Lather up instruction decals with sunscreen? Not practical. So how can you protect warning decals and branding?
The best way to extend color is to put a protective layer of the top of it.
This can come in the form of a laminate or clear coating ink. Not all laminates and clears have protectants in them. They must be engineered for conditions like sun exposure, salt water, and daily wear and tear.
Protectants contain UV absorbers that act just like sunscreen. They absorb harmful wavelengths of light and emit them as heat. This “blocks” the damaging wavelengths before it reaches the colorant. They also protect against abrasion, water and chemicals.
Life expectancy of decals
Avoid any dye-based system for durable applications. UV rays break down the chemistry that holds dye particles together. Even if dyes are protected, they don’t stand much of a chance beyond a few months.
A pigmented system with ample protection can last at least five years – longer in many cases. Pigments are harder to break down. One thing we can’t predict is weather, which is why it’s so difficult to warranty a graphic for any length of time. There are so many factors that can affect what happens in real life.
Good graphic suppliers have testing equipment that mimic outdoor conditions. Romo subjects graphics to hundreds of testing procedures. Even with the best equipment, it’s very difficult to predict life expectancy from a lab. We rely on years of experience to engineer graphics to its suited use.
If you’ve had a graphic fade on you, be sure to specify to your supplier the following next time around:
Number of years you want it to last.
Describe the conditions it will be used.
Unusual conditions it might incur during use.
It pays to work with a partner who knows their stuff. The more familiar they are with your situation, the more they can engineer something that looks good for years to come.