Does sublimated clothing fade???

[sharyn]

Just curious and not sure if I had previously asked this question??
I have read about how sublimation doesn't stand up well with being exposed to uv rays?? admittedly this was for aluminium signs etc and just wondered if this also applies to fabric (Polyester)
Thanks for your help.

[daviddeer]

Sublimation printing solutions utilize low energy dispersed dye inks that transfer from a paper to the polyester under heat and some pressure. Generally the light fastness of low energy dispersed dyes is poor.
Although the nature of sublimation inks makes it impossible to perform a Wilhelms test as it won't withstand the high temperature dispersion part of the procedure. Like most non solvent inks it requires a UV protective spray to reduce fading. Roland claim their sublimation ink to have a fastness of 5-6 (http://files.rolanddg.be/Website/Files/Specialist%20Printing%20052010.pdf) (out of 8) others claim much more but in general without UV protection the fade is inevitable.

[JMugs]

Real world use, squash t shirt actually my own shirt, worn twice a week, soaked with sweat, washed twice a week at 30 degrees. Print is fine. So is the t-shirt!
So for that use no appreciable fade.

Janners.

[purpledragon]

if you are going to stand in direct sunlight for 8 hours a day every day for months on end then yes it will fade

[accdave]

if you are going to stand in direct sunlight for 8 hours a day every day for months on end then yes it will fade

Not really relevant to those of us who live in the UK unless it was affected by 8 hours a year :wink:

[purpledragon]

i live in wales i was 6 before i realised i could take my kagool off , they said in the bible it rained for 40 days and 40 nights thats still the best summer i remember in wales ....(courtesy of rhod gilbert)

[sharyn]

Thank you all for your replies. I really appreciate your input. as I live in Australia and yes we do get lots of sunshine:smile: Although I am working on somethings that will go to charity in remote areas of the world such as Africa, India, Phillipines etc Just hoping they won't fade too quickly.
Janners your answer gives me more confidence thanks
Purpledragon as an Aussie I have no idea what a kagool is! New word for me Thanks

[purpledragon]

Purpledragon as an Aussie I have no idea what a kagool is! New word for me Thanks
trust me if you lived in wales you'd know !!!!!
(its a type of rain coat)