HP Latex 365 Inks, in direct sun........

[DrunknMonk]

Hi everyone, The UK machine/inks suppliers have a saying that digital inks unlaminated last 3 years in California sunlight, as I'm based in the UK (north) we don't get sunlight yes I know its UV that fades things, but how long do they actually last ?? APPROX

This is for all you people who have sun.

 

[jfiscus]

It is a combo of what vinyl (and laminate) you have that makes the longevity; obviously cheaper vinyls and no laminate is going to lead to earlier failures. If you use 3M vinyls they have an MCS program and warranty/info on all vinyl combinations available with your printer/ink.

 

[flyplainsdrifta]

I've seen some of my prints in direct sun for about 3 years. sounds about right. can also depend on the material. adding a matching laminate to any vinyl can extend the life of a print by a year or so in my opinion past the factory timeline. but there is a whole host of things that can cause fading and failures, including post print and install care, so id make sure customers are aware of the cleaning rules for it. i had someone take iso to an unlaminated uv print and complain that the ink was washing off. so yeah. make sure people are aware of graphic care haha.

 

[DrunknMonk]

so Polymeric Calendered vinyl no lamination, not cleaned, direct in the sun, 3 years you think?

 

[flyplainsdrifta]

id say 3 tops. 2 to 3 with proper care. but i can't obviously make a guarantee. but i have seen them up for that long.

 

[GaSouthpaw]

so Polymeric Calendered vinyl no lamination, not cleaned, direct in the sun, 3 years you think?

I don't think the ink is going to be what fails. Is there a reason not to use a better quality media besides the customer not wanting to pay the price?