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How to Prevent Labels From Fading: 3 Common Causes & 4 Practical Solutions
Are your labels having lost their color or clarity? It’s time to find out why it happened and how to prevent labels from fading because labels can’t do their job with prints that seem paler and small details start to blur.
So, CustomAny is here to help you in discovering the 3 main reasons behind label fading and what we can do to keep it from happening. You will learn 4 practical solutions for how to prevent labels from fading, so your product information maintains the intended appearance and quality.
Why Do My Labels Fade?
Sometimes labels fade, and there are several reasons behind this. These causes generally fall into 3 groups:
1. Label material quality
One of the main reasons that leads to fading lay in the label material itself.
If the base you use to print the label has a poor ink absorption or weak bonding with the ink, it can cause colors to appear dull and fine details to blur faster. For example, some papers or synthetic materials may not allow the ink to settle properly. So, even when high-quality inks are used, labels printed are more likely to fade.
Fading because of the material used is one of the main reasons people look for ways to manage how to prevent labels from fading.
2. Label production process
Custom labels can also fade because of some reasons related to their production process.
Ink not suitable for the intended use
Labels can fade faster depending on the type of ink used. Some inks are bright initially but lose color quickly, while others hold up better over time:
- Dye-based inks: bright at first but fade faster under light or heat
- Pigment-based inks: more fade-resistant compared to dye-based inks
- UV-curable inks: better resistance under sunlight
- Thermal printing: limited color durability
Related blog you may want to read: “Dye ink vs Pigment ink“
In the printing process, if you use inks that aren’t suited for real-life uses of your labels, it will be one of the key factors that lead to fading labels over time.
No protective coating or lamination
Label prints without protection are more likely to fade under environmental factors.
Protection can be a layer of lamination or a protective coating. Without them, inks are fully exposed to elements like light, moisture, and under harsh handling. This exposure makes even high-quality inks fade faster and details become less clear over time, leading to the question of how to prevent labels from fading.
3. Environment and handling
Environmental conditions and daily handling also play a significant role in why labels fade. Some external factors that gradually affect color stability and clarity are:
Light and heat exposure
Exposure to light, especially direct sunlight, is one of the most common causes of fading.
- UV rays break down ink pigments over time, which leads to noticeable color loss.
- Heat can speed up this process by weakening the bond between ink and surface.
Thus, if your labels are placed near windows, lighting fixtures, or heat sources, etc, they tend to fade faster.
Moisture and chemical contact
Water and moisture can interfere with ink stability. Additionally, when labels come into contact with oil or cleaning agents, these chemicals can slowly affect printed areas by reacting with coatings and then inks. Over time, repeated exposure to these elements can cause colors to shift, bleed, or fade unevenly.
This issue is commonly seen when your labels are handled in environments like kitchens, bathrooms, or industrial environments.
Friction during handling or transport
Physical impacts, even light but frequent, also contribute to the labels color fading issue of your labels.
Repeated friction during handling, packing, or transport can wear down printed surfaces. Labels that rub against other items, boxes, or machinery may lose color gradually, especially around edges or raised areas.
How to Prevent Labels From Fading
In fact, fading can be prevented when care is taken at every stage, from producing labels to using them. So, how to prevent labels from fading? You can do it by:
1. Avoid placing labels in direct light or heat
Sunlight and heat gradually break down ink over time, causing colors to fade and details to blur.
You can reduce fading by positioning labels out of direct rays whenever possible. Small adjustments, like keeping labels away from vents or rotating items regularly, can slow color loss.
However, there are situations where exposure to sunlight or heat cannot be completely avoided, so the 3 solutions below can help:
2. Match ink type to use case
Some inks are more durable under certain conditions than others. Choosing the right ink helps colors stay vibrant longer and prevents early labels fading. You can select inks based on how your products will be handled and stored:
- For short-term bright appearance, dye-based inks perform well.
- Pigment-based inks resist fading under light and heat, making them suitable for long-term durability.
- UV-curable inks provide strong resistance but extreme conditions can still affect them.
3. Use label materials with better ink retention
The surface you print your custom labels on affects how long colors and details last.
You can improve longevity by choosing label materials that absorb ink properly, keeping fine details sharp and colors vibrant. Check this information carefully before using any base layer material for your printed labels. Paying attention to material quality from the start enhances overall durability and helps your labels stay legible and appealing during use.
4. Add lamination or protective coating when needed
Even durable inks and materials can be affected by moisture, friction, and chemicals. Adding a laminated or coated layer on your labels after printing offers them a shield from these fading factors.
This additional layer works together with proper inks and materials to maintain clarity and vibrancy on your labels.
Last Words
Learning how to prevent labels from fading can help you keep labels remain readable and visually appealing. They also ensure your labels keep product information clear and legible.
Choosing a printing partner for producing your product stickers and labels play a vital role in deciding their quality and durability. You can consider printing with us, since through our trusted service, you benefit from quality materials, accurate color reproduction, and options for lamination or coatings that extend durability.
Our experts are also eager to support you through design, production, and usage tips, making it easier to achieve labels that last. So, if you are ready for professional-looking, attractive labels that last, go to our product page here and turn your designs into real-life labels.
