The Durability of Latex Inks

How durable are latex inks compared to other inks? Jim Hingst covers the UV Resistance, Scratch and Abrasion Resistance, and Chemical Resistance of Latex Inks.

As sales of solvent and ecosolvent printers have declined, latex inkjet printers have grown in popularity. The print quality of these printers is outstanding. What’s more, because latex inks are water-based, they provide printers with a much greener solution.  Low VOC levels mean that no expensive ventilation systems are required. These inks are not only safer for the operator, but they have less impact on the environment.

UV Resistance of Latex Inks. 

Compared to other inks, latex inks are also very durable. Because latex inks are comprised of pigments rather than dyes, their fade resistance when exposed to the sun’s UV rays is much greater. While pigments last longer than dyes in an outdoor application, they won’t last forever.

Eventually colors will succumb to the bleaching effect of sunlight. What’s more, the lightfastness of latex inks varies depending on several factors, including the formulation of the ink, the media used and the intensity of the UV light. Other outdoor factors in the atmosphere, such as ozone, salt air, humidity and air pollutants, also affect the longevity of any ink, including latex inks.

Because many factors affect UV resistance, any claims that a printer or ink manufacturer about the lightfastness of their inks must be regarded as general estimates of permanence. Typically the guidelines that the manufacturers provide are not statements of warranty.

Scratch and Abrasion Resistance of Latex Inks. 

Since the introduction of the first latex printers about seven years ago, inks have increasingly become more lightfast, scratch and abrasion resistant and more chemical resistant. Signage, window treatments and wall graphics are generally not subject to excessive abrasion.

Fleet graphics are another story. Printed emblems and vehicle wraps should always be protected with an overlaminate or a liquid clear coat regardless of how the graphics are printed. Vehicle graphics often come in contact with bush and tree branches, as well as stones, gravel and sand on the road. Without protection, these materials will eventually scratch and abrade right through the ink to the base material. Laminates with UV inhibitors will also protect graphics from sunlight.  In many cases, it can extend the outdoor life of a latex ink from three years to five years.

Chemical Resistance of Latex Inks. 

Repeated exposure to water, grease and chemicals can also tax the ink system. Although latex inks are water based, they are typically water resistant.  Cleaning chemicals, such as Windex® glass cleaner and isopropyl alcohol,  as well as gasoline and diesel fuel along with other chemicals can damage printed graphics.

Although today’s latex inks are generally robust and resist UV light, scratches and abrasion and chemicals, fabricators should carefully examine the application before engineering their project. In your examination, you should question the prospective customer thoroughly. If the graphics are used outdoors, make sure that you understand the degree to which it is exposed to sunlight. With respect to cleaning, determine which chemicals are used and their frequency of use. Finally, by understanding how the graphic will be used, the duration of the program and the customer’s expectations, you can better satisfy the needs of the customer.

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About Jim Hingst: After fourteen years as Business Development Manager at RTape, Jim Hingst retired. He was involved in many facets of the company’s business, including marketing, sales, product development and technical service.

Hingst began his career 42 years ago in the graphic arts field creating and producing advertising and promotional materials for a large test equipment manufacturer.  Working for offset printers, large format screen printers, vinyl film manufacturers, and application tape companies, his experience included estimating, production planning, purchasing and production art, as well as sales and marketing. In his capacity as a salesman, Hingst was recognized with numerous sales achievement awards.

Drawing on his experience in production and as graphics installation subcontractor, Hingst provided the industry with practical advice, publishing more than 150 articles for  publications, such as  Signs Canada, SignCraft,  Signs of the Times, Screen Printing, Sign and Digital Graphics and  Sign Builder Illustrated. He also posted more than 325 stories on his blog (hingstssignpost.blogspot.com). In 2007 Hingst’s book, Vinyl Sign Techniques, was published.

Slides of Jim's Artwork

© 2015 Jim Hingst