... Oscar did his own testing using full spectrum UV light over an extended period of time and saw NO evidence that UV degraded the colors from color cased steel. As TwiceBarrel stated the colors are a mechanical property not a chemical property. I am also in doubt as to whether standard flourescent bulbs emits much if any UV light. If they do I've spent a lot of extra money to by full spectrum bulbs for a finish drying cabinet which also carry a warning not to look at them for any length of time because of danger to your eyesight....
Doug,
Fluorescent bulbs do emit UV. I have done quite a bit of photographic printing using different methods. They include cyanotype, platinum / platinum, POP, gum, etc. The basic technique is the same. The paper is hand coated and allowed to dry. It is placed in a "light box" with negative between the paper and the light source. The paper is then developed. Normally, 6 tubes are used and the paper is exposed for 3-10 minutes. Some will go the extra step and purchase UV tubes, but they are not necessary. CFL will work as well. It all depends on how much exposure time you are willing to deal with.
http://www.bostick-sullivan.com/cart/home.php?cat=17I remember Oscar talking about his experiments with UV. As you stated, under normal conditions, it has no impact on case colors. The carbon is bonded to the steel at the atomic level. If you recall Oscar's SEM (scanning electron microscope) pictures the colors are only a few atoms deep.
Pete
