Whether you’re running water-based or UV/LED inks, heat and humidity have a direct effect on performance, from ink adhesion to substrate handling. Below, we dive into three key challenges that surface in the summer months—and our expert’s recommendations to help you beat the heat.

Humidity Hazards in Ink Transfer and Adhesion

There are two ways that humidity can disrupt your print performance. The obvious one is muggy conditions in shops with no climate control. But even if you’re beating the heat inside with air conditioning and de-humidifiers, as you bring in your rolls of material from delivery trucks outside and place them on your shop floor, you may be facing some condensation issues—especially if those materials are placed directly on press without having time to adjust to the new ambient temperature.

No matter how humidity is being introduced to your print process, it can lead to a decrease in the surface energy of your substrate leading to poor ink adhesion, mottling, or other ink laydown issues. Avoid quality inconsistencies and material waste due to humidity by taking some precautionary steps in your operations. 

What to do

If possible, aim to keep your pressroom conditions at 45–55% relative humidity and under 75°F.

Don’t leave rolls on trucks or in loading bays during peak heat.

Allow substrates time to cool after being delivered.

Test your substrate with dyne pens before press runs and utilize a corona treater when needed.

Summer-Proof Your Storage

The pressroom isn’t the only area that suffers in the summer. Substrates stored in hot, unventilated warehouses can degrade quickly. Pressure-sensitive label rolls exposed to excessive heat may experience adhesive bleed, edge ooze, or even roll telescoping. Shrink films stored above 90°F can warp and distort from the heat, affecting registration and print quality.

What to do

Store sensitive substrates below 80°F in low-humidity rooms.

Rotate inventory using FIFO—older stock will degrade faster in hot conditions.

Store label stock vertically when possible to reduce adhesive pressure on roll edges.

Consider investing in insulated storage or HVAC upgrades for warehouse spaces.

Beat the Heat with UV/LED Curing

Traditional mercury vapor curing lamps emit a lot of infrared heat, raising web temperatures significantly. This only exacerbates heat-related issues during the summer months, which is especially problematic for label stocks, where heat can soften pressure-sensitive adhesives, or prematurely distort shrink films.

By contrast, UV and LED technologies cure at much lower web temperatures, helping printers maintain substrate integrity even on the hottest days. Beyond just label compatibility, UV/LED systems also reduce the need for heavy ventilation and climate control, lowering air conditioning costs and reducing pressroom energy consumption.

What to do

If you’re already considering making the switch to UV/LED curing technology, this could be an added benefit. Ask your press manufacturer or lamp supplier for more detailed cost savings projections to understand your potential ROI.

Summer Success with Smart Printing Practices

While you can’t change the weather, you can adapt your processes to maintain quality and performance all summer long. By understanding how heat and humidity affect your substrates, inks, and equipment—and by investing in temperature-friendly technology like UV/LED curing systems—you’ll be better equipped to handle seasonal variability without sacrificing consistency.

Zeller+Gmelin has decades of experience formulating high-performance UV and LED ink systems specifically designed for label and packaging printers who demand stability, efficiency, and brilliant results—even in the toughest pressroom conditions. Whether you’re facing ink transfer challenges or planning a shift to low-temperature curing, our team is here to help.

Contact your local Zeller+Gmelin representative to learn how our UV/LED ink solutions can support your operation this summer—and beyond.

The post Surviving Summer in the Pressroom: How to Protect Ink Adhesion and Label Quality first appeared on Zeller + Gmelin.

How do UV and UV LED offset printing inks work?

UV and UV LED offset printing inks contain photoinitiators that react when exposed to different wavelengths of light, instantly setting and adhering to the printing substrate. Both use ultraviolet light to cure the ink or coating onto the substrate, rather than drying by evaporation like oil-based, solvent-based and water-based technology.

While UV and UV LED both cure via a photochemical reaction—UV LED inks use longer wavelengths of light to cure (typically 385–405 nm), which requires a specific combination of photoinitiators and lamps.

What are the advantages of switching to UV LED curing technology?

