Sub inks on exterior signs

[Steve S]

Hi there,

Just got my new sub printing kit so I'm ready to go. I am already producing wooden plaques and signs using vinyl cut with a Silhouette plotter. I have been asked if I can produce some signs on sublimation metal, but I'm aware that the inks don't stand up well to sunlight. is there anything that I could coat the signs with to prevent or drastically reduce fading? (i.e. lacquer etc) Any info at all on this subject would be appreciated.
Steve

[dazzul]

Search about for Digi Coat. they do a UV protection i think.

[sublimetals_nicci]

Hi Steve, yes as dazzul says, there is a UV protection digicoat product produced by Marvelpress Supplies, problem is there is still no way of knowing how much protection it provides - it is like 'how long is a piece of string' - too many factors contribute to the fading effect (colours of ink used, how much sunlight the item gets, direct sunlight or shade etc etc) that they cannot give any figures for how much longer the item will last without fading. To give you some clue as your start point - in my experience, without any protection solid black fades to 90% grey or brown within 3 months in direct sunlight all day (well as much sun as you get in yorkshire lol) and 80% in 6 months, 75% in a year, 66% in 2 years, 60% in 3, 55% in 4, approx. etc. So it is fairly noticeable fairly quickly but seems to slow down over time and the sign will still be readable for a long time. I replaced my gate signs after 3 years and my new signs seem to be following the same pattern after 9 months of being up. I had intended to test the digicoat when I put them last summer, too a can up to spray one and leave the other - but when I took the top off the can the nozzle was missing - doh! so never got round to it. Will put it on my to do list for this year !
Sorry it doesn't totally answer your question, but it gives you an idea of how to approach customers about it - the way I have ever sold an item to be printed outside (like a memorial plaque) is if asked how long will it last, I've explained the inks will fade over time but that it will still be readable for years and if need be I will reprint the plaque for half the price if it does require replacement - guess what, I've never had anyone come back! Hope that helps.
Nicci

[Steve S]

Thanks for that Nicci. That's a lot of useful info. (By the way, next time I order metal from you I'll engage my brain first !)

[Steve S]

Thanks for that. I'll check it out.

[p3ngu]

Just wondering if it makes a difference as to whether you sub onto metal or porceline for the inks to fade?

[Justin]

You seem to be responding to a lot of old threads, this one is from 2014. I'd advise starting new threads in this instance.