3 CONCLUSIONS

THE RESULTS of the present study show that radiation in both the visible and long wavelength ultraviolet ranges can effect substantial recovery of color in heat darkened oil paint films. With regard to the potential use of this bleaching method in the conservation of heat damaged paintings, the following points are pertinent:

Of the two radiations which have been investigated visible light appears to be the safer and,

in the case of some paint films, the more effective in obtaining color recovery.

The rate of color recovery of a scorched oil paint during the period of its exposure to either of

the two radiations decreases with increasing exposure time (see Figures 3–10).

The scope of the investigation reported here has not covered many aspects of the light bleaching process. Despite its promise additional studies will be necessary to establish how useful a tool light bleaching will become to the conservation field. The author is continuing research bearing on this matter.