Reduced Operating costs

Among the most attractive reasons to switch to UV LED-curing is the cost savings. Traditional UV mercury lamps require higher energy consumption, frequent lamp and bulb changes, and regular maintenance. On the other hand, UV LED lamps consume significantly less energy and require minimal bulb changes, leading to lower energy costs and CO2 emissions, as well as less downtime and maintenance. LED lamps also generate much less heat than traditional UV systems, making it easier and less expensive to maintain your temperature-controlled print environment.

The combined cost and energy savings of UV LED offset printing systems can add up to thousands of dollars per year, depending on your operations. Reach out to your lamp supplier to discuss your savings potential – contact a Zeller+Gmelin team member for a list of top suppliers.

On-press performance

Beyond cost savings, UV LED-curing systems can improve press performance and print quality. Key advantages include:

• “Instant On” Capability – Unlike mercury vapor lamps that require warm-up time, LED lamps and inks are ready to go immediately. This eliminates job delays and increases press efficiency.
• Minimal Heat Transfer to Substrates – Because LED systems generate less heat, the risk of damaging or distorting films, shrink sleeves and other heat-sensitive substrates is eliminated. This ensures precise registration in multi-color printing for high-quality, detailed applications.
• Faster Production Turnaround – With UV LED-curing, printed sheets are ready for the next processing steps immediately after printing. No need to wait for the sheets to dry before moving to finishing. This shortens internal processing time from point of order to point of delivery.

For printers handling sensitive materials or looking for ways to improve production efficiency, UV LED-curing can provide a competitive edge.

Sustainability benefits

On top of the cost savings and performance enhancements, UV LED offset printing systems offer environmental benefits. As previously mentioned, LED lamps require less energy to run and emit less heat. These systems also eliminate ozone emissions, helping printers reduce their carbon footprint. Plus, UV LED inks are formulated with 100% solids and reduced VOCs.

UV LED-curing provides notable sustainability advantages, making it worthwhile for printers seeking ways to be more environmentally friendly. Talk to your Zeller+Gmelin Product Manager to discuss our sustainable and globally compliant ink options.  

What should printers consider before making the switch to UV LED offset printing?

While UV LED curing poses several potential benefits, printers should consider a few important points before beginning the transition process.

The cost of transitioning equipment can be significant. We recommend discussing your initial investment and potential ROI with a lamp supplier to determine your budget and implementation schedule.  

Another option is hybrid curing—with both mercury vapor and LED lamps on the same press. While UV LED curing technology is continuously improving, mercury vapor lamps remain the best option for spot colors, coatings and low migration inks. Some printers choose to include a traditional UV lamp after the coating station. With this method, it’s important to confirm the inks used are appropriate for the curing method at each print station.

Dual-cure inks and coatings can help simplify your transition and reduce your raw material sku’s, making it easier on operators when selecting inks for each job. Zeller+Gmelin offers a wide variety of dual-cure UV LED inks for sheetfed offset and web offset applications, capable of curing under either system.

We also suggest asking some basic questions when considering making the switch:

• Are you looking for ways to be more sustainable?
• Can LED help you improve productivity and efficiency?
• Can your ink and coating supplier provide LED curable products that are comparable to what you currently run?

Zeller+Gmelin: Your Partner in UV LED Offset Printing

Zeller+Gmelin offers a variety of high-performance inks designed to meet the evolving needs of the UV LED offset printing industry. Our new 98 Series UV LED Film/Foil Process inks are specifically formulated for superior adhesion, color vibrancy, and durability across a wide range of litho applications.

Interested in learning more? Contact your local Zeller+Gmelin representative to discuss how UV LED inks and curing technology can transform your print operations.

The post Flipping the Switch: Advantages of UV LED Offset Printing first appeared on Zeller + Gmelin.

As experts in formulating compliant UV/LED inks, coatings and adhesives, we’ve put together this FAQ to break down the essentials of Prop 65—so you can focus on your business, not the fine print.

1. What Is Prop 65?

Proposition 65, formally known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, is a California law designed to safeguard residents from exposure to chemicals linked to cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm. It mandates that businesses provide warnings if their products contain significant levels of these substances, such as lead, phthalates, or formaldehyde.

