Photo Rock/Slate

[MikeyMike]

Hi, does anyone know if photo rocks can be left outside? I assume the print should be OK but will adverse weather damage the rock over time?

[pisquee]

The print will likely fade pretty quick with the sun bleaching it.
I think the slate itself will be OK, the ones on my roof are lasting quite well.

[MikeyMike]

Thanks pisquee, can't imagine your roof covered in printed slate - lol. Wasn't quite sure whether subli slate was completely natural or 'man made' hence my query to weather resistance. Surprised at the fade issue as I thought that once the ink/gas had penetrated the coating it was trapped in the polymer.

[Renniwano]

I sell mine as usable outdoors but to also mention the potential fading..

[pisquee]

Wasn't quite sure whether subli slate was completely natural or 'man made' hence my query to weather resistance.

Plenty of quarries in China, and slate is a pretty cheap material. They just cut it roughly and put a printable surface on it.

Surprised at the fade issue as I thought that once the ink/gas had penetrated the coating it was trapped in the polymer.

The ink is trapped in the polymer layer, but this doesn't protect it from UV from the sun, which is very good at bleaching inks.