You've probably wondered why old oil paintings become black. It has always been a mystery to us. We thought it was the age of the painting that caused the color to change, but the truth is that it's the aging process. Vermilion was once a common coloring in oil paintings, but today it's considered to be a less desirable color. This discovery may help protect historic masterpieces from further damage.
When a painting is created, it will start to change color, and it will continue to do so for decades or centuries. This is due to the fact that oil paint contains a large amount of pigment particles that are suspended in a binder. This means that certain pigment substances are more susceptible to fading, and others will be resistant to it altogether. In the 15th century, for example, copper-based verdigris was popular.
As an oil painting ages, it will begin to turn black. The process may take many decades or even centuries, depending on the type of pigment and varnish used. Unlike acrylic paint, oil paint naturally dries and becomes dull over time. Exposure to harsh cleaning products and chemicals will accelerate this process. It is important to remember that an oil painting can't be restored to its original color. You can't keep it in the dark, but you can prevent the vermilion from becoming black by keeping it in a cool, dry place.