2. Who Must Comply with Prop 65?

Compliance is required for any business selling or distributing products in California, or manufacturing items that may reach California residents—including those based outside the state. This applies to business owners, printers, and compliance managers in the print and packaging sector. Exemptions exist for companies with fewer than 10 employees or products with chemical levels below designated “safe harbor” thresholds.

3. Which Chemicals Are Covered?

The Prop 65 list started with 30 chemicals in 1986 and now tops 1,000, all identified as potential carcinogens or reproductive toxins, with new chemicals added to the list every year. It includes substances that affect print and packaging manufacturers such as heavy metals, phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), styrene, and certain solvents used in inks, coatings, and adhesives. View the full chemical list on the OEHHA website: https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65/proposition-65-list

4. When Is a Warning Required?

A warning is necessary when a product exposes users to a listed chemical above its “safe harbor” level. These thresholds—NSRL (No Significant Risk Level) for carcinogens and MADL (Maximum Allowable Dose Level) for reproductive toxins—determine compliance. If no safe harbor level exists for a chemical, businesses must evaluate exposure risks to decide if a warning is needed.

5. What Does a Prop 65 Warning Entail?

A Prop 65 warning must contain the word “WARNING” in bold and must be clear and reasonable, typically featuring language like:

WARNING: This product can expose you to [chemical name], which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and/or birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information, visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

These notices may appear on product labels, websites, or in-store signage to inform consumers effectively.

6. How Can I Ensure My Products Meet Prop 65 Standards?

For printers, your choice of substrate, inks, coatings and adhesives will affect your Prop 65 compliance. Speak to your suppliers about testing inks, coatings, and packaging materials for Prop 65-listed chemicals. Compare results to safe harbor limits (where applicable) and maintain thorough documentation. Partnering with a forward-thinking ink supplier like Zeller+Gmelin, who prioritizes formulation compliance, can streamline this process.

7. What Are the Consequences of Non-Compliance?

Failing to comply can lead to steep penalties—up to $2,500 per day, per violation. Costs can escalate quickly with multiple products or prolonged exposure. Enforcement comes from the California Attorney General, district attorneys, or private citizens acting in the public interest, making adherence critical.

8. How Does Zeller+Gmelin Support Compliance?

We understand the complexities of Prop 65 packaging requirements. Zeller+Gmelin is dedicated to developing inks, adhesives and coatings that meet regulatory standards without compromising performance. Whether you’re producing labels or packaging, our expertise ensures your materials align with Prop 65 requirements for printers. Have questions or need tailored solutions? We’re here to assist.

Your Partner in Prop 65 Compliance

Mastering Prop 65—from its chemical list to its warning protocols—doesn’t have to be daunting. Zeller+Gmelin is your trusted partner in navigating these regulations with confidence. Contact us today to learn how our compliant inks and coatings can support your business.

The post Prop 65 Frequently Asked Questions: Essential Insights for Print and Packaging Professionals first appeared on Zeller + Gmelin.

As a leader in UV ink solutions, Zeller+Gmelin has provided this guide to help you avoid common mistakes and adopt best practices for managing your printing ink inventory.

The Importance of Ink Inventory Management

Raw material mismanagement causes a host of pain points for industrial printing operations. As one of the highest cost consumables and a driving factor for print quality, ink management is especially important to maintain profitability and customer satisfaction.

Effective inventory management ensures high quality inks are available when needed, helping you avoid downtime and expedited shipping costs and improve material utilization. Plus, a reliable ink supply supports on-time order delivery and consistent print quality.

Common Pitfalls in Ink Management

Knowing the risks of inventory mismanagement is the first step, avoiding these common mistakes is the next. Zeller+Gmelin is a leading provider of printing inks for flexo, offset and commercial applications. With over 150 years in the business, here’s some of the common inventory mishaps we’ve seen that affect printers’ bottom lines.

Overstocking or Understocking: Excess inventory ties up capital and risks obsolescence, especially with UV/LED inks which have a shorter shelf life than others. While understocking can lead to production delays and expedited shipping costs, reducing your profit margins and productivity.

Inadequate Rotation: Failure to rotate your inventory and follow the FIFO (First In, First Out) method is a leading cause of ink expiration. Using expired ink may result in improper curing or adhesion and color inconsistency.

