How long will my inkjet image last if I protect it with a UV overlaminate?
Generally speaking, overlaminates with UV inhibitors will extend the life of your image by 3-4 times. Dye-based inks, when subjected to high levels of UV radiation, can fade in as little as a few days. This means that even with a protective overlaminate, your dye-based image can be damaged in as little as 2 weeks. Pigmented inks last significantly longer than dye-based. Laminated images printed with pigmented inks can expect at least a six to twelve month outdoor lifespan without experiencing significant UV fading. Global imaging provides some “matched component” ink, media and laminate combinations that may extend the print life much longer. Solvent-based inks are an entirely different technology and prints can last as long as 5 or more years with the right media and laminate combinations. If your printing demands are primarily outdoor, please speak with a Global Imaging representative (link directly to Contact Us) regarding our line of solvent printers.
