It is one of the questions customers ask most, and one of the hardest to answer with a single figure. An inkjet print hung in a dim hallway may look much the same for a very long time; the same print in a sunny shop window could show visible fading far sooner. The honest answer is that it depends, and understanding what it depends on is more useful than any headline number.
Why single numbers mislead
Longevity claims are usually based on accelerated tests carried out under specific, controlled conditions: a particular light level, a particular ink and media, often behind glass. Real display conditions vary enormously. A figure quoted for one setup does not transfer neatly to another, so treat any published longevity estimate as a comparison between products rather than a promise for a particular print.
What affects how long a print lasts
- Ink type: pigment inks are generally more stable than dye inks. Latex, UV and eco-solvent inks are widely used for durable display work.
- Media: the base material and its coating affect stability. Optical brighteners in some papers can change appearance over time.
- Light: intensity, duration and UV content are major factors.
- Environment: heat, humidity, ozone and pollutants all play a part.
- Physical wear: handling, cleaning, abrasion and moisture often make a print look tired before its colours fade.
- Protection: whether the print is coated, laminated or glazed.
The role of a protective coating
A coating cannot make a print last forever, but it addresses several of these factors at once. Landor Liquid Lamination adds a protective layer for durability and lightfastness, so prints last longer and can cope with harsher environments. Colourjet protects against water, chemicals and abrasion and includes integrated UV inhibitors to help prevent premature fading. Because physical damage is often what ends a print’s useful life, that surface protection matters as much as fade resistance.
What to tell your customers
Rather than quoting a number, explain the factors and what has been done to protect the print. Customers appreciate honesty, and it avoids disputes later. A short summary might cover:
- The ink and media used, and why they were chosen.
- The protection applied, such as a UV-inhibiting coating.
- How display conditions will affect it, especially direct sunlight.
- How to clean and care for it.
Outdoor and temporary work
For outdoor signage and graphics, agree the expected display period with the client at the outset and specify inks, media and protection to suit. For temporary promotions, the aim is to look good for the campaign; for fine art, it is to last as long as reasonably possible. The specification should match the purpose. Our indoor and outdoor guide explores this further.
You can find our protective products on the coatings page.
If a client is pressing you for a longevity figure and you are not sure what to say, talk to us first on 01252 624 411 or by message.