Improper Labeling: Mislabeling or lack of tracking, leads to confusion about ink age, type, or intended use. Poor label practices could increase the likelihood of accidental use of expired or incorrect inks as well as cause delays in production to find the right inks or resolve labeling issues.

Lack of Usage Monitoring: Not keeping accurate usage data can result in inaccurate forecasting and missed opportunities to optimize ink ordering. Profit margins dip when expedited shipping is needed to produce an order on time.

Poor Container Sealing or Storage: Open or improperly sealed containers can lead to contamination, drying, or curing of inks. Be aware of incorrect temperature, humidity, or exposure to light. These factors can degrade the ink over time or cause premature curing resulting in more ink waste.

Without a proper ink management system in place, these inventory mistakes can negatively impact your daily operations  and may be the culprit of low profit margins affecting your bottom line.

Z+G Inventory Tips for Success

Avoiding common inventory issues doesn’t require complex methods, you can start with simple improvements that make a big impact. These tips from our team of experts are actionable steps that you can take in your ink room.

Use an Inventory Management System: Implement software to track ink inventory levels, expiration dates, and usage trends. This can be as easy as a spreadsheet or software on a dispenser. More advanced tracking software can integrate with your production schedule and equipment, such as automated dispensers with built-in tracking sensors for ink usage monitoring in real time.

Adopt FIFO Practices: Standardize your ink receiving process to always rotate the oldest inventory to the front and place newer products behind, following the FIFO method to reduce waste. Confirm expiration dates when rotating to ensure the inks expiring first are easily accessible.

Standardize and Label Clearly: Label all containers with batch numbers, production dates, and expiration dates. Use color-coded systems for quick identification between ink types or applications. Using QR codes, barcodes or RFID tagging can make stock tracking more efficient and reduce manual errors. Periodically, inspect labels to make sure important information is not worn or torn off – relabel as needed.

Set Minimum and Maximum Thresholds: To maintain balance, define reorder points and maximum stock levels for each ink type. Use consumption data from your tracking system, set up automated alerts in your software, and take note of supplier lead times to optimize this component of ink management.

Dispose of Expired Inks Safely: Create standard operating procedures related to the disposal of each ink type used in your pressroom, to ensure environmental and employee safety. Incorrect disposal of expired inks can harm the environment and increase disposal costs, not to mention that failure to correctly manage hazardous materials can result in fines or legal issues.

Conduct Regular Training: Train staff on proper handling, storage, and inventory practices for UV/LED inks to minimize human error. Establish clear protocols for leaks, contamination and light exposure to effectively address potential storage issues and/or safety concerns. Standardize these ink management processes in written format and incorporate them into your onboarding programs for all applicable employees.

The Importance of Regular Audits

Conducting ink inventory audits at regular intervals is another way to prevent issues like overstocking, misidentified, and expired inks. We recommend creating a schedule or checklist to standardize the process.

 For larger operations with significant ink usage (over 20,000lbs/month), monthly audits ensure that your inventory remains manageable and optimized. Smaller printers with stable usage patterns can typically operate on a quarterly audit schedule to maintain order.

Spot audits are good practice when discrepancies are expected or after significant events like an ink room move or a new press install. Operations of all sizes should consider annual comprehensive reviews to reconcile inventory data with physical stock and to review supplier performance.

Ink Storage Best Practices

Protect your ink quality with this checklist for storage best practices.

Control the Environment: Maintain appropriate temperature and humidity based on ink type. UV inks require cool, dark storage, ideally between 60°F–77°F (15°C–25°C) to prevent premature curing.  Whereas, water-based inks need protection from freezing, which can break down their formulation and render the ink unusable. Humidity can cause some inks to thicken or separate, as well as increase the risk of microbial contamination in water-based inks.

Maintain Proper Seals: Use airtight lids and reseal containers completely and immediately after use to prevent contamination or curing. Inspect seals for wear and tear during your audits and replace any damaged lids or gaskets promptly.

Store Away from Direct Light and Heat: UV-sensitive inks and coatings can cure or degrade with exposure. Make sure UV/LED inks are stored in opaque containers and stored away from direct sunlight or artificial light.

