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LinkedIn UV print resistance is an important parameter that determines how long a given print will maintain its aesthetic and functional quality despite exposure to atmospheric factors such as sunlight. The purpose of the research is to assess the durability of the print and its ability to withstand exposure to solar radiation. The results of this research are crucial for companies that want their advertising materials to look their best for a long time, regardless of external conditions. Check out our study on the UV resistance of fabrics!
Key information
- UV radiation weakens colors and materials, causing advertising products like tents to fade. Therefore, choosing the right printing method is important.
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The study results confirm that resin printing retains original colors better compared to sublimation printing, especially with prolonged exposure to sunlight.
- Sublimation printing transfers the dye deep into the fabric, ensuring vibrant colors, but is less resistant to UV radiation.
Table of contents
- The Importance of UV Radiation for Fabric Durability
- Sunlight and Advertising Tent Printing
- Consequences of Prolonged Exposure of Advertising Tents and Umbrellas to Sunlight
- How Does the Sun Affect Advertising Tents? – Study
- Sublimation Printing
- Resin Printing
- Which Printing Method to Choose for Advertising Materials?
The Importance of UV Radiation for Fabric Durability
Sunlight (UV) has a direct impact on the material. Exposure to sunlight leads to color fading, which is particularly important for products intended for outdoor display, such as advertising tents or promotional umbrellas. With appropriate research, it is possible to predict the durability of such materials and protect them from premature fading.
Sunlight and Advertising Tent Printing
Sunlight (UV) is a type of radiation emitted by the sun and artificial UV sources, such as fluorescent or xenon lamps. In the context of printing, UV is the main factor causing the aging of outdoor materials, which explains the need for using UV-resistant printing technologies.
Consequences of Prolonged Exposure of Advertising Tents and Umbrellas to Sunlight
Advertising tents, promotional umbrellas, and many other products exposed to UV radiation can undergo various forms of damage, such as:
- Color fading – pigments in inks lose intensity, resulting in washed-out and less attractive colors.
- Reduced readability – visibility of details on the print deteriorates, weakening their legibility.
How Does the Sun Affect Advertising Tents? – Study
The purpose of the study was to examine the differences in UV resistance between sublimation and resin printing. We used two Octa Optima pop-up tents, fully covered with prints, for the tests. The tent roofs were made of impregnated polyester fabric weighing approximately 200 g/m², commonly used by Mitko for the production of advertising tents and umbrellas. One of the roofs was printed using the transfer sublimation technique, while the other was printed using resin printing.
- Transfer Sublimation – this method involves the dye penetrating deep into the fabric under high temperature, ensuring vibrant and durable colors on polyester materials.
- Resin Printing – uses special resin inks that create a UV-resistant coating on the surface of the fabric, protecting the print from excessive fading and atmospheric factors.
From June 8 to September 8, 2021, the tents were subjected to continuous exposure to sunlight (UV). Every 30 days, we compared the color saturation with samples that were not exposed to sunlight.
As a result of the study, it was determined that after 90 days of uninterrupted sunlight exposure, the Delta E parameter for the dominant black color of sublimation printing compared to the sample was 26.3. The Delta E for the dominant black color of resin printing compared to the sample was 3.5.
- Delta E – is a measure of color difference that indicates how much the color of the tested object deviates from the sample, where a higher value indicates a greater difference visible to the human eye.
The numerical value of the Delta E parameter approximately describes color difference as follows:
0.0 – 1.0 – difference not noticeable (often a measurement error)
1.0 – 2.0 – difference seen by people with high color sensitivity (women, artists, etc.)
2.0 – 3.0 – noticeable color difference
3.0 – 6.0 – difference acceptable in digital printing process
6.0 – >> – large color difference noticeable to most people
Sublimation Printing
Resin Printing
Which Printing Method to Choose for Advertising Materials?
The study clearly demonstrated the superiority of resin printing in terms of UV resistance. We strongly recommend using this technique when selecting advertising products that are exposed to intense sunlight—especially promotional umbrellas and advertising tents, for which color durability is crucial in maintaining aesthetics and legibility over time.
At first glance, most pop-up tents look alike. Four legs, a roof, walls, quick setup. In practice, the differences show up only when the tent faces a real test. Stronger wind, frequent folding, long transport in a van or a season of daily use. That’s the moment when you find out whether you bought a durable pop-up tent or a construction that gives up after two events.
To spare you the disappointment, I’ve gathered seven elements that genuinely determine a tent’s durability. If you pay attention to them before buying, you get peace of mind for years to come.
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Whether someone notices your brand, stops to read your message or comes closer is decided in a split second. If you do not communicate why you are worth their attention in that moment, the opportunity is gone. That is why every advertising message, no matter the format or medium, has to work instantly. Literally in five seconds.
Internet or outdoor – where does advertising work more effectively? Social media allows for measuring results and accurately targeting audiences, but outdoor advertising still has one advantage: it stays in memory longer. In this article, we will examine studies that show how differently these two advertising worlds operate and why both still have their place in an effective marketing strategy.
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