How Do Paintings Change Color Over Time?

Imagine your favorite red shirt getting washed many times. Eventually, the bright red turns into a softer pink. Paintings do something similar, but much slower.

The sun is like a strong hand rubbing the paint. Sunlight contains invisible energy that breaks down the tiny particles making up the color. When these particles break, the light they reflect changes, so the color looks different.

Dust settles on paintings like snowflakes. This layer makes colors look duller or darker. Over hundreds of years, painters also used materials that change as they dry. Some oils turn yellow, making white areas look creamy. This is why old photos or frames often have a brownish tint.