Check Condition Regularly: Inspect containers for leaks, rust, or swelling, and take immediate action if found. Swelling of containers can indicate contamination or chemical reactions within the ink and should be addressed immediately. Log your inspections and analyze the data for recurring issues or trends in deterioration.

Segregate Storage: Store inks by type (UV, solvent-based, water-based) and label the areas clearly to avoid cross-contamination. Store inks used for specific applications, such as specialty or food-safe inks separate from your general use inks. Also be sure to create a clearly marked “waste inks” area for any products that need to be disposed of according to regulatory guidelines.

Proactive ink management will lead to smoother operations and ultimate cost savings for you, and better quality for your customers. Get started today with Zeller+Gmelin to avoid production delays, improve production efficiency, and maintain regulatory compliance.

Ready to optimize your ink room setup? Our team can help with auditing your current inventory and providing recommendations for improvement. Contact the Zeller+Gmelin team for ink and coating solutions, expertly done.

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For decades, Zeller+Gmelin has been at the forefront of ink production, specializing in sheetfed offset printing inks that consistently meet and exceed the demands of the industry. In this blog, we’ll discuss what is sheetfed offset printing and explore how it works, its broad range of applications, and the many advantages and occasional limitations associated with this printing method. We’ll also highlight the diverse substrates sheetfed offset printing can master. If you have any questions, seek advice, or want to explore Zeller+Gmelin’s sheetfed offset printing, please get in touch with our team. We’re here to serve you!

Understanding Sheetfed Offset Printing

Sheetfed offset printing is an intricate and highly precise printing technique based on the idea that oil and water do not mix. This method requires the printing plate areas carrying the design to be treated with ink while the non-print areas are kept damp with water, allowing only the ink to adhere to the plate.

It is called “sheetfed” because it involves feeding individual sheets of paper or other printing substrates into the printing press, as opposed to web offset printing, which uses continuous rolls of paper. This approach is known for its incredible color reproduction, sharp details, substrate versatility and consistent print quality. It is often used for print jobs where quality and flexibility are crucial though it is not as cost-effective as other print methods.  

Equipment Involved in Sheetfed Offset Printing

To gain a deep understanding of sheetfed offset printing, let’s break down its key components:

Printing Plate: The printing plate is the linchpin of the entire process. Typically made from aluminum or polyester, the plate has areas that are either hydrophilic (attracting water) or hydrophobic (repelling water) to facilitate the offset printing process. The plate will carry the image to be transferred to the printing blanket and each color used in the design requires a separate printing plate.

Ink Rollers: Ink rollers are responsible for applying ink to the printing plates. The ink will adhere to the non-damp portions of the plate and fall back into the pan for the non-print areas. The ink is then transferred from the plates to a rubber blanket cylinder.

Blanket Cylinder: The rubber blanket cylinder receives the inked image from the plates and then transfers it onto the paper or substrate. This indirect transfer method is the hallmark of offset printing and is what gives it its name.

Paper or Substrate: Individual sheets of paper, paperboard or other substrates are fed into the press, each carrying the final printed image.

Drying Unit: After each color application, the sheets pass through a drying unit. This ensures that the ink dries quickly and does not smudge, resulting in a clean and finished print.

Finishing: Following the printing stage, post-printing processes such as cutting, folding, and binding may be required to prepare the printed sheets for its intended purpose.

Applications of Sheetfed Offset Printing

Sheetfed offset printing is incredibly versatile and finds its application in a wide array of projects, including:

Brochures and Catalogs: Offset printing is ideal for producing high quality brochures, magazines, newsletters and catalogs, ensuring sharp text and vibrant images that capture the essence of the content. Sheetfed offset is also ideal for handling large volumes of text and images with excellent color accuracy, making it a popular choice for publications.

Packaging: The method is a popular choice for packaging materials, such as product boxes, labels and cartons, delivering high-quality graphics for consumer goods, luxury items, and much more. It can provide consistent and precise color reproduction on various packaging substrates.

Business Stationery: Offset printing is commonly used for business cards, letterheads, envelopes, and other forms of stationery. It lends a professional touch to corporate branding and communication.

