Best Inks for Glossy Label Printing: How to Prevent Fading on Epson Inkjet Printers

Question:

We're a small business in Southport, NC that prints on glossy labels using an Epson inkjet printer with an ink reservoir system. We've noticed that the ink is fading over time. We’ve tried inks purchased online from various vendors, but the fading continues. Do you carry any ink that resists fading better, or is there an additive you recommend?

Answer:

Why Ink Fades on Glossy Media

The primary culprit behind fading ink, especially on glossy labels, is UV (ultraviolet) exposure. Most third-party and OEM dye-based inks, including those used in Epson EcoTank or ink reservoir printers, are vulnerable to UV light. When labels are exposed to sunlight or intense indoor lighting, the UV rays can break down dye molecules, causing colors to fade over time.

Dye Ink Limitations

Dye-based inks, while offering vibrant colors and lower costs, are known for lower UV resistance. Even OEM Epson dye inks, which are rated to resist fading for up to 30 years under optimal conditions, are not immune to fading. For example, Epson’s black dye ink typically has a lightfastness rating of 4 on the Blue Wool Scale. By comparison, our enhanced anti-UV dye inks—like our Premium Anti-UV Refill Ink for Epson KD600x-AE (https://bchtechnologies.com/products/premium-600-ml-refill-ink-for-epson-kd600x-ae)—achieve a rating of 6, providing a significant improvement in fade resistance.

However, it's important to note that lightfastness improvements only go so far. If your labels are exposed to intense UV light—such as direct sunlight or strong UV-emitting indoor lights—even a rating of 6 might not be sufficient. Once the exposure exceeds a certain threshold, no dye ink will maintain color integrity over time.

Consider Switching to Pigment Ink

Given your application—glossy label printing with high durability requirements—you may want to consider using pigment-based ink. Pigment inks use tiny solid particles that sit on top of the paper rather than being absorbed, making them far more resistant to UV light, moisture, and smudging.

Unfortunately, most EcoTank models (which use dye ink by default) are not compatible with pigment ink unless you specifically purchase a pigment-compatible variant like those in the Epson WorkForce or Epson EcoTank Pro lines. We recommend contacting Epson to inquire about pigment-based reservoir printers that suit your printing needs.

Conclusion and Product Recommendation

If you plan to continue using dye-based printers, we strongly recommend trying our Premium Anti-UV Dye Ink (https://bchtechnologies.com/products/premium-600-ml-refill-ink-for-epson-kd600x-ae) as an upgrade over standard dye inks. While it won’t provide the bulletproof protection of pigment ink, it will significantly extend the lifespan of your prints and slow the fading process.

Addressing printer issues can be a complex process because of the hands-on nature of these problems. As such, we're unable to provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We do offer an in-person diagnostic and repair service through our local repair facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Due to high demand, service is on a first-come, first-served basis, and there may be a wait of a few weeks before drop-off. We offer options for repairing complete printers or individual components, with clear instructions on how to proceed. While our service pricing may not be the lowest, we recommend starting with DIY research through our YouTube channel homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search icon, located near the "About" tab, to quickly find relevant videos. Given the volume of requests we receive, this method is the most efficient way to access our past tutorials. YouTube may also recommend related videos from other trusted sources.

Thank you once again for your question and for being part of the BCH Technologies community. We're here to help however we can, and we appreciate your continued support!