LIGHT AND WEATHER RESISTANCE

Factors influencing light and weather resistance of pad printing inks

Unlike other printing methods, pad printing istand out for its remarkable qualities: they offer exceptional mechanical and chemical durability and excellent light and weather fastness. However, pad printing inks must meet stricter quality standards, such as high resistance to multi-layer printing and to coloured plastic materials. They often have to withstand outdoor conditions for several years. To meet these higher standards, pad printers have to consider several factors.

Essentially, any outdoor print will inevitably degrade over time. Despite the quality and stability of the colour layer, prolonged exposure to sunlight, particularly UV radiation, and various weather elements like humidity, temperature shifts, and atmospheric components (such as salt or exhaust fumes), will contribute to its degradation. Printers can only attempt to prolong this deterioration by employing the highest quality materials available.

Factors affecting light and weather resistance of pad printing inks

• Substrate
• Pigment
• Ink type
• Colour
• Layer thickness
• Protection

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