Properties of Dyes for Painting with Spectroscopy in the Visible and Near Infrared Range

Abstract

This study focuses on the properties of reflection and absorption of light in the visible and near infrared range of acrylic dyes and related materials for coloring. The research aims to understand the use of acrylic dyes in fine arts and to simulate these dyes for printing purposes. Two groups of acrylic dyes were studied using spectroscopy to determine their light absorption properties in the visible (VIS) and near infrared (NIR) regions. The measurements were performed with forensic cameras equipped with 24 light filters in the range of 400–1000 nm. The results of the digital recordings were compared with video surveillance cameras that operate and record during the day and night. The same color had at least two formulations of dyes for print reproduction to simulate what the naked eye sees and to simulate light absorption in the NIR spectrum. The study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the properties of acrylic paints and related materials, considering how they can be used in fine arts and how to simulate them in printing.