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How to Perform a Simple UV Light Test on Decals at Home

Collectors of antique items often want to determine the authenticity of the objects in their collection. In the case of items with decals, collectors often use an ultraviolet (UV) black light test to test that it is indeed an original. Modern decals are usually water-based and printed on thin sheets of synthetic plastic, which glows under UV light. Older decals, on the other hand, never fluoresce under black light because they contain no synthetic material.

Things You'll Need

  • UV black light source
  • Original antique decal
  • Modern decal
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove all light sources, such as lamps, windows and doors, in the room where you will perform the test.

    • 2

      Turn on the UV black light device.

    • 3

      Shine the light over the three decals: the old decal, the modern decal and the one being tested. The modern decal should fluoresce brightly. The old decal should not glow.

    • 4

      Compare the decal being tested to the other two. If the decal being tested is an original, it should not glow like the old decal.


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