Sublimation license plates are personalized plates made using a process called sublimation. This process prints images and text directly onto the plate using heat transferring dye. Over time from sun exposure, the printed images and colors on these plates can fade.
Have you spent money on a customized license plate only to see the colors and design fade after just a few months? The phrase “How To Keep Sublimation License Plates From Fading?” poses an important question. With a few easy steps, you can protect your plate and keep its vibrant look much longer.
A clear UV protective coating applied to the surface of the plate is effective at preventing fade. Reapply this UV-resistant sealer yearly to keep renewing the protection. Store indoors when not in use on your vehicle. These simple actions can extend the life of your personalized plate design for several years.
Protecting Your License Plate Design
The design on your license plate will fade over time if not protected. Direct sunlight, heat, and other environmental factors can cause the colors to wear away. Applying a clear protective coating can help preserve the original look of your plate for several more years.
A protective sealant forms a barrier between the plate material and the outside elements. It prevents fading and discoloration caused by UV exposure. Reapplying the sealant every couple of years as needed helps maintain this protective barrier and shield the plate design.
Causes License Plate Fade
The main causes of license plate fade are exposure to sunlight, heat, and other environmental factors. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun are particularly damaging and can degrade the plastic and inks over time. Other elements like rain, snow, pollution and road debris also accelerate the aging process.
| Cause | Effect |
| UV Light | Breaks down chemical bonds in plastic/ink, causes fading |
| Heat | Speeds photo-degradation from UV rays |
| Dirt/Dust | Abrasive particles scratch surface, causing wear |
| Pollution | Chemicals bond to surface, altering materials |
| Water | Allows other contaminants to penetrate plate |
| Road Debris | Small particles act as abrasives when stuck on |
| Car Wash Chemicals | Some acidic cleaners may degrade materials |
The Effects Of Uv Light
UV light is one of the major factors that cause license plate fading. It has wavelengths that can penetrate the plate surface and alter its molecular structure. The UV rays essentially work to break down the chemical bonds in the plate plastics and inks.
This damage may not be visible at first but occurs gradually over extended sunlight exposure. As the bonds weaken, the colors will begin to lighten, flake away, or disappear completely depending on the amount of UV damage. Some plates may even become illegible much sooner than their usual replacement timeframe without UV protection.
Heat And Other Environmental Factors
Extreme temperatures from hot sunny days and cold winters put additional stress on license plates. Heat speeds up the photo-degradation of plastics caused by UV light. Cold temperatures can make materials more brittle and prone to cracking.
Road grime, air pollutants, and chemicals from car washes further contribute to plate wear over the years. Debris gets trapped on the surface, acting as mini abrasives with every car movement. This mechanical factor acts alongside UV light and temperature changes to accelerate the natural aging process of license plates.
Proper cleaning helps but cannot prevent the long-term damage from all environmental exposures license plates endure during their lifespan on vehicles. This is why protective sealants are recommended to extend plate life.
How Long Do Plates Usually Last?
On average, license plates are designed to last about 7 years before needing replacement. However, this duration can vary significantly depending on the plate material, location, and vehicle usage. Plates on cars driven less will likely look newer for their full life versus ones used for daily commutes.
Heavy exposure to sunlight, heat, wash chemicals, and road debris will cause faster degradation in sunny southern states compared to more northern climates. Commercial vehicles like large trucks see more elements and abrasion which may only get 3-5 years from unprotected plates. Proper sealing can often add 1-3 years to all plates.
Signs It’s Time For A New Plate
One indication replacement is needed is if the plate numbers or letters become shattered, pitted, or unusually difficult to read due to fading. Dirt buildup in engraved areas may also cause illegibility over time. Cracked or broken plates should obviously be replaced for safety and legal purposes.
Getting to the point where a plate must be held close for police or toll booth workers to discern the information is a sign it’s time for a new one. Sometimes the recessed plastic itself will start to crumble away on older plates revealing bare metal underneath. Taking proactive steps to retouch or reseal fading plates can help avoid costly registration penalties.
