We can define light fastness as the degree of damage suffered by a color or a raw material forming color under the influence of ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet light is strong enough to disrupt the structure of color components. As commonly said, it “may fade” the color. Deterioration and discoloration speed is depended on the color’s light fastness degree and the amount of ultraviolet light. Light fastness values of some colors may also vary depending on their ability to collect the light. For example, dark blue and black may discolor more quickly while red and blue may discolor later.
The effects of light source on foil printed products
All substances which are visible with eyes are indirectly affected from artificial lights and natural day light; and they discolor first gradually loosing their natural colors and afterwards change their color nuances as a result of tarnishing depending on the duration of exposure to light source and the intensity of light. The colors included in foil printing and forming the visual forms are provided with pigment dying substances. Pigment dying substances are the compounds which do not fully penetrate alone to fiber and to other materials and their structures are different from other dying substances. Pigments are applied in drying oils and resins in suspension form. Therefore, pigment dying substances which form color on foil printing are light sensitive as the other dyes. In terms of content, they do not have a more durable structure than other dyes. That’s why we should protect foil printed products from direct sunlight exposure and artificial lights so as we protect normal printed and dyed products. When foil printed products are exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods, they may discolor, fade or their colors may tarnish. The main factor which should be taken into consideration for all color changes may occur in different levels depending on chemical combination which forms the color and durability of the most sensitive color among the various colors in patterned foil printings. Another important factor is the processes applied to the surface of the ground material, the chemical nature of the adhesive used to bond the foil. When we examine the light strength of foil printed product we should evaluate together all of the factors. The products which are exposed to light for extended periods due to their areas of use; such as curtain, tulle, furniture coverings etc. require a specific approach. It is recommended to do the actual production after determining post-foil printing light fastnesses of each color and printing combinations of these type products.
Superior wash fatness with THERMOWASH foils
Foil printing, glittering and alluring effects always have an important place in fashion in terms of printing techniques. Foil is not a printing material which has an adhesion property on fabric or leather surface on its own. It can be transferred to different surfaces depending on the chemical nature of the adhesive used. Properties of the application surface also have a direct impact on the quality of print. Another very important parameter of this transfer process is applying the chemical adhesive in accordance with the recommended process; printing quality can not reach to desired level when it is applied wrongly. Although all these variables can not be eliminated completely by foil quality i.e. the special techniques applied in production, it is needed to bring solution for an important part of them. Our THERMOWASH foils provide superior performance as a result of a very special technology used in production and they will encourage decision-makers at every stage including designers, manufacturers and implementers. Doubts arising due to the sensitive nature of foil printing – against the effects that they will be exposed to – will be eliminated with THERMOWASH, the approach will fully and positively change and this will be the beginning of a new era.