Posters and Art Prints: The method’s exceptional ability to capture intricate details makes it suitable for producing high-quality posters and art prints. It is the choice of artists and designers who seek to reproduce their work with the utmost fidelity.

Books & Education Materials: Workbooks, textbooks, handbooks and other educational materials require high-quality and intricate printing to ensure that text and images are clear and legible.

Sheetfed Offset Printing on Various Substrates

One of the remarkable features of sheetfed offset printing is its ability to work with a diverse range of substrates. Here are some of the substrates that sheetfed offset printing can effectively handle:

Paper: This is the most common substrate for sheetfed offset printing. It comes in various types, including coated and uncoated paper, cardstock, and specialty papers. Different paper types can be chosen based on the specific requirements of the print job.

Paperboard: Paperboard is a thicker and sturdier material than standard paper. It’s commonly used for packaging applications, such as folding cartons for food products, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and various consumer goods.

Metallic Foils: For a touch of luxury and a decorative shine, sheetfed offset printing can utilize metallic substrates like foil. These are often used in specialty packaging, labels, and promotional materials to create eye-catching effects.

Laminates: Laminated materials, such as laminated paperboard, are used for applications that require additional protection or a specific finish. They can be printed using sheetfed offset methods.

Synthetic Materials: Synthetic substrates, such as synthetic papers, are used for applications where durability and resistance to water or other environmental factors are important. They are commonly used for outdoor signage, labels, and tags.

Plastic Films: Sheetfed offset printing can also be used to print on plastic films. This includes materials like polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyester. Plastic films are often used for flexible packaging, such as plastic bags, shrink sleeves, and pouches.

Advantages and Limitations of Sheetfed Offset Printing

Advantages:

High Quality: Offset printing excels in delivering sharp, high-resolution images and crisp text details with precise color matching. This makes it the top choice for projects where quality is paramount.

Versatility: It accommodates various paper types, sizes, and substrates, making it adaptable to a wide range of printing needs. Whether you’re printing on glossy paper, heavy cardstock, or specialty substrates, offset printing delivers.

Cost-Effective for Medium to Large Runs: While the setup costs can be relatively high, the cost per unit decreases as the print quantity increases. This makes it a cost-effective choice for medium to large print runs, where the initial setup costs are amortized over a larger number of prints.

Limitations:

Setup Time: The setup process can be time-consuming, which can make it less ideal for short print runs. However, many presses now come equipped with quick-changeover systems, reducing setup times significantly.

Not Ideal for Extremely Short Runs: Due to setup and plate costs, offset printing may not be cost-effective for very small print jobs, where the initial setup costs can outweigh the benefits of the method’s high quality.

Higher Costs. The equipment and technology required for sheetfed offset printing are relatively expensive. This can make it challenging for smaller printing companies to enter the market and for smaller brands to work with sheetfed printers.

Environmental Considerations: The process may involve the use of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the inks, which can have environmental implications. However, the printing industry has made significant strides in developing more eco-friendly inks and practices.

Maintenance & Expertise. Sheetfed offset presses are rather technical and require skilled operators to keep production running profitably. These machines are also incredibly expensive and require regular maintenance to ensure the equipment is running optimally.

The Future of Sheetfed Offset Printing

Sheetfed offset printing has remained a go-to choice for those who demand precision, quality, and versatility. As technology and automation continues to advance, innovations in ink and press technology push the boundaries of what is possible. Zeller+Gmelin has consistently been at the forefront of these innovations, offering a wide range of sheetfed inks, including a NEW specialty cold foil adhesive, designed to meet the demands in sheetfed offset printing.

Whether you’re just embarking on your journey with sheetfed or you’re looking to enhance your current capabilities, consider Zeller+Gmelin for your printing ink needs. To learn more about our sheetfed offset printing inks, click here or reach out to our team to discuss your unique print goals. We’re here to support you!

The post What is Sheetfed Offset Printing? first appeared on Zeller + Gmelin.

