How to Fade an Image as fast as possible!

[wallaby]

Hey guys,

Figure you're the experts so could help out with this problem - which is exactly the opposite of the most typical issue...

How would I print an image/text so that it fades out as much as possible (ideally disappears) as quickly as possible?

- which inkjet colours fade the fastest?
- which paper fades the fastest, coated or uncoated?
- exposure to sunlight and air is best fading agent?

This is for an art project so any assistance or tips hugely appreciated.

Best,
Luke

 

[fotofreek]

Luke - If you are looking for very even fading of an inkjet image you will not be pleased with this sort of faded result. Fading of all colors is not equal or linear. You will also experience color shifts with the fading of some colors. You might like a more controlled image that appears to have faded by reducing the density of printing.

 

[Grandad35]

How would I print an image/text so that it fades out as much as possible (ideally disappears) as quickly as possible?

What is the goal?

If you want to make "disappearing ink", why not buy it or make it yourself and fill your carts with it. It would only be one color, but you can't have everything.

There are all sorts of considerations about what this "ink" would do to a print head, so I wouldn't test it on any printer that I cared about. You will probably have to toy with blending rubbing alcohol to reduce the surface tension of the ink to the level of printer ink. I would also probably look for an old Epson printer, since its piezo actuators don't boil the "ink" and increase the corrosive action of the mildly caustic ink.

If you want to fade conventional printer ink:
1. Use dye based ink
2. Use fast drying paper (microporous or nanoporous)
3. Expose the print to ozone, hydrogen peroxide or bleach - all of which will chemically bleach the color out of the ink.

 

[ThrillaMozilla]

In my experience, dye black fades incredibly fast, usually followed by magenta or cyan. Of course, what you get is what you get. Rates of fading vary a whole lot, but for many inks, a month in the sun will obliterate all.

 

[wallaby]

Thanks guys - some great info here.

I think I'm going to try with dye-based black ink on cheap paper, mounted on the outside of a window - see how long it lasts and how completely the image fades.