How long does color fastness last on digitally printed umbrellas?

Through the progress of digital printing technology, many brands and designers use digitally printed umbrellas to express unique and creative designs. Nonetheless, clients using these umbrellas in outdoors are often worried about the shades sturdiness. This article will discuss the average lifespan of colors on digital printing umbrellas and what determines color longevity.

1. Know About Digital Printing on Umbrellas

Digital printing is the process of printing directly onto the fabric using ink, the capability to produce elaborate and multi-colour designs makes Digital print a popular choice amongst fashion and custom brands. So while traditional screen printing uses ink that penetrates into the fabric, digital printing inks mostly sit on the top surface of the fabric, which is why they can sometimes be more vulnerable to fading in harsh outdoor conditions.

1. Important Factors Influencing Color Fastness and Durability on Digitally Printed Umbrellas

• Sunlight Exposure The leading cause of color fading is direct exposure to sunlight. Ultraviolet (UV) rays decompose the pigment molecules in the ink over time, particularly in direct sunlight. Based on research, the standard colors of digitally printed umbrellas tend to fade relatively quickly when exposed to direct sunlight. Under moderate sunlight, by comparison, colors will last longer without any noticeable fading.
• How often and where you use it Likewise, the environment and the frequency of use also affect the durability of colors. An umbrella used in an outdoor setting such as a beach, park, or event will start to fade much sooner than one used only on a hot sunny day on the patio or deck. Additional environmental elements like humidity, pollution, and acid rain also lead to the deterioration in colors.
• Quality of Ink and Fabric Mostly, the quality of the ink as well as the quality of the fabric. Quality inks with UV resistance, as well as sun-resistant fabrics will reduce fading considerably. Fabrics that used to block off UV rays, for example, would allow less sunlight to get through, thus prolonging the color life of the umbrella.
• Single vs Double Sided Printing Due to the added layers of ink, double-sided printing in digital printing may outlast single-sided printing, but then again, every layer of ink offers a bit of resistance to UV light. With concern to fading, double-sided printing will not fully eradicate it but it will give the printed design greater resiliency when exposed to outdoor use over a long period of time.

1. Digital Printed Umbrellas Color Lasting Expectation

Typically, colors on digitally printed umbrellas can hold up to more than three months of outdoor exposure before they start fading significantly. Nevertheless, this will depend upon the use situation. Fading will occur within a few weeks if exposed to high UV conditions or if outdoors 24 hours a day. Colours can last for six months or beyond in temperate weather seasons or for occasional use. We recommend that brands who deliver and strive for quality that lasts, opt for UV resistant fabric and perform routine care to ensure the longest life for the umbrella.

1. Below are a few tips for extending the life of colors on digitally printed umbrellas.

Colors on digitally printed umbrellas will naturally fade over time. However, the following tips can help increase their lifespan:

Use UV Resistant Ink and Fabric: 

The type of inks and fabrics run a huge role in the lastingness of the colours against a fading background.

Reduce Sun Exposure: 

When the umbrella is not in use, keep it in shaded or indoor locations to prevent prolonged exposure to sunshine.

Frequent Cleaning: 

Dust and dirt can hasten the deterioration of the ink used, so make sure to clean the umbrella.

Remember, Double-Sided Printing: If your budget allows, you should use double-sided printing, it can keep more color on the umbrella especially when you use it outdoor.

5. Screen printing vs. digital printing

For clients looking for more durability in the colours, we can use screen printing. This process involves injecting a screen printing ink into the fabric fibers, which tends to be more durable and resistant to UV rays. Screen printing, while not as detailed as digital printing, would be a more durable option for simple designs that will be used outdoors for a longer period of time.

Conclusion

Colorfastness of digitally printed umbrellas is a function of several variables, namely sunlight exposure and usage environment, ink quality, fabric quality and printing method. Digital printed umbrellas color last more than three months with moderate sunlight condition. But for those clients who actually need outdoor use, we suggest paying for UV-resistant materials and maintenance guidelines to look presentable.

Through selection of design and materials, attention to care and use, digitally printed umbrellas can be both practical and functional and give an added decorating touch to your brand at every available location. Should help you make your decision on making durable digitally printed umbrellas with the information provided in this guide.