I do misspeak in the video and state it’s a six month update, really it’s five and some change.
So from the data I’ve gathered so far I can make a couple of conclusions:
UV index does not have to be high in order to fade cards- Topps cards are stupidly weak to sunlight.
The yellow boarders on cards tend to go quickly in sunlight- Not all sets are created equal, notice the blue on the poliwrath does not fade at the same rate carvanha has. Placement on windowpane may be a factor here.
Holo foil has minimal damage compared to printed ink, this is of course a sensory evaluation only.
Group two (not featured) has not seen a noticeable difference, despite being exposed to 2-4 times more light than group one.
As a result of group two showing little sensory difference, we can find supporting evidence that the true concern for fading falls in line within the UVA and UVB light spectrum.
I would like to point out here that the UV light testing is not concluded and I may wrap this up in August before worlds and showcase my findings either at the venue or on YT prior. Either way, come grab me at the venue, I’ll have the cards I’ve burned, boiled, and faded on me and would love to show you all.
Although I haven’t tested it myself (so I love that you’re experimenting with this, and looking forward for further results!), I personally think the stages for old template WotC cards (Base Set through Legendary Collection) is something like this:
The border becomes pinkish and the entire card itself is slightly lighter
The border becomes beige and the card itself is now also more faded
When exposed (on purpose) for an extended amount of time in a sunny area, the cards are ‘bleached/drained’ of their colors almost completely.
Stage 1 example:
Stage 2 example:
Stage 3 examples:
As for the second bullet point I quoted:
I have the feeling these earlier WotC cards discolor in the sun a lot faster than for example Sun & Moon released cards (just like the Topps card fades faster than the TCG® cards). Cards are most likely made with a different ink now than 20 years ago, which could be a contributing factor for the sun discolorations and the differences we see with your Base Set Poliwrath and EX Team Magma vs Team Aqua Walrein.
Holo cards have an additional layer in comparison to inked cards, and since the holo is reflective, this might be a contributing factor for it to deflect the light rather than ‘absorbing’ it (not really the correct word, but not sure how to say it). I have seen some sun discolored holofoil Base Set cards in the past however, so it certainly is possible (as we can see on the Poliwrath and Scyther in your video).
All in all a cool experiment, so looking forward to the next update in a couple of months. Especially now that the summer (and thus more sun) is approaching. (Unless you live somewhere in Oceania?)
Similar to @pierce 's post, I wonder if the newer PSA cases and BGS cases hold in comparison.
It’s startling to realize that PSA doesn’t really offer as much UV protection as they say (the water damage is also a huge concern). BGS apparently seems to offer more but I’m curious to see a 2019 test. I like the idea of water testing as well.
For about a year I had my base first edition charizard framed on my wall hanging up. It was never in direct light of any kind, but there was a window in the room. I have since taken it down and kept it in a dark box until I can find better protection or simply a room without any incoming light.
Very good news that group 2 has no noticeable damage. Bravo.
Hey! It’s kind of shocking that I was unable to find uv light tests done on museum/conservation glass anywhere else on the internet even for art or anything. You’ve been the only one that has done anything thorough.
Have you been able to complete testing on some of the 99% UV glass and acrylic you had started the test on? Would love to see those results!
@silversnorlax204, Great experiment. This ends all those misprint debates, especially the Coro Coro mew I’ve seen recently. Also good to know that PSA and BGS slabs don’t have (sufficient) UV protection. After spending all the time and money to obtain our collections, I guess we all just have to put it into storage and never let it see the light of day… literally.
Figures. Ink chemical structure will degrade at the surface after long term UV exposure. If you want to take it further, you can get a colorimeter and measure the shifts in RGB (delta L/A/B) to see how much more yellowing has happened. Then you can take checkpoints at different intervals of time (1 week/2week/3weeks etc) and quantify a rate of shift/decay for the ink.
Love this experiment! Safe to say, it’s best to keep your cards out of direct sunlight. Something I’m very concerned with is any light like artificial lightbulb light. I see tons of people with shelves of psa cards and whatnot but I keep my cards all in binders or boxes because I worry about any long term damage. One year on your desk might be fine but what about 5 years? Can’t wait to see the results of group 2 and I hope you continue it past the 1 year mark!
(Unless you live somewhere in Oceania?)