Using the Detector

General UV Inspection of Antiques

While UV light can be a useful tool in examining certain aspects of antiques, it is not typically the only method for determining value or authenticity. However, here are a few considerations when using UV light to assess an antique:

1. Restoration and repairs: UV light can reveal areas that have been restored, repaired, or touched up. Repaired sections may fluoresce differently than the original parts of the antique. Look for inconsistencies in fluorescence, such as brighter or darker areas, which could indicate repairs.
2. Modern materials: UV light can help identify the presence of modern materials, such as paints, dyes, varnishes, or adhesives. These materials may fluoresce differently than the authentic materials used during the antique’s era. Look for areas with unnatural or inconsistent fluorescence.
3. Anomalous markings: Some antiques may have markings or signatures that are difficult to discern with the naked eye. UV light can sometimes make these markings more visible, allowing you to verify their authenticity. Pay attention to any markings that fluoresce abnormally or appear to have been added later.
4. Age-related features: Antique materials can exhibit natural signs of aging, such as patina, discoloration, or oxidation. UV light may highlight these age-related features, helping to authenticate the antique’s age and originality.
5. Consult experts: While UV light examination can provide insights, it’s crucial to consult with experts in the specific type of antique you are evaluating. They can offer their knowledge, experience, and additional authentication methods to verify the genuineness of the antique.

Whilst UV light can quickly reveal ‘patination anomolies’, hidden  repairs, touch-ups and alterations, it is just one part of the authentication process. It should be combined with other methods, including historical research, examination of construction techniques, materials analysis, comparison with known authentic examples, and expert consultation, to ensure a more accurate determination of authenticity.

Antique Furniture Inspection…

1. First, make sure the room is dark or dimly lit. This will help you see the fluorescence of the wood, which can be difficult to detect in bright light.
2. Turn on the UV light and shine it over the entire surface of the furniture. Look for areas that glow or fluoresce differently than the rest of the piece. This can indicate areas that have been repaired or refinished.
3. Check for any areas that appear to have been over-polished or refinished. These areas will fluoresce differently than the rest of the piece.
4. Look for any areas that appear to be darker or discolored under UV light. This can be an indication of wood that has been replaced or repaired.
5. Check any metal parts, such as hinges or locks, for any signs of modern-day welding or repairs. These areas will not fluoresce like the rest of the metal.

Antique Repair Inspection…

1. Patchy fluorescence: If there are areas of the furniture that fluoresce differently or patchily than the surrounding areas, this could be a sign of repairs or touch-ups. The patched areas may be brighter or darker than the surrounding wood.
2. Different colours: If the furniture has been repaired with a different type of wood or filler, it may fluoresce differently under UV light. Look for areas where the fluorescence appears to be a different color than the surrounding wood.
3. Unnatural-looking fluorescence: If the furniture has been over-polished or refinished, it may have an unnatural look under UV light. Look for areas where the fluorescence appears to be too bright or uniform.
4. Cracks or seams: If the furniture has been repaired with glue or other materials, these areas may fluoresce differently than the surrounding wood. Look for cracks or seams that appear brighter under UV light.
5. Metal parts: If the furniture has metal parts, such as hinges or locks, check these for signs of repair or welding. Welded areas may not fluoresce like the rest of the metal.

Antique Artwork Inspection…

1. Restoration or repair: If the painting has been restored or repaired, the repaired areas may fluoresce differently than the surrounding areas. Look for areas that appear brighter or darker than the rest of the painting.
2. Modern additions: If the painting has been embellished with modern paint, these areas may fluoresce differently than the original painting. Look for areas that appear brighter or a different color than the rest of the painting.
3. Overpainting: is when an artist paints over an existing image. This can be detected under UV light, as the original image may fluoresce differently than the overpainted areas.
4. Retouching: is when an artist touches up certain areas of a painting. This can be detected under UV light, as the retouched areas may fluoresce differently than the surrounding areas.
5. Signature verification: Signatures on paintings can also be verified under UV light. If the signature fluoresces differently than the surrounding paint, this could be a sign that the signature was added later.

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It’s important to note that not all antique furniture will fluoresce under UV light, and fluorescence alone is not a guarantee of authenticity. UV light can, however, be a useful tool in detecting repairs or alterations to antique furniture, but it should be used in conjunction with other methods, such as examining the construction and style of the piece, researching the maker and provenance, and consulting with experts.

Do not allow children to use this product unsupervised.

Remember. Safety first!  Do not shine torch beam directly into the eyes or at faces.