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?

all 7 comments
sorted by:
top
newinsightfulfun

[–]IMissPorn 2 insightful - 1 fun2 insightful - 0 fun3 insightful - 1 fun -  (1 child)

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.

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

I'm not sure how I'd do that either, especially on a large scale. Maybe dip it in the solution before I write, like they used to use quills and inkpots hundreds of years ago?

[–]LarrySwinger2 2 insightful - 1 fun2 insightful - 0 fun3 insightful - 1 fun -  (2 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.

[–]Iconian[S] 2 insightful - 1 fun2 insightful - 0 fun3 insightful - 1 fun -  (1 child)

I'm already using the other colors for other things. Lately though I have taken to blowing on it after I highlight--thank you for your suggestion!

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

Happy to help.

[–][deleted] 2 insightful - 1 fun2 insightful - 0 fun3 insightful - 1 fun -  (1 child)

You could try using a pigment ink highlighter.

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

[–]Iconian[S] 2 insightful - 1 fun2 insightful - 0 fun3 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)

I'll try to keep that in mind, maybe that's the solution.