How To Prevent Fading????

[BethyBess]

Four months ago I made some poster sized signs for my church. I printed them on an inkjet printer.   They are in a window that gets a LOT of sun. They are looking really pale now.   I realize that no matter what I do I can not completely stop the fading, but is there a way to slow the fading down?  I was thining maybe a glaze or a sealer???  Right now they are in glass frames.

I'm going to print some new banners and would like any advice you could give me.  I know the sun is an enemy of papers and inks. 

Thank you all for your help!
Bethany

[Cherry_Chickentoes]

I know that there are spray sealers/varnishes on the market that have UV protectants in them.  You can probably find them wherever art supplies are sold.

[SpottedFrog]

Paint will last longer as the pigment is denser. You could print your banners in coloring book format & fill in accordingly. A painted paper banner should last 3-4 times longer than a printed one. Black and shades of blue last longer than reds, yellows & oranges, regardless of whether they are ink or paint.

Cheaper paints, crayons, colored pencils, etc. cost less because less pigment has been put into the product. If you are buying two or three bottles of craft paint (the little 2 ounce ones that come in a hundered colors) I say it's worth spending $1.10 each for the Delta brand versus .77 cents on the cheaper ones because the denser pigments will give you more mileage for your buck.

My dad is a minister, I understand how tiny the budgets can be. But at the same time arguing for investing in things that last is worthwhile, the church is going to be around longer than you, right? : )

Better yet, if these are 'permanent' signs or ones to be used annually in season (sunday school, VBS, standing holiday events) use fabric instead of paper. If they are hanging in a window and not subject to any element but sun a light muslin will work fine and is very inexpensive.