Applying A Clear Protective Coating
Before applying any protective sealant, the license plate must be thoroughly cleaned of road grime. A mixture of dish soap and water works well. Rinse and dry completely to ensure no residues remain. Next follow the instructions for the sealant product, usually a few coats are needed for full coverage.
Most sealants come in an easy to use spray bottle for direct application. Spray a thin, even layer on the front and back plate surfaces. Allow drying time between coats per the directions. Full curing takes 24-48 hours so avoid car washing for a couple days after sealing. Reapply every 1-3 years as seasonal or environmental factors require.
How Does Uv Sealant For License Plates Work?
UV protective sealants work by forming a transparent protective barrier on the license plate surface. This barrier shields the plastic and printed graphics from harmful UV light exposure. It also protects against other environmental factors like heat, moisture, dirt and chemicals.
The advanced UV-resistant formula reflects and blocks over 99% of damaging UV rays that cause fading and destruction of the plate material over time. When new coats are reapplied before the previous protection fully breaks down, the sealant continuously safeguards the plate from exterior hazards.
Blocking Harmful Rays
While allowing visible light transmission for legal plate visibility, the sealant chemistry effectively filters out the ultraviolet A and B radiation bands that cause photo degradation. Micro-fine particulates in the coating formulation scatter UV wavelengths upon contact rather than allowing absorption into the license plate subsurface.
This scattering mechanism is the key to the sealant’s powerful sun-blocking capabilities. It creates a physical barrier sandwiched between the plate and exterior dangers. Periodic reapplication maintains this optical barrier’s integrity so UV rays cannot penetrate and damage the license plate components underneath.
Reapplying For Renewed Protection
Most experts recommend resealing fading license plates every 1-3 years depending on regional weather factors and vehicle usage conditions. For heavily used commercial trucks, reapplication may be needed even sooner. Before renewing the coating, the plate must be thoroughly cleaned again to remove any accumulated road grime.
Sanding or polishing may also be necessary for optimal new sealant adhesion if the old material is worn down. Always follow the product directions and let full curing occur prior to driving. Consistent resealing provides ongoing safeguards and allows drivers to get the designed 7-year lifespan from their license plates.
Choosing The Best Sealant
When selecting an UV protective sealant look for a product designed specifically for automobile license plate use. It should form a super hard clear film that resists cracking or peeling. The formula needs strong UV absorbers to shield against the full UV spectrum for years of continued protection.
One of the top-rated choices provides at least a five-year warranty if used as directed. It’s available in convenient spray or wipe-on versions and allows full plate customizability without affecting legal visibility or durability. With proper application and resealing, drivers can keep license plates vibrant for their full lifespan and beyond.
Reducing Sun Exposure For Your Plate
Direct sunlight is very harsh on license plates. To extend the life of your plate, try storing your vehicle in a garage whenever possible. This provides protection from the sun’s UV rays. Even just covering the plate with a towel or car cover while parked outside helps block some harmful light.
Limiting excess daytime sun exposure is an easy way to reduce long-term plate fading. Only uncover the plate when necessary for legal visibility while driving. Park to avoid having the rear plate blasted for long periods each afternoon if able.
When Should You Take Your License Plate Off?
It’s generally not recommended to remove your license plate except for very specific instances. The main occasion would be transporting a purchased vehicle between private properties before registration. Plates also come off occasionally for repairs, replacements, or if the vehicle is parked for an extended time.
Otherwise leaving the assigned plate on the vehicle, even while parked long-term, avoids potential legal issues down the road. Officials need to easily identify a car’s registered owner if issues arise during its inactive duration.
While Your Vehicle Sits Idle
If your vehicle will be parked for over a month without moving, such as during long storage periods, it’s best to remove the license plate. This fully protects the plate material from any sun exposure when the car sits idle for a prolonged time.
Be sure to store the plate safely indoors, away from any direct light, heat or moisture that could also cause damage over several weeks. Clearly document the removed plate number in case of future need to identify the stored vehicle.
During Extended Parking
When parking a vehicle for several days or more than a week, try shifting its position to avoid having the rear plate continuously baked by western sun angles. Even just 90 degree changes each sitting session helps balance solar exposure over time.
