Why Do Photo Prints from a Brother DCP T420W Fade So Quickly?

Question:
I'm a photographer and I use a Brother DCP T420W printer to make photo prints in different sizes and on various types of photo paper. However, I've encountered a severe issue: the prints fade just a few days after being made. What could be causing this, and how can it be fixed?

Answer:

When it comes to your Brother DCP T420W, the fading issue is most likely caused by the type of ink being used. This printer uses dye-based ink, which is known for producing vibrant colors and smooth gradients-great for photos-but it has one big drawback: dye ink is not water-resistant and is highly sensitive to light exposure. As a result, prints can begin to fade within days or weeks, especially if exposed to sunlight, fluorescent lighting, or humid environments.

Why Prints Fade on the DCP T420W

1. Dye Ink Limitations
   Dye molecules sit inside the fibers of the paper, making them more vulnerable to UV light, ozone, and moisture. Unlike pigment ink, which places tiny solid particles on top of the paper surface, dye ink does not form a protective barrier and thus fades faster.

2. Paper Type
   Not all photo papers are designed for dye inks. Some inexpensive or generic photo papers lack coatings that can slow down fading. Using the wrong type of paper may worsen longevity issues.

3. Environmental Factors
   Even high-quality dye prints will deteriorate if exposed to direct sunlight, warm temperatures, or high humidity. Storing prints in albums or behind glass can make a huge difference in longevity.

Possible Fixes and Recommendations

• Switch to Pigment Ink (if possible):
  Brother designed the T420W for dye ink, but some photographers experiment with pigment ink refills. Pigment ink is far more fade-resistant and water-resistant. However, this requires careful handling, as not all Brother printers are optimized for pigment ink. We discuss the pros and cons of this in detail in our guide: How to Safely Use Dye Ink in a Pigment Cartridge for Brother DCP Printers (https://bchtechnologies.com/blogs/blog/how-to-safely-use-dye-ink-in-a-pigment-cartridge-for-brother-dcp-printers#google_vignette).

• Use High-Quality Photo Paper:
  Choose photo paper specifically made for dye inks, often labeled "instant dry" or "dye-friendly." Papers with UV-resistant coatings will help slow fading.

• Protect Finished Prints:
  Store prints in photo albums, display them behind UV-protected glass, or use protective sprays designed for inkjet prints. These measures can extend the life of your photos significantly.

• Consider Professional Lab Printing:
  For long-term archival prints, outsourcing to a lab that uses pigment-based large-format printers may be more reliable than pushing the limits of a home printer.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. So, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We offer an in-person evaluation and repair service via our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Given the high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so it might take a few weeks before we can get your printer once it's dropped off. Our services are structured to repair either the whole printer or specific parts, with clear instructions on how to proceed. That said, we understand our rates may not be the most economical. That's why we recommend self-help through online resources. You can start by checking out YouTube or visiting our BCH Technologies YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search icon next to "About" on the right-hand side of the menu bar to find videos on your specific topic. After nine years of creating tutorials, it's hard to recall every single one, and YouTube's search feature will also suggest helpful videos from other creators.

Thank you again for your question and for trusting us with your printer concerns. We truly appreciate your support and hope these insights help you protect your photo prints for the long term.