Zeller+Gmelin is a proud manufacturer of a variety of lightfast inks for sheetfed offset, web offset, dry offset and flexo printing applications. To achieve acceptable lightfastness, Zeller+Gmelin uses high-quality pigments, dyes, and formulations resistant to UV radiation and other light sources. Verified through extensive testing, Z+G lightfast inks are proven to withstand the degrading effects of light exposure and retain their original colors and appearance over an extended period.

Advantages of Lightfastness

In printing, lightfastness is a key consideration for ensuring that the printed graphics maintain their vibrancy and clarity over time. Products and posters exposed to sunlight or artificial light sources for prolonged periods can experience color fading or changes, leading to a loss of visual appeal and potential damage to a brand’s image. There are many advantages to using lightfast inks:

Print Protection. Lightfast inks resist discoloration and fading due to exposure to prolonged periods of light. This ink characteristic is an important factor in maintaining the brand image through various environments and uses. Lightfast inks maintain print permanency and brilliance throughout the product lifecycle. Products exposed to constant sunlight such as horticulture tags, garden and pool supplies, utility buckets, and outdoor signage can remain vibrant and accurate to the original print, when using lightfast inks. 

Chemical Resistance. Lightfast pigments are known for their resistance to various forms of light, but they can also be formulated to withstand exposure to various chemicals during the filling process or throughout product use. For example, lightfast horticulture tags may come into contact with fertilizer, sprays or water, which require special ink formulation to avoid damage from chemicals or moisture.

Compliance & Permanency. Some areas of packaging are extremely important to maintain throughout product use in order to protect the safety of consumers. Product descriptions, instructions, warning labels and compliance information are crucial to proper product use and consumer safety. These print sections musts be maintained throughout the entire product life cycle. Lightfast inks can be used to ensure the permanency of these important safety features of your packaging.

Recyclable Packaging. If your containers and packaging are designed to be recycled, lightfast inks are a good option due to their ability to adhere effectively to the print material and not bleed into the wash cycle during recycling. If the pigments were to degrade in the wash, it could detrimentally color the plastics to be recycled and reduce the material’s recyclability.

By using inks with excellent lightfast properties and selecting appropriate materials, printers and manufacturers can ensure that their products maintain their visual appeal, brand integrity, and product quality throughout their intended lifespan, along with the consumer safety and environmentally friendly benefits.

Measuring Lightfastness

When developing fade-resistant inks, our pigments are chosen to meet minimum Blue Wool Scale standards (ISO 105 B02) of 5 through 8 when lightfastness is required in the final product application.  To determine lightfastness of printed products, Zeller+Gmelin conducts various tests under controlled conditions, simulating real-world exposure to natural outdoor light and weathering conditions using a Xenon Arc fadeometer.  By conducting controlled exposure tests and using color measurement techniques, the lightfastness of printing inks can be accurately evaluated and chosen to ensure the longevity and visual quality of your final printed product.

It’s important to consider that the measure of light degradation depends on several variables. For example, print exposed during July may last 20 – 25 days, while the same print exposed in November could theoretically last up to 140 days.

Additionally, you may want to subtract additional days for differences in latitude, altitude, location, exposure to air pollution and other chemicals, humidity, and weathering effects. The bottom line is that, while the Blue Wool Scale is useful in choosing the correct pigmentation for your product, the customer must ultimately monitor and test their own results under their unique application and field conditions.

Important Considerations for Lightfast Printing Inks

There are several important factors to consider when deciding on lightfast inks and which Blue Wool Scale rating is needed for your application. Here are some print best practices and “need-to-know” information from the ink specialists at Zeller+Gmelin:

Lightfast inks are available in a limited number of pigments and are not available for bright fluorescent or pastel colors. These inks tend to use darker and “dirtier” pigments to withstand the elements and light exposure for long periods of time so it is important to ensure the print design can be achieved with these specialized pigments.

Not all coatings are compatible with lightfast inks and can reduce the effectiveness of their fade resistance properties. Check with Zeller+Gmelin to ensure your coating effectively maintains lightfastness in the various field environments required.

If your product is intended to be used for an extended period, it is best to use lightfast inks to maintain the packaging print throughout its full product use – or at least in the instruction and compliance sections. This can ensure your brand colors stay true and important information does not fade over time.

