Is there a way to stop highlighter fading?

submitted by Iconian from self.AskSaidIt

I sometimes use highlighters on passages in books, but lately I've realized that when I return to the highlighted passages the highlighting has faded, even just a few weeks later. From what I've seen this only happens with yellow highlighters. Does anyone know any way to prevent highlighter fading?

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[–]IMissPorn 1 insightful - 1 fun1 insightful - 0 fun2 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)

Hmm, I remember noticing once that yellow highlighter ink responds to pH. If I recall correctly acid makes it fade and base brings it back. So maybe you could add some sort of basic solution... I admit I can't really think of how to accomplish that without making a big mess though.

[–]LarrySwinger2 1 insightful - 1 fun1 insightful - 0 fun2 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)

An easy fix would be to use a different colour. I find orange and green okay. Could it be smeared on the opposite page? If so then you should blow on it so that it dries up before closing the book. And don't put the book in the sun, it can actually fade it while the book is closed. I'm assuming it works the same as ink as that's the only thing I have experience with.

[–]Musky 1 insightful - 1 fun1 insightful - 0 fun2 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)

You could try using a pigment ink highlighter.

https://www.amazon.com/Zebra-Zazzle-Liquid-Highlighter-12-Count/dp/B0055NY9K4/