Does line color effect durability

[airdvr1227]

I'm thinking darker colors might absorb more Uv and deteriorate more qucikly.

 

[lakelover]

Re: Does line color effect durability

I don't know for sure, but my observations over the years led me to believe that reds fade fastest. Good question, I'd like to know that answer myself.

 

[Philster]

Re: Does line color effect durability

Reds turn pink.
Black turns less black.
Blue lasts the most.
White gets dirty looking (fading is moot).

I don't know if there is a measurable effect on longevity.

 

[ajgraz]

Re: Does line color effect durability

Absorption and/or blockage of UV by the dyeing agent will actually extend the life of a line.

 

[minuteman62-64]

Re: Does line color effect durability

If you look at some of the UV protected products that stand up well in the outdoor environment, such as zip ties & poly irrigation tubing, they are usually black. So, I don't think dark colors are necessarily a sign of durability problems.

 

[southkogs]

Re: Does line color effect durability

I think it's more about materials. Paints seem to do well, graphics struggle depending on quality. We use vinyls for all sorts of stuff in my line of work and there is definitely a difference in long term performance.

Are you painting or applying graphics of some sort?

 

[airdvr1227]

Re: Does line color effect durability

Actually was thinking about dock lines

 

[Ned L]

Re: Does line color effect durability

ajgraz has it. The darker colors will hold up better due to the better UV blocking. (Cosmetic fading is not necessarilly an indicator of polymer breakdown & loss of strength.)
---- Though on second thought, I suppose in some situations a lighter color with a UV blocking additive added could out perform a darker color without the UV additive. So I guess the complete answer would be , ... "it depends".
In general terms though, all things being equal the darker colors will suffer less UV degradation.

 

[coastalrichard]

Re: Does line color effect durability

I've pretty much found that the darker it is, the more it fades and deteriorates...dock lines, metal roofing, vinyl siding...

 

[southkogs]

Re: Does line color effect durability

Actually was thinking about dock lines

LOL - Oops. I get into work mode and everything is about "design." Kinda' funny too, 'cause I'm usually the goober hollerin', "it ain't a rope, it's a line!"

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Does line color effect durability

I've pretty much found that the darker it is, the more it fades and deteriorates...dock lines, metal roofing, vinyl siding...

The side of my light gray/sage vinyl sided house disagrees :facepalm::facepalm:

 

[coastalrichard]

Re: Does line color effect durability

The side of my light gray/sage vinyl sided house disagrees :facepalm::facepalm:

Oh, I don't know ezmobee...I would consider those shades to be on the lighter side. The fade is also hastened by the actual exposure to the sun. The side of the house that gets the most sun will suffer the most fade. I will admit, though, my comment was offered from the perspective of one who lives on an island in Florida. The sun and constant salty humidity can be tough on most all exterior products.

 

[tboltmike]

Re: Does line color effect durability

I don't know for sure, but my observations over the years led me to believe that reds fade fastest. Good question, I'd like to know that answer myself.

That Red looks awesome. How old and how do you keep the luster?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Does line color effect durability

Oh, I don't know ezmobee...I would consider those shades to be on the lighter side. The fade is also hastened by the actual exposure to the sun. The side of the house that gets the most sun will suffer the most fade. I will admit, though, my comment was offered from the perspective of one who lives on an island in Florida. The sun and constant salty humidity can be tough on most all exterior products.

My disagreement was tongue-in-cheek. I would also assume darker colors would be worse. My light gray siding is somehow managing to fade unevenly into about 4 different colors on the side of my garage though.

 

[coastalrichard]

Re: Does line color effect durability

My disagreement was tongue-in-cheek. I would also assume darker colors would be worse. My light gray siding is somehow managing to fade unevenly into about 4 different colors on the side of my garage though.

Let me guess...that's the side with the afternoon sun

 

[Philster]

Re: Does line color effect durability

On a roof, heat is thy enemy, so darker colors work against the materials and substructure. More bending and more heat-induced flexibility (curling) will work against the shingles.

Vinyl Siding is similar. Darker colors are more prone to warping than lighter colors. They simply get hotter. Also, fading is not preferential on siding.

On dock lines, the little extra heat does little to affect the integrity of the materials. Reds fade to pink, etc, but the line marches on.

.

 

[cribber]

Re: Does line color effect durability

I have black attwood docklines for my boat that are 3 years old and are holding up nicely.

 

[NetDoc]

Re: Does line color effect durability

Water is rope's worst enemy and darker colors would probably dry a bit more quickly. Blues tend to be more stable though... I'm glad I have blue dock lines.

 

[tboltmike]

Re: Does line color effect durability

The material selection may have a bigger impact. Polypro looks good new, reasonable cost and handles well, but UV will make a spiney fuzz surface on it in a short while.
Nylon seems to hold up better, and I think it floats.

 

[Ned L]

Re: Does line color effect durability

Yep, I wouldn't use polypropylene for dock lines (it does degrade relatively quickly under the UV rays, and it is a relatively low stretch material). Nylon would be prefered (greater stretch) and should be capable of lasting a decade or more if protected from chaffing. Dacron (polyester) is also a good choice and should also last more than a decade if cared for, but is lower stretch than Nylon. A good combination is Dacron (polyester) for bow & stern lines, and Nylon for spring lines.
Polypropylene floats
Nylon and Dacron sink
Synthetics are not affected by water and given the choice it is better to store them away wet than to leave them out in the sun for extended periods to ‘dry out well’. One of the most harmful things for synthetics is dirt, it can be very abrasive as it works its way down into the fibers.
Natural cordage (cotton, manila) on the other hand needs to be stored away dry as it is subject to rot and decay.