UV Proof Printing

UV-proof Printing References

For those outdoor teardrop and feather flags, we use premium UV-resistant inks which prevent vivid graphics from fading. The UV-proof inks are good enough to protect graphics as long as the outdoor UV index is lower than 7, for at least 12 months. Due to the nature of flag fabric, we are unable to add additional UV coat for additional protection. Unfortunately, ink, like most things in life, is not permanent. The inks used in print production will all fade over time.

Some other facts also affect the color fading process, which includes constantly raining, UV indexes during different seasons and geographical locations and etc.

When color fading is inevitable, the colors on the graphic become pinkish over the time. This process usually won't happen in 12 months.

Definition of UV Resistant Ink

A type of ink used with digital systems that is resistant to the harsh effects of prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light. The inks used for ink-jet systems are created with dyes, which tend to fade under repeated exposure to the ultraviolet rays of sun light. Ink-jet dyes are constantly being improved to increase fade resistance under UV light.

Definition of UV Index (From World Health Organization)

The levels of UV radiation and therefore the values of the index vary throughout the day. In reporting the UVI, most emphasis is placed on the maximum UV level on a given day. This occurs during the four-hour period around solar noon. Depending on geographical location and whether daylight saving time is applied, solar noon takes place between noon and 2 p.m. The media usually present a forecast of the maximum UV level for the following day.