General Information

Abstract

This document assesses the long-term susceptibility to light of materials and treatments used in conservation of porous inorganic materials. Examples may include materials which have been treated in the course of conservation (e.g. cleaning, consolidation, water repellents, coatings or biocides) or materials which may exhibit colour changes following exposure (e.g. mortars and small number of stones). The procedure can be used to evaluate the impact and longevity/durability of treatments against untreated materials or unexposed materials.
NOTE 1   Porous inorganic materials are both natural stones (rocks) and artificial stone materials (mortars, stuccoes, bricks, ceramic materials, etc.).
NOTE 2   Treated materials are those on which one of the following treatments has been applied: cleaning, application of water repellent, consolidating materials, coatings or biocides and artificial ageing.

Status
Published
Publication Date
19-Jun-2018
Withdrawal Date
30-Dec-2018
Current Stage
9093 - Decision to confirm - Review Enquiry
Start Date
22-May-2024
Completion Date
17-Sep-2026

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Overview

EN 17036:2018 is a European standard developed by CEN focusing on the conservation of cultural heritage, specifically targeting the artificial ageing of porous inorganic materials through simulated solar radiation. The standard provides a precise methodology to evaluate the long-term susceptibility to light of both untreated and treated porous inorganic materials commonly found in cultural heritage objects. These materials include natural stones like rocks, as well as artificial stone products such as mortars, bricks, stuccoes, and ceramics.

This standard is essential for conservation scientists and professionals aiming to test the durability and longevity of various conservation treatments-ranging from cleaning agents, consolidants, water repellents, coatings, to biocides-by subjecting materials to controlled and repeatable artificial solar radiation. It enables systematic assessment of effects such as color changes or material degradation due to light exposure, contributing to informed decisions about the most appropriate conservation methods.

Key Topics

  • Artificial Ageing Technique
    EN 17036:2018 outlines the use of artificial ageing by simulated solar radiation, favoring well-controlled variables over naturally variable weathering. It uses sources such as Xenon lamps combined with filters to replicate daylight's spectral distribution while limiting infrared and ultraviolet-B radiation.

  • Test Equipment Requirements
    The standard details necessary equipment including:

    • Radiation sources simulating solar spectrum
    • Infrared (short-pass) and ultraviolet (long-pass) filters
    • Radiometers for precise irradiance measurements
    • Exposure racks ensuring uniform light distribution
    • Temperature control systems maintaining specimen surface temperature close to 40 ± 2 °C
  • Test Procedure
    Specimens-often prepared with flat surfaces and minimum size requirements-are exposed to controlled irradiation for prescribed durations. Results are recorded as a function of radiant exposure (J/m²), allowing comparison across different setups.

  • Evaluation and Reporting
    The standard provides clear guidance on documenting test conditions, specimen details, treatment types, equipment settings, environmental parameters (temperature, humidity), and resulting material changes. This ensures reproducibility and consistency.

Applications

EN 17036:2018 is invaluable within the cultural heritage conservation field, especially for:

  • Assessing Conservation Treatments
    Testing waters, consolidants, coatings, and biocides to predict their stability and colorfastness under light exposure before applying on invaluable heritage assets.

  • Material Selection
    Comparing treated versus untreated porous inorganic materials to decide suitable conservation strategies for stonework, historic bricks, ceramics, and mortars.

  • Quality Control and Research
    Supporting conservation scientists and manufacturers in developing durable materials with long-lasting performance when exposed to sunlight or indoor lighting conditions.

  • Preventive Conservation Planning
    Informing exhibition lighting choices and environmental controls for heritage display settings.

Related Standards

Users of EN 17036:2018 should consider familiarity with related standards and technical guidelines in cultural heritage conservation:

  • EN 16085: Methodology for sampling cultural property materials prior to testing
  • EN 13373: Determination of geometric characteristics of natural stone units
  • EN 15898: General terms and definitions for conservation of cultural property
  • EN 16581: Laboratory test methods for evaluating water repellent products on porous inorganic materials
  • CEN/TS 16163: Guidelines for lighting conditions in indoor exhibitions to minimize deterioration

Further reference to international guidelines such as ISO 21348 (solar irradiance determination) and resources on accelerated ageing enhances understanding and application of this standard.


By implementing EN 17036:2018, conservation professionals gain a robust, standardized approach to simulate and assess the durability of porous inorganic materials under solar radiation, enabling protection and preservation of cultural heritage with scientific rigor and confidence.

