"Fading GMB Flags - advice on how to avoid?" Topic

I have found that my GMB flags that I attached to units (with PVA glue) have faded while those that have not been attached are OK. They were not varnished and have been stored with units using flags from other manufacturers that have not faded.

Does anyone have any advice on what I may be doing wrong – or should do in addition to gluing them.

I have not received any replies to a number of requests for advice from GMB using their using the email on their website as well as the Contact Us form on their website.

I've included an image of before and now.

Thanks

Printer inks are, in the main, made from dye based inks. Dye based inks will oxidise in excessive light, whether UV or day light. The usual is about 6 months before they fade. Inks that are pigmented will last longer.
I found this out the hard way with some pictures I printed.

korsun0, do inks from color laser printer fade the same way as inkjet printers?

They should last longer because of the way they are applied (heat vs sprayed on). However, if you get a top quality ink and decent paper, then an ink jet should last.

Hobby Lobby and Michaels both have archival and UV sprays that will take care of this. Each can isn't cheap, but it does the job.

I tend to brush gloss varnish onto my flags to seal them and then matt varnish them. Never had any fading issues.