Glossary

“Lightfast ink” refers to an ink that has the ability to resist fading or discoloration when exposed to light over an extended period of time. In the context of adhesive label printing, lightfast ink is important because labels are often used on products, packaging, or items that may be exposed to various lighting conditions, including natural and artificial light sources.

Inks that are not lightfast can experience fading, color shifting, or deterioration when subjected to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, visible light, or other environmental factors. This can lead to the label’s appearance becoming less vibrant, less accurate in terms of color representation, or even illegible if the ink deteriorates significantly.

To counteract these issues, manufacturers of adhesive labels may use lightfast inks that are formulated with pigments or dyes that have been designed to withstand the degrading effects of light exposure. These inks are tested for their resistance to fading and color changes under specific conditions, simulating the expected light exposure over time.

In industries where label durability and longevity are important, such as product packaging, outdoor signage, or archival labeling, using lightfast inks ensures that the labels maintain their intended appearance and readability for an extended period, even when exposed to varying light intensities and wavelengths. This helps maintain the aesthetic appeal and functional effectiveness of the labels, contributing to the overall quality of the labeled products or materials.