Relations

Effective Date
28-Jan-2026
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28-Jan-2026
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28-Jan-2026
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28-Jan-2026
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28-Jan-2026
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28-Jan-2026
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28-Jan-2026
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28-Jan-2026
Effective Date
28-Jan-2026
Effective Date
28-Jan-2026
Effective Date
28-Jan-2026
Effective Date
28-Jan-2026

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Frequently Asked Questions

EN 17036:2018 is a standard published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Conservation of Cultural Heritage - Artificial ageing by simulated solar radiation of the surface of untreated or treated porous inorganic materials". This standard covers: This document assesses the long-term susceptibility to light of materials and treatments used in conservation of porous inorganic materials. Examples may include materials which have been treated in the course of conservation (e.g. cleaning, consolidation, water repellents, coatings or biocides) or materials which may exhibit colour changes following exposure (e.g. mortars and small number of stones). The procedure can be used to evaluate the impact and longevity/durability of treatments against untreated materials or unexposed materials. NOTE 1 Porous inorganic materials are both natural stones (rocks) and artificial stone materials (mortars, stuccoes, bricks, ceramic materials, etc.). NOTE 2 Treated materials are those on which one of the following treatments has been applied: cleaning, application of water repellent, consolidating materials, coatings or biocides and artificial ageing.

This document assesses the long-term susceptibility to light of materials and treatments used in conservation of porous inorganic materials. Examples may include materials which have been treated in the course of conservation (e.g. cleaning, consolidation, water repellents, coatings or biocides) or materials which may exhibit colour changes following exposure (e.g. mortars and small number of stones). The procedure can be used to evaluate the impact and longevity/durability of treatments against untreated materials or unexposed materials. NOTE 1 Porous inorganic materials are both natural stones (rocks) and artificial stone materials (mortars, stuccoes, bricks, ceramic materials, etc.). NOTE 2 Treated materials are those on which one of the following treatments has been applied: cleaning, application of water repellent, consolidating materials, coatings or biocides and artificial ageing.

EN 17036:2018 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 97.195 - Items of art and handicrafts. Cultural property and heritage. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

EN 17036:2018 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN 13373:2020, EN 16085:2012, EN ISO 14046:2016, EN ISO 14067:2018, EN ISO 22526-3:2021, EN ISO 14025:2010, EN ISO 22526-1:2021, EN ISO 14071:2024, EN 17114:2018, EN ISO 14021:2001, EN ISO 14026:2018, CEN ISO/TS 14027:2018, CEN ISO/TS 14071:2016, EN ISO 14040:2006, CEN ISO/TS 14067:2014. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

EN 17036:2018 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.YErhaltung des kulturellen Erbes - Künstliche Alterung von unbehandelten oder behandelten porösen anorganischen Materialoberflächen mit simulierter SonnenstrahlungConservation du patrimoine culturel - Vieillissement artificiel par rayonnement solaire simulé de la surface de matériaux inorganiques poreux traités ou non traitésConservation of Cultural Heritage - Artificial ageing with simulated solar radiation of the surface of untreated or treated porous inorganic materials97.195GHGLãþLQDItems of art and handicrafts. Cultural property and heritageICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 17036:2018SIST EN 17036:2018en,fr,de01-oktober-2018SIST EN 17036:2018SLOVENSKI
STANDARD
EUROPEAN STANDARD NORME EUROPÉENNE EUROPÄISCHE NORM
EN 17036
June
t r s z ICS
{ yä s { w English Version
Conservation of Cultural Heritage æ Artificial ageing by simulated solar radiation of the surface of untreated or treated porous inorganic materials Conservation du patrimoine culturel æ Vieillissement artificiel par rayonnement solaire simulé de la surface de matériaux inorganiques poreux traités ou non traités
Erhaltung des kulturellen Erbes æ Künstliche Alterung von unbehandelten oder behandelten porösen anorganischen Materialoberflächen mit simulierter Sonnenstrahlung This European Standard was approved by CEN on
s w February
t r s zä
egulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alterationä Upætoædate lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CENæCENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN memberä
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CENæCENELEC Management Centre has the same status as the official versionsä
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austriaá Belgiumá Bulgariaá Croatiaá Cyprusá Czech Republicá Denmarká Estoniaá Finlandá Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedoniaá Franceá Germanyá Greeceá Hungaryá Icelandá Irelandá Italyá Latviaá Lithuaniaá Luxembourgá Maltaá Netherlandsá Norwayá Polandá Portugalá Romaniaá Serbiaá Slovakiaá Sloveniaá Spainá Swedená Switzerlandá Turkey and United Kingdomä
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre:
Rue de la Science 23,
B-1040 Brussels
t r s z CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CEN national Membersä Refä Noä EN
s y r u xã t r s z ESIST EN 17036:2018

Contents Page European foreword . 3 Introduction . 4 1 Scope . 5 2 Normative references . 5 3 Terms and definitions . 5 4 Symbols and abbreviations . 7 5 Principle . 7 6 Test equipment . 8 7 Test procedure . 9 8 Expression of results . 9 9 Test report . 9 Bibliography. 11 SIST EN 17036:2018

3.2 daylight visible part of global solar
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