Materials and method: Seventy sound extracted molars were collected and stored in saline at room temperature. The teeth were divided into two groups (group I –direct restorative technique and group II indirect restorative technique) and Class I cavity were prepared and restored. Specimens were immersed in cold drink, tea, food color (turmeric solution) and control group (distilled water) for one month, three times a day, and one hour each. Teeth were then soaked in Rhodamine B dye for 24 hours and then sectioned mesio-distally and evaluated under stereomicroscope at 10X magnification. The statistical analysis was done by One Way ANOVA with post hoc test.

Results: The highest colour penetration was observed in indirect composite restorations with turmeric group and lowest colour penetration in direct composite restorations with tea group

Conclusion: Indirect composite restorations showed more color penetration than direct restorations.