What Color Survey Flags Fade the Least?
David Williams
When it comes to survey flags and ground markers, longevity and visibility are key. These tools are vital for marking boundaries, indicating hazards, or identifying specific locations on a site. However, one of the challenges faced by surveyors, construction workers, and landscapers is the sun fading of these markers over time, especially when exposed to the elements. The question then arises: what color survey flags fade the least?
Understanding UV Impact on Survey Flags - Color Fast Test
Survey flags and ground markers are constantly exposed to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can degrade the color pigments over time. This degradation leads to fading, making the markers less visible and, in some cases, completely ineffective. UV radiation is a major contributor to this process, and different colors react differently to UV exposure. Survey Marker Color Fast Test
To combat this, brands like Trail Chasers incorporate UV stabilizers into their products by using brands such as the Stake Chasers marking whiskers. These stabilizers are designed to absorb or screen out the harmful UV radiation, thus slowing the fading process. However, even with these protective measures, some colors are more resistant to fading than others.
The Science Behind Color Fading
The rate at which a color fades is influenced by several factors, including the type of pigment used, the intensity of UV exposure, and the geographic location where the markers are used. In general, darker colors tend to absorb more UV rays, leading to faster degradation, while lighter colors reflect more light and may fade more slowly. However, this is not a hard-and-fast rule, as some lighter colors can also be prone to rapid fading under certain conditions.
Test Results: How Long Do Different Colors Last?
To provide some insight into which APWA colors last the longest, let's look at our Survey Marker Color Fast Test results conducted on various colors of Stake Chaser brand marking whiskers. These tests were performed in a specific area of the United States characterized by high UV exposure—situated around 1,700 feet above sea level, with an average of 243 days of sunshine per year, and temperatures ranging from 74°F to 95°F. While these results are not a guarantee, they offer a general idea of what to expect.
Fade Onset: Some fade observed within 2 months.
Total Fade: Only a trace of color left by 9 weeks.
Pink is a vibrant color that is often used for its high visibility. However, it tends to fade relatively quickly when exposed to UV light, with significant fading occurring within just a couple of months.
Glow Orange Survey Whiskers:
Fade Onset: Begins to fade within 2 weeks.
Total Fade: Completely faded within 1 month.
Glow orange is another highly visible color, but it is particularly susceptible to rapid fading. Within a month, the color can be entirely gone, making it less ideal for long-term projects.
Fade Onset: Some fading observed within 2 months.
Total Fade: Only a trace of color left by 9 weeks.
Red is a bold color, but like pink, it fades relatively quickly. After 9 weeks, very little of the original color remains, reducing its effectiveness as a long-term marker.
Fade Onset: Fading can begin as early as 3 weeks.
Total Fade: Can retain sufficient color for up to 7 weeks.
Yellow is somewhat more durable than the previous colors, with some markers maintaining visibility for up to 7 weeks. However, it is still prone to fading relatively quickly.
Fade Onset: Minor fading observed after 9.5 months.
Total Fade: Some markers may show fade at 11.5 months.
Orange, especially in its standard form, is one of the most durable colors. It can last over a year with minimal fading, making it an excellent choice for long-term projects.
Fade Onset: Lasts over 1 year with no significant fading.
White is a highly reflective color that resists UV degradation well. It can last over a year without noticeable fading, making it ideal for projects where long-term visibility is crucial.
Fade Onset: Lasts over 1 year with no significant fading.
Blue also performs exceptionally well, maintaining its color for over a year. It’s a good choice for projects where a distinct color is needed for an extended period.
Fade Onset: Lasts over 1 year with no significant fading.
Purple, like blue, is resistant to fading and can last over a year, making it another excellent option for long-term use.
Fade Onset: Lasts over 1 year with no significant fading.
Green also demonstrates strong resistance to fading, lasting over a year with minimal color loss. It’s a reliable choice for projects requiring durability.
Factors Influencing Fade Resistance
While the above test results provide a general idea of color longevity, several factors can influence the fade resistance of survey flags:
Geographic Location: The intensity and duration of UV exposure can vary greatly depending on the location. Areas closer to the equator, at higher altitudes, or with less cloud cover will generally see faster fading.
Environmental Conditions: Temperature, humidity, and the presence of pollutants can all impact the rate at which colors fade. For example, higher temperatures can accelerate the degradation of pigments.
Material Quality: The quality of the pigments and the presence of UV stabilizers play a crucial role in fade resistance. Higher-quality materials will generally offer better longevity.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Color for Your Project
When selecting survey flags or ground markers, it’s essential to consider the fade resistance of different colors. While some colors, like glow orange and pink, offer high visibility initially, they may not be suitable for long-term projects due to their rapid fading. On the other hand, colors like white, blue, purple, and green demonstrate excellent fade resistance, making them ideal for projects where long-term visibility is required.
Ultimately, the choice of color should be based on the specific needs of your project, the expected duration of use, and the environmental conditions of the site. For projects requiring long-term durability, opting for colors with proven fade resistance will ensure that your markers remain visible and effective throughout the duration of the work.
If you have any questions or need assistance selecting the right survey flags or ground markers for your project, don't hesitate to contact our Pro Desk. We can help you find the best solutions tailored to your needs, including special orders or bulk quotes for large projects.
Unsure whether to choose our ready-to-use lightweight or hard ground markers? Not sure which color whiskers best suit your project? Let us help! We’ll gladly send you samples. Message us above with your shipping address. Available for USA and Canada only.