Joshua Barnes
New Member
We are printing 2nd surface on clear Arlon 4500G, backed with white vinyl, mounted to plexi. The question is, how long will this print last outside with lots of sunlight? We need it to last years.
I find the standard HP latex ink has absolutely horrendous outdoor UV resistance. I printed a few wraps on 180/8519 that saw extreme fading in under 1 year. Completely unacceptable. By comparison, I have wraps out in the field over 10 years old from many other inksets. In general, the HP Latex technology has been a complete failure for me, and it is by far my most idle machine in the shop.
Question for both Ohio and Michael, how many passes did you run the prints at?
I run a 560 that is laughably underutilized, but we primarily fab larger signs and the printer is supplemental to that side of our work. That being said, I run almost everything at 20 passes. You have a vehicle that needs wrapped, 20 pass, have a wall wrap? 20 passes. Want a sh*tty little banner? 20 passes. So far, except for one particular incident involving nikkalite reflective on roughly 160 directionals, my colors have held up over the years very well.
You guys use such slow passes. We 8 pass everything... 10 pass a few things. I know of people who get away with 6 passing most items.
I printed a red warning decal the day I got our 560. Stuck it out facing the sun, No laminate or nothing .. 4 years later and it looks just as good as a brand new one.
I'm in Vancouver, so not the harshest weather... But you should not get fading after one year when it's laminated with a UV laminate even in the heart of Texas.