Does digital printing fade?

Your printed marketing materials say a lot about your brand. And few things look worse than a sign that’s faded, patchy or sun-bleached after just a few months.

You want to know your investment will last.

Here at PB Signs, we are frequently asked about our digital printing services. How long do they last? Does digital printing fade over time?

The answer is that it depends, but with the right approach from the start, you can maximise how long your digital print products last.

The science behind why prints fade

The colour in ink comes from pigments and dyes. These create a colour because their molecules absorb certain wavelengths of light and reflect others. For example, a red pigment absorbs most of the blue and green light in an image while reflecting red back into your eyes.

The pigments and dyes are held together in the ink by chemical bonds. These keep the colour consistent. And with this simple bit of chemistry in mind, we can start to understand why prints fade over time.

Fading occurs when ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun breaks down the chemical bonds in pigments and dyes. This changes the pigment’s structure and, therefore, the way it reflects light. Over time, we see fading and bleaching, especially in traditional water- and solvent-based inks and paints.

However, you’ll find much more sophisticated ink systems in modern digital printing services. UV-cured inks don’t ‘dry’ like conventional ink. Instead, straight after the printer lays the ink, it exposes the substrate to intense ultraviolet light during the printing process, instantly hardening the surface of the ink and locking the pigments in place.

That’s a good thing, because it forms a thin, durable shell that resists fading, water and abrasion.

How long should I expect digital print products to last?

UV digital print products are a big step forward, but even they don’t last forever. Of course, the precise amount of time really depends on where you put your finished print (especially outside vs inside) and its original print quality. However, here are some general rules:

• UV-cured prints can retain 90% of their original colour for up to five years outdoors, even without lamination.
• When laminated or mounted on UV-resistant substrates, prints can last up to 10 years outdoors.
• Indoors, where sunlight exposure is limited, the same print could look nearly brand new for a decade or more.
• Digital prints used on vehicles will likely retain their colour for up to five years with proper maintenance. All the vibrations, road grime, weather conditions and washing mean they can’t last as long as in other applications.

However, digital prints today can far outlast most alternative methods, and it’s far cheaper!

Why fading isn’t just about the ink

Here’s a lesser-known aspect of why prints fade: it isn’t always about the ink breaking down. Sometimes, it’s the substrate, the surface on which the image is printed. This material can sometimes yellow or otherwise discolour long before the ink.

Some of the worst culprits here are acrylics, PVCs and some vinyls. These degrade under UV exposure, causing the colours to look dull even if the ink itself is resistant to UV fading.

That’s why professional digital printers, like our team here at PB Signs, carefully match inks and materials. For example, pairing UV ink with a high-grade aluminium composite panel can double the sign’s lifespan compared to printing on basic vinyl.

How to keep your business’s digital prints looking sharp

If you’re planning long-term signage or displays, here are practical ways to prevent fading right from the get-go:

• Ask about UV-cured inks – they’re the gold standard for outdoor durability.
• Choose the right material – aluminium composite or polycarbonate lasts longer than basic PVC.
• Use a laminate – even a clear, matte laminate can block up to 99% of UV rays.
• Keep it clean – dirt and pollution can accelerate degradation by trapping moisture and chemicals on the surface.

Many high-end digital printing services will include UV protection and material guidance as standard. That includes us here at PB Signs. We use advanced digital printers and fade-resistant UV-cured printing methods to ensure your signage is vibrant and eye-catching for years, indoors or out. We’ll help you with the design process and advise on the best ways to pick your materials.

Whether you need long-lasting outdoor signage or a brightly coloured banner for your car park, we’ve got it covered. Reach out today to learn more or to have a no-obligation chat with our friendly team. We look forward to learning about you and explaining what we can do to help.