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Date: Jul 05 2024 From: Star Color
UV ink can fade when exposed to direct sunlight despite its renowned fast curing speed, high gloss, and environmental friendliness, which have made it widely used in printing, packaging, advertising, and other industries. However, even with its good weather resistance and UV protection, prolonged exposure to sunlight can still lead to fading or color change.
Reasons for UV Ink Fading Under the Sun:
Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation:
UV radiation is the primary cause of UV ink fading. High-energy UV rays can damage the pigment and resin structures within the ink, resulting in gradual color loss. In particular, UV-B and UV-C spectrums exhibit more pronounced damaging effects on ink.
Temperature Variations:
High temperatures and temperature fluctuations also accelerate the degradation process of ink. Direct sunlight raises the surface temperature of the ink, and prolonged exposure to heat speeds up the aging of pigments and resins, leading to fading.
Environmental Pollution:
Air pollutants such as ozone, chemicals, and particles can also expedite ink aging and fading. These contaminants react with ink components, causing color changes.
A case in point: A previous client had an outdoor advertisement printed with conventional ink. Without any protective measures, the content on the billboard faded significantly within a year due to constant sun exposure and rainwash. Later, they switched to our UV ink and applied an additional layer of UV-resistant transparent varnish. After two years, while some fading was observed, it was minimal, demonstrating the effectiveness of these measures.
Measures to Address UV Ink Fading:
Apply UV-Resistant Coatings:
Applying a UV-resistant clear coat over UV ink printed products can effectively block UV rays, delaying fading. This coating serves as a protective barrier, reducing direct UV damage to the ink.
Choose Weather-Resistant Inks:
Selecting UV inks specifically designed for outdoor use significantly enhances the durability of printed products. These inks often contain antioxidants and photostabilizers that effectively resist UV rays and environmental pollutants.
Physical Sun Shielding:
Installing shading structures above outdoor billboards or artworks reduces direct sunlight exposure without compromising viewing effects. For instance, installing sunshades in parking lots can effectively protect car stickers from intense sunlight.
In conclusion, while UV ink exhibits good weather resistance and UV protection, prolonged sun exposure can still cause fading. Implementing appropriate preventive measures, such as applying UV-resistant coatings, selecting weather-resistant inks, regular maintenance, and physical sun shielding, can significantly slow down the fading process of UV ink printed products, preserving their vibrant colors and excellent appearance. With technological advancements, future UV inks will continue to improve their UV resistance, offering more durable and reliable solutions across various applications.
Huizhou ZhongZhiXing Color Technology Co., Ltd. is a food grade water-based ink manufacturer specializing in the production of environmentally friendly inks such as flexographic printing ink, uv flexo ink,gravure printing ink, water-based varnish, etc
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