Labels are essential to product presentation, safety, and compliance—especially in industries like food, beverage, cannabis, healthcare, and logistics. However, nothing undermines a brand’s credibility faster than a label that has faded, peeled, or smudged just days or weeks after application. If you've ever dealt with customer complaints or warehouse confusion due to unreadable labels, you already know how critical it is to make your prints last longer.

At DuraFast Label Company, we work with businesses across various industries to provide long-lasting, professional-grade label solutions. In this guide, we’ll explore the main causes of label fading and share proven ways to prevent it—including the use of pigment-based inks, UV-resistant coatings, and durable label materials designed to withstand even the harshest environments.

Why Do Labels Fade?

Before we explore the solutions, let’s break down the common reasons labels lose clarity or color:

1. Exposure to Sunlight (UV Rays)

Ultraviolet radiation from sunlight is one of the most aggressive contributors to label degradation. UV light can break down both dyes in inks and the polymers in label materials, resulting in faded text, dull logos, or even disintegrating adhesive layers over time. Labels exposed to direct sunlight—like those on garden products, outdoor equipment, or shipping containers—are especially vulnerable.

2. Moisture and Humidity

Water can do more than smudge ink; over time, high humidity or direct contact with moisture can cause adhesives to weaken and facestocks to wrinkle or degrade. This is particularly challenging in refrigerated and frozen environments, such as food packaging or pharmaceuticals.

3. Chemical Exposure

Cleaning agents, solvents, oils, and other chemicals can break down ink pigments and adhesives. This is a common issue in industrial manufacturing, automotive, or laboratory settings where labels need to endure regular contact with harsh substances.

4. Abrasion and Friction

Friction caused by handling, shipping, or stacking can rub ink off paper-based labels. Without protective coatings or abrasion-resistant materials, labels can quickly lose legibility.

How to Make Your Labels Last Longer

 

We’ve helped hundreds of businesses resolve these issues with a range of durable, high-performance printing solutions. Here’s what we recommend:

1. Use Pigment-Based Inks

If you’re currently using dye-based inks, switching to pigment-based ink printers is the first and most effective step. Pigment inks are designed to resist UV fading, water damage, and chemical smearing. Unlike dye inks that dissolve into the label material, pigment inks sit on top of the surface and form a stronger bond.

Benefits of Pigment Inks:

• UV-resistant
• Water-resistant
• Longer shelf life
• Superior color stability

We recommend printers like the Afinia L501 Pigment Ink Label Printer and Epson ColorWorks C6500P, which are purpose-built for long-lasting color labels with pigment-based ink systems.

Explore our full range of high quality color label printers to find the right fit for your business.

2. Choose Durable Label Materials

The material you print on is just as important as the ink itself. We offer a wide selection of weatherproof, chemical-resistant, and abrasion-resistant labels designed for long-term performance.

Recommended Materials:

• Polypropylene (BOPP): Water-resistant and tear-proof. Ideal for cosmetic, beverage, and cannabis products.
• Polyester (PET): Chemical- and heat-resistant. Perfect for industrial and outdoor applications.
• Vinyl: Highly durable and flexible. Suitable for curved or textured surfaces.

Our direct thermal labels and thermal transfer labels for sale include topcoated and non-topcoated options for both short-term and long-term use.

Need ultra-durable performance? Try our premium topcoated direct thermal labels designed for outdoor use and high-heat environments.

3. Add UV-Resistant Coatings or Laminates

A UV coating acts like sunscreen for your labels—blocking damaging rays that break down inks and adhesives. Laminates, whether matte or glossy, offer additional protection from abrasion, moisture, and chemicals.

While some label printers (like Primera LX610 or Afinia L801) allow for on-demand lamination, others may require offline finishing. We can help you choose the right approach based on your print volume and budget.

You can also purchase UV-resistant laser sheet labels from our store and apply the coatings after printing. View our range of blank inkjet labels.

4. Print with Thermal Transfer for Extreme Durability

For maximum durability, thermal transfer printers paired with resin or wax-resin ribbons provide the best results. The heat-based process creates labels that are resistant to:

• UV exposure
• Chemicals
• Moisture
• Abrasion

These printers are ideal for harsh environments such as warehouses, freezers, and laboratories.

Explore our range of thermal transfer printers and custom thermal transfer labels to get started. Need ribbons? We carry a complete inventory including:

• Datamax Ribbons
• SATO Ribbons
• Toshiba TEC Ribbons
• Zebra Ribbons

5. Use POS and Portable Label Printers with Precision

Fading issues also arise from using poor-quality desktop or mobile printers. We offer a curated line of POS receipt printers, barcode printers, and portable label makers that deliver professional results every time.

For example:

• Brother RuggedJet RJ3230B: A high-speed 3-inch mobile printer that’s ideal for field service, cannabis, or healthcare labeling.
• Godex DT2x/DT4x Thermal Barcode Printers: Reliable thermal printers designed for shipping, retail, and logistics.

Browse all thermal barcode printers online and POS receipt printers for sale to find the right tool for your needs.

6. Ensure Proper Label Application

Even the most advanced label will fade or fail if it’s applied incorrectly. Here are best practices we recommend to all customers:

• Apply labels to clean, dry surfaces.
• Avoid applying in freezing or high-humidity environments unless the label is rated for it.
• Use a label counter machine to ensure consistent application in high-volume settings.

We carry both automatic and manual label counter machines for sale for small businesses and enterprise operations.

7. Keep Supplies in Top Shape

Label fading sometimes comes down to degraded or incompatible supplies. Always use high-quality ink cartridges, toners, and barcode printing software that match your printer’s specifications.

We offer a complete range of:

• Ink cartridges for printers
• Toners for label printers
• Barcode design and printing software

Looking to simplify ordering? We’ve made it easy to buy barcode scanners online and find affordable barcode scanners that integrate seamlessly with your existing workflow.

Why Long-Lasting Labels Are a Smart Investment

Fading labels don’t just look bad, they can create real operational risks. Illegible barcodes, unclear instructions, and compromised branding all lead to delays, reprints, fines, or even product recalls.

At DuraFast Label Company, we help you future-proof your labeling strategy by offering:

• On-demand label printer sales and support
• Expert guidance on material selection
• Custom label printing services
• The best tools for compliance and durability

Keep Your Labels Looking Sharp

Long-lasting, fade-resistant labels are no longer a luxury—they’re a necessity for growing businesses. Whether you're dealing with sun, water, chemicals, or constant handling, there’s a reliable, professional-grade solution available to protect your brand and your bottom line.

We’re here to help you make the switch to longer-lasting label printing solutions. From buying thermal label printers online to sourcing high-quality color label printers and everything in between, we offer everything you need to print smarter.

Ready to upgrade your label durability? Contact us today or explore our full catalog of label printers, materials, and supplies built to last.