Covering the entire car with an outdoor car cover provides greater protection to the plate. Look for a thicker material that blocks nearly all sunlight. Remove any cover before driving to maintain proper plate visibility.
What About Plate Covers?
Some drivers use aftermarket license plate frames or decorative covers partially enclosing the plate. While these can protect plate edges, make sure any cover remains completely clear of all text for legal compliance. Tinted or opaque frames preventing full plate reads are illegal.
Transparent, hinge-open frames allowing the full unobstructed plate number and state name view are the safest style option. Some even incorporate UV protective coatings for added fading resistance benefits.
Special Considerations For License Plates
Commercial fleet vehicles with extra license plates require a little more planning. Alternating front and rear display positions every six months lets each plate ‘rest’ for half the year to minimize sunwear.
Trailers should also have their plate well protected. Attaching the plate vertically under the main vehicle plate, or to the front trailer tongue can significantly reduce sunlight compared to horizontal rear positions.
Clean My License Plate Properly
5 short and easy steps to clean your license plate properly
- Wash with mild soap. Use a dish soap or car wash soap mixed with lukewarm water. Avoid harsh chemicals.
- Gently scrub debris. Using a soft brush or microfiber cloth, scrub away any stuck-on dirt or grime. Don’t scrub too hard.
- Rinse thoroughly. Rinse the soap away completely with water to prevent residue buildup.
- Dry fully. Pat the plate dry with a microfiber or place in an out-of-direct-sunshine area to air dry fully.
- Regular cleaning. Clean your plate routinely to remove contaminants before they cause damage. Proper regular cleaning extends the plate’s lifespan.
Using The Right Cleaning Products
Special all-purpose or vinyl cleaning solutions work well for license plate maintenance. Look for brands containing protecting ingredients like carnuba wax to condition the material during washing.
Avoid acidic wheel cleaners or other harsh chemicals which could potentially damage plates overtime, no matter the dilution. Stick to specifically formulated mild cleaners only.
Avoiding Abrasives
Steer clear of abrasive scouring pads or bristle brushes that could scratch delicate license plates during washing. The etched numbers and images are easily worn away by rough scrubbing and materials.
Always clean plates by hand with care using only soft cloths or the non-abrasive side of a washing sponge.
Drying Thoroughly
After rinsing the soap solution away, thoroughly blot and dry license plates to prevent water spots. Either use a absorbent microfiber or place in an out-of-direct-sunshine area to air dry fully to prevent any residues from drying on the surface.
By deep cleaning yet avoiding anything abrasive when washed regularly, license plates will stay optimally protected and last their full design lifespan with reduced fading.
Frequently Asked Question
How Can I Protect My License Plate From Fading?
Applying a clear UV protective coating helps block the sun’s rays and prevent colors from washing out over time.
What Causes License Plate Fading?
Ultraviolet light breaks down the bonds in the plate materials, especially the inks. Heat, dirt, chemicals and other elements also accelerate the fading process.
How Often Should I Reapply The Sealant?
Most experts recommend resealing every 1-3 years or as needed, depending on your vehicle’s exposure to elements like sunlight, rain and road grime.
Besides Sealing, What Else Can I Do?
Try parking in the garage when possible. Covering your plate with a towel or car cover while parked outdoors also reduces light exposure when not in use.
How Can I Tell When It’s Time For A New Plate?
Signs include difficultly reading numbers/letters, pitting/cracking of materials, colors completely faded. Replacement may be needed before full illegibility for safety and legal purposes.
Conclusion
Taking proper care of your license plate can help prevent premature fading and prolong its lifespan. Applying a UV protective sealant and limiting excess sunlight exposure are effective ways to shield the plate materials from degradation. Resealing as needed every few years maintains this protection. With regular cleaning and covering while parked, sublimation license plates can stay vibrant and readable for their full replacement period.
Overall following some simple steps like using a UV sealant, parking in garages, and covering the plate goes a long way in keeping sublimation license plates from fading. Consistent maintenance protects this significant investment and helps avoid potential penalties or replacement costs down the road. With a small amount of effort, drivers can preserve their plate design’s intended look and life.
