Weatherability is the ability of a label to withstand the effects of outdoor weathering, sunlight, heat, cold, humidity, rain, snow, and time.
Some of the components, along with the weather, that effect the life of a label include the type of ink used, the base material and the top coating of the label, and what substate the material will adhere to.
Why Weatherability Matters
The weather can cause a label to peel off easy or by itself, lose color, become illegible, scratch, or fade completely. The problem is that these labels may have important information on them that is essential or important so therefore these labels need to last as long as the products they are on.
It is important for labels to remain legible for product information such as lot numbers, barcodes, instructions, safety warnings, and warranties.
Solutions
There is no one-fits all answer when it comes to weatherability because each situation and weather type is different for every label.
It is important to understand the different types of weather environments your label will be in and make sure to test your label and review the results before choosing the best solutions.
Different types of common weathering tests that are done are:
- Accelerated Weathering
- Climate Cycling
- Water Resistance
- High Humidity Exposure
- Oven Aging and Freezer Aging
- Salt Spray Exposure
- Immersion in Chemicals or Cleaners
- Peel Strength
- Humidity
The final results will give you an evaluation on adhesion, legibility, color retention abrasion resistance and other properties.
Why Whitlam
Whitlam has over 50 years of experience in the Automotive Industry we understand regulations and requirements of labels. With our In-House Lab we have the capabilities to test labels against some of these types of weather conditions. We have solutions that will help your label withstand the effects of outdoor weathering, sunlight, heat, cold, humidity, rain, and time.
Whitlam can offer solutions that are tougher, better and longer lasting. For more information contact Whitlam today!