How long will that sign last outdoors?

That is one question that we hear from clients every day. The answer isn't always clear-cut. Factors that impact a graphic's durability outdoors include:

• Whether it gets direct sun (afternoon is worse than morning) or not
  
• Temperature extremes
  
• Type of substrate
  
• Type of vinyl
  
• Type of ink
  
• Whether it has a UV-protective overlaminate or not
  
• End-user's quality standards (we've all seen signs that were way past time to replace)
• etc, etc, etc
  

Generally speaking, digitally printed graphics using solvent-based or UV-curable inks on self-adhesive vinyl will last 2-3 years outdoors without lamination. Adding a UV-protective overlaminate will extend the lifespan by a year or so. Low or "eco-solvent" inks typically last 1-2 years outdoors without lamination.

Cast/High-performance vinyls have better outdoor durability than calendared/intermediate vinyls due to the manufacturing process. They tend to be significantly more dimensionally stable, which means less shrinkage over time and less chance of edge curling and cracking.

One other factor that people do not always think of is color. Although when I researched the topic I wasn't able to find any any hard evidence to support one color fading faster than others, our perception is that colors in the red range fade faster than the other end of the spectrum, which can leave a graphic looking older than its true age.