Lightfast and “weatherable” are two different characteristics of inks. If your product is used and stored outdoors, the ink must be both lightfast and weatherable. Whereas, if your product is solely used indoors, then lightfast ink will suffice. Weatherable inks are always lightfast, though lightfast inks are not always weatherable.

Remember that the lightfastness of the pigments will vary relative to your final product application and exposure. Be sure to test the print under your unique conditions to ensure it will withstand the degrading elements found in your desired environment.

Zeller+Gmelin Ink Specialists are knowledgeable in lightfast and weatherable inks and can assist you in choosing the best color solution for your print application. Contact our team to learn more about this important ink characteristic and discover the best rating recommended to achieve your print and brand goals.

Advantages of Lightfast Inks

Lightfastness is the ability of printing inks to resist fading or discoloration when exposed to artificial or natural light. It is a critical characteristic, particularly in applications where the final product will likely be displayed, stored or used in well-lit environments, such as retail shelves or outdoor settings. READ MORE

Download Lightfast Infographic

The post Understanding Lightfastness in Printing Inks first appeared on Zeller + Gmelin.

Understanding Lightfast Inks

Lightfastness is the ability of printing inks to resist fading or discoloration when exposed to artificial or natural light. It is a critical characteristic, particularly in applications where the final product will likely be displayed, stored, or used in well-lit environments, such as retail shelves or outdoor settings. READ MORE

Read Lightfastness Blog

The post Advantages of Lightfast Inks (INFOGRAPHIC) first appeared on Zeller + Gmelin.

Eco-Friendly Adhesives

Zeller+Gmelin formulated our cold foil adhesives with the environment in mind. Compatible with low-power, eco-friendly LED curing systems, our adhesives cure extremely well with both UV and LED technologies. The adhesives also perform well at record press speeds with minimal water settings, while still providing the crisp lines and details needed in foil printing applications. With the water and energy savings from Z+G adhesives, sheetfed offset printers can make great strides in their sustainability efforts by using eco-conscious consumables.

Foil Brilliance and Shine

High quality foiling relies on clean foil release, sharp edges, high gloss/sheen and a smooth laydown. Zeller+Gmelin cold foil adhesives are designed to do just that. Our products maintain the ultimate sheen and gloss of the foil, with an incredibly thin adhesive laydown. Our most popular adhesive has a light grey tint to assist in print management and troubleshooting with the naked eye. Use Cold Foil Adhesives from Zeller+Gmelin and your packaging will shine like the stars!

Resistance to Common Foil Defects

Cold foil printing is no easy feat. Defects such as pinholing, mud cracking and liner release failure are just a few of the pain points many litho printers encounter. Naturally, Z+G adhesives are optimized to significantly reduce the occurrence of these common foil defects. With strong adhesion, our products allow a clean foil release with crisp, sharp edging and no cracking when cured. It’s important to have the right adhesive settings to avoid these foiling issues. Contact your Zeller+Gmelin representative for assistance in choosing the optimal adhesive setting for your print variables.

Adhesion Versatility

In addition to its compatibility with multiple curing technologies, Z+G cold foil adhesives work brilliantly on all paper substrates, coated or uncoated. It also adheres well to most common plastic substrates. Printers diversified across multiple packaging markets can utilize one quality adhesive across multiple paper and plastic print applications, saving costs and standardizing processes.

Maintain Speed & Performance

In sheetfed offset printing, speed is key for maintaining profitability and a competitive advantage. Don’t slow down for specialty effects printing! Z+G cold foil adhesives are formulated to adhere and cure at the incredibly high press speeds of today and in development for the future.

Foil printing done well can provide a competitive advantage for sheetfed offset printers. Don’t let your adhesives be the culprit of expensive foil and substrate waste! Zeller+Gmelin cold foil adhesives are eco-friendly, maintain brilliance and press speeds, and combat common defects on a variety of applications. Contact your local Zeller+Gmelin sales representative to discuss your options. Not sure who your contact is? Jonathan Harkins, Lithographic Products Manager, can assist in getting you started. Contact Jonathan at 214-638-8880 or email Jonathan to learn more.

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