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Lightfast Inks
Product Features
- Inks guaranteed to last 6-12 months in direct sunlight
- Suitable for products that are stored or sold externally
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If you have products that are stored or sold outside, you may have had problems with the labels fading in the sunlight. If this is the case you need to use labels that have been printed with lightfast inks The QA-I toner has been formulated to take toner lightfastness to an entirely new level. Lightfastness is a measure of how well a printed image resists discoloration or fading as a result of exposure to sunlight over time. Some printed images, such as those located in an office environment where the image is affected mostly by artificial light, have lower lightfastness requirements than images that will be continuously exposed to sunlight. Lightfastness is measured using the Blue Wool scale with ratings ranging from 1 (very low) to 8 (ultimate). A rating of 8 means that the color will begin to fade in 6 to 15 months, while a rating of 1 means that fading will occur between 3 hours to 3 days. Out of Xeikon’s QA-I standard process colors, Black (K) achieved the highest lightfastness rating of 8, Cyan © achieved a rating of 7-8, while Magenta (M) and Yellow (Y) achieved a rating of 6-7. This is the best combination of lightfastness ratings among all the different digital printing technologies currently available on the market for label production. The most impactful product labels are those that will stand out on the shelf and capture a consumer’s attention. The Xeikon QA-I toner achieves this objective by providing excellent color consistency to label converters and ensuring that the printed colors maintain their vitality over time. Please contact us for free samples.
Lightfast Ink Labels FAQs
What are lightfast labels?
Lightfast labels are printed using lightfast inks, which are designed to resist fading and degradation when exposed to light, particularly ultraviolet (UV) light. These labels maintain their colour integrity, readability, and overall appearance over extended periods, even when subjected to harsh lighting conditions such as direct sunlight.
What are lightfast inks?
The big difference between lightfast inks and regular inks is in their durability and longevity. Regular inks can quickly degrade when exposed to light, especially sunlight, resulting in fading and colour changes. Lightfast inks are typically made from high-quality pigments rather than standard dyes. Pigments are insoluble particles that remain suspended rather than dissolving. They are much more stable than dyes and provide a higher degree of resistance to light and other environmental factors.
What are lightfast labels commonly used on?
Lightfast labels are commonly used on outdoor signage, including informational and directional signs in parks, recreational areas, outdoor machinery, petrol pumps, and wheelie bins is most common. In garden supplies, lightfast labels are beneficial for products such as plant pots, gardening tools, and outdoor furniture.
We also supply a lot of lightfast ink labels for car parts, tyres, batteries, and engine components. Outdoor equipment, including camping gear, bicycles, and sports equipment, often require the use of lightfast inks to endure exposure to sunlight and moisture. Some retail products use lightfast inks, as well as labels within the transport and logistics sector on shipping containers, pallets and other outdoor packaging.
How long do lightfast inks last before fading?
The exact longevity of lightfast can vary based on factors such as the quality of the ink, the surface it’s applied to, and the level of exposure to UV light. Generally, lightfast inks can last several years without noticeable fading. For example, in outdoor conditions, you might expect these inks to remain vibrant and legible for five to seven years or more. In less extreme environments, such as indoor settings away from direct sunlight, they can last significantly longer.
Are lightfast labels environmentally friendly?
The environmental friendliness of lightfast labels depends on the materials and processes used in their production. We do offer many eco-friendly options, using sustainably sourced materials, recyclables, and non-toxic, low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) inks. Contact Labelservice for more information about our sustainable label range and help with deciding on the best eco-friendly materials for your labels.
If you have products that are stored or sold outside, you may have had problems with the labels fading in the sunlight. If this is the case you need to use labels that have been printed with lightfast inks The QA-I toner has been formulated to take toner lightfastness to an entirely new level. Lightfastness is a measure of how well a printed image resists discoloration or fading as a result of exposure to sunlight over time. Some printed images, such as those located in an office environment where the image is affected mostly by artificial light, have lower lightfastness requirements than images that will be continuously exposed to sunlight. Lightfastness is measured using the Blue Wool scale with ratings ranging from 1 (very low) to 8 (ultimate). A rating of 8 means that the color will begin to fade in 6 to 15 months, while a rating of 1 means that fading will occur between 3 hours to 3 days. Out of Xeikon’s QA-I standard process colors, Black (K) achieved the highest lightfastness rating of 8, Cyan © achieved a rating of 7-8, while Magenta (M) and Yellow (Y) achieved a rating of 6-7. This is the best combination of lightfastness ratings among all the different digital printing technologies currently available on the market for label production. The most impactful product labels are those that will stand out on the shelf and capture a consumer’s attention. The Xeikon QA-I toner achieves this objective by providing excellent color consistency to label converters and ensuring that the printed colors maintain their vitality over time. Please contact us for free samples.
Lightfast Ink Labels FAQs
What are lightfast labels?
Lightfast labels are printed using lightfast inks, which are designed to resist fading and degradation when exposed to light, particularly ultraviolet (UV) light. These labels maintain their colour integrity, readability, and overall appearance over extended periods, even when subjected to harsh lighting conditions such as direct sunlight.
What are lightfast inks?
The big difference between lightfast inks and regular inks is in their durability and longevity. Regular inks can quickly degrade when exposed to light, especially sunlight, resulting in fading and colour changes. Lightfast inks are typically made from high-quality pigments rather than standard dyes. Pigments are insoluble particles that remain suspended rather than dissolving. They are much more stable than dyes and provide a higher degree of resistance to light and other environmental factors.
What are lightfast labels commonly used on?
Lightfast labels are commonly used on outdoor signage, including informational and directional signs in parks, recreational areas, outdoor machinery, petrol pumps, and wheelie bins is most common. In garden supplies, lightfast labels are beneficial for products such as plant pots, gardening tools, and outdoor furniture.
We also supply a lot of lightfast ink labels for car parts, tyres, batteries, and engine components. Outdoor equipment, including camping gear, bicycles, and sports equipment, often require the use of lightfast inks to endure exposure to sunlight and moisture. Some retail products use lightfast inks, as well as labels within the transport and logistics sector on shipping containers, pallets and other outdoor packaging.
How long do lightfast inks last before fading?
The exact longevity of lightfast can vary based on factors such as the quality of the ink, the surface it’s applied to, and the level of exposure to UV light. Generally, lightfast inks can last several years without noticeable fading. For example, in outdoor conditions, you might expect these inks to remain vibrant and legible for five to seven years or more. In less extreme environments, such as indoor settings away from direct sunlight, they can last significantly longer.
Are lightfast labels environmentally friendly?
The environmental friendliness of lightfast labels depends on the materials and processes used in their production. We do offer many eco-friendly options, using sustainably sourced materials, recyclables, and non-toxic, low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) inks. Contact Labelservice for more information about our sustainable label range and help with deciding on the best eco-friendly materials for your labels.
