Question about direct UV light and fading

[Mitchell]

Sorry if I seem completely thick by asking this but anyway... I am aware that Direct UV light is bad for sublimation prints, hence not recommended for outdoor use, but does this also mean light that shines through a window and onto the prints? I'm not sure if this is classed as direct UV light, or does the window act as a barrier between the two?

Does anyone have any experience of their sublimated items fading indoors?

[webtrekker]

Yes, it also means direct sunlight through a window, but will be filtered to a certain extent by the glass.

It depends how long you expect the print to last. If the item is for indoor use, then maybe supply a note with it asking the buyer to position away from direct sunlight, as it may cause fading over time. I'm not sure about sublimation, but I've had inkjet photos in my house for may years and they've never faded, but some done with cheap inks from ebay have.

You can get UV protective sprays which may give a longer life to your work, but everything fades eventually in direct sunlight.

[pw66]

Standard window glass will absorb about 40% of UV light. You will need to display items away from direct sunlight. ( If worried about fading)

[Mitchell]

Thanks for that webtrekker.

Yeah, I guess the quality of ink used plays a big part also. I would be hoping to get atleast 5 years out of a sublimated product which is only used indoors but could possibly sit in direct sun throughout the day time on some days. I may experiment with some spray lacquers but don't really want to ruin the finish or feel of the product.

I have had a cheap canvas print sit on a part of my wall which is regularly exposed to UV light and this looks fine after 3 years. Hmmmm, only time will tell

[Mitchell]

@pw66

Oh, bummer!

[pw66]

What are the UV properties of sublimation ink? It is not something I have ever considered because I mainly do garment printing. The Inktec Sublinova ink I use for sublimation has good light fastness properties, but the criteria are different for garments.
Most 'normal' inkjet inks contain a UV blocking agent to prolong the life of pictures in sunlight, which probably explains your canvas print.

Maybe it is the coating on the substrate that doesn't perform well in UV light.

[Mitchell]

I use the Sublinova ink also. I do print onto garments (well, webbing) and it's held up well so far... few years of hard outdoor use with constant washing in the machine and it's still fine. All of my sublimation work (apart from garments) have been dome coated so I've never really bothered much about UV damage but I'm looking to now print onto the aluminium sheets (without doming) and slightly worried now about selling a product that may fade in 6 months. I will keep researching and see where it gets me.

[pisquee]

We use Sublinova and cheap white sublimation aluminium sheets for outdoor signage - they seem to hold up OK.

[Mitchell]

Thank you for letting me know pisquee. That's good news