A detailed study of early colour change in Scots pine ( Pinus sylvestris) due to accelerated simulated sunlight exposure was undertaken focusing on the first 24 h of change. Colour changes were monitored with a Datacolor check spectrophotometer and compared with a set of controls. Measurements on both samples and controls were performed hourly for the first 24 h and there after daily until 168 h’ exposure with extra measurements at 200, 350 and 500 h. A subset of samples was extracted prior to exposure to check the effects of any colour change due to the presence of extractives. Data was analysed using the reflectance spectra (400–700 nm) as well as the CIE- L ∗ a ∗ b ∗ system and Δ E. The majority of colour changes were found to occur within the first 24 h. This was unaffected by the removal of extractives from the wood and was independent of temperature. Mechanical properties and weight changes were also monitored to allow a comparison of sensitivity between the differing methods.