for at least 25-100 years under museum conditions

+= lightfast for at least 10-25 years under museum conditions

º = lightfast for at least 0-10 years under museum conditions

These light-resistance ratings are tested under museum conditions.

I personally use oil paints from Van Gogh, which have a lightfastness rating ranging from 90-100 years. The pigments stay vivid and bright even when mixed with paints with lower lightfastness. However, problems can arise when using oil to thin paints, as it affects lightfastness.

If you also mix different brands and qualities of paints and want your pigments to stay the same for longer, I recommend purchasing turpentine. Unlike linseed oil, it keeps paints in the same shades for longer without yellowing. However, the result always depends on the specific brand and quality of the oil paints used.

Find oil paints >>HERE<< and Pebeo turpentine oil >>HERE<<

Wishing you lots of creative ideas.

Your friend, Sabína