Bamboo or bamboo products undergo surface degradation during outdoor exposure resulting in lower quality in service. In this study, the effect of UV-vis light irradiation on changes in color and surface chemistry of moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens Mazel) was investigated. For comparison purpose, two wood species (a soft and a hardwood) were also studied to present their differences in degradation performance. Color characterization was performed by measuring CIELab parameters (L*, a*, b* and Delta E*), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to analyze the chemical changes induced by irradiation. The results showed that the surface color of bamboo changed rapidly during the irradiation process. Compared with the wood species, bamboo was less influenced by photo-irradiation. Chemical analysis indicated that irradiation altered the chemical structures of bamboo surfaces. Lignin was the most sensitive component to photo-degradation and the intensities of its characteristics bands decreased significantly during the irradiation process. This was accompanied by formation of new carbonyl groups at 1735 cm (1). The rate of lignin degradation and carbonyl formation in bamboo was relatively lower compared with the wood species. The color changes (DE*) was well correlated with lignin degradation and carbonyl formation regardless bamboo or the wood species. (C) 2008 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.