Posted by John Fiorillo on August 03, 1998 at 18:59:18:
In Reply to: Toning posted by Pat on August 03, 1998 at 13:51:04:
: I see the term "light toning" on descriptions of prints. Is this different from fading or discoloration? Can someone provide a short describtion of this term and the cause?
Response from JF:
"Light toning" is a somewhat imprecise term meaning either discoloration from exposure to light or "slight" discoloration due to various causes. "Toning" typically indicates that a work of art on paper has browned noticeably, ranging from pale tan to almost a chocolate brown. Toning can occur under such conditions as (1) excessive light exposure, (2) placing the print in contact with mat or cardboard backings that are not pH neutral and thus discolor the paper on the back, (3) "mat staining" caused by a "bleeding" of the resins from poor matting materials along the cut bevel of the mat window that discolor the paper along the window edge, (4) mounting tapes that contain resins which bleed into the paper, and (5) storage of art works interleaved with papers that are not pH neutral.
Please Note: Exposure to all wavelengths of visible light will damage works of art on paper. The ultraviolet part of the spectrum can be particularly damaging (hence the often encountered recommendation to spend more money on framing with UV glass, which may help with UV light but not with other wavelengths). Nevertheless, ALL wavelengths of light will fade colors or darken papers (there is, among other things, a breakdown in the paper’s cellulose molecules). Often such toning on ukiyo-e prints, even when mild, cannot be reversed safely, despite the claims of aggressive restorers, amateurs or otherwise.
This topic also gives me an opportunity to try to "save" a few prints out there. Many collectors will appreciate my concern because we’ve all seen countless prints damaged beyond repair by poor handling and framing. Please note that ukiyo-e prints are extremely susceptible to light damage! Very brief exposures to light can affect the most fugitive colors (such as the 18th century blues, purples, and reds), and all colors will ultimately fade in light (including the late 19th century synthetic or aniline dyes). Do not be misled into thinking that only direct sunlight will do damage – indirect light or longer exposures to even dim light will have a damaging effect (this means fluorescent and incandescent lighting as well as natural light). If you must frame and display your ukiyo-e, do so only very briefly and do so in the dimmest of lighting conditions. Use what are called archival materials, which means mats that are pH neutral (so called "acid free" mats made of 100% cotton, referred to as museum board, or buffered matting). Japanese paper hinges are recommended for attaching the print to a safe mat. If you must use tape, never, ever use scotch tape, masking tape, or any tape other than pH neutral tapes (such as Filmoplast, available in art supplies stores or through knowledgeable framers). If you take a print to a shop for framing and the framer seems not to know what you’re asking for in archival materials, go elsewhere! Please !!!!!