Epoxy resin can be used outdoors, but its durability is heavily dependent on the specific formula and the conditions it's exposed to. Standard epoxy resins may degrade and yellow over time when exposed to UV light, which is a prominent issue for outdoor use. However, UV-resistant epoxies are available and are a better choice for outdoor applications. These types are designed to withstand the harsh effects of sunlight, as well as temperature fluctuations and moisture. Additionally, applying a UV-resistant topcoat can further protect the epoxy from weathering. Despite these precautions, it's essential to note that even UV-resistant epoxy may eventually show signs of wear outdoors, so regular maintenance and reapplication may be necessary for long-lasting protection and appearance.

UV light degrades polymers due to its high energy, which can break the chemical bonds within the polymer structure. Polymers, which are large molecules made up of repeating units called monomers, are held together by covalent bonds. When UV light is absorbed by these materials, the energy from the light is higher than the energy of the chemical bonds in the polymer. This causes the bonds to break, leading to the formation of free radicals. These radicals can initiate further degradation reactions, resulting in the breakdown of the polymer chain into smaller fragments. This process can lead to significant changes in the physical and chemical properties of the material, such as loss of strength, flexibility, and color. To mitigate UV degradation, stabilizers and UV absorbers are often added to polymers to absorb or dissipate the harmful UV radiation before it can cause damage.

Inkjet printers operate using one of two primary methods: thermal or piezoelectric. In thermal inkjet printers, the process involves rapidly heating a tiny amount of ink to create a bubble, causing ink to be ejected out of the nozzle and onto the paper. Canon and HP commonly use this technology. On the other hand, Epson utilizes piezoelectric technology, where electric charges are applied to piezoelectric crystals, causing them to change shape and force ink out of the nozzle. Both methods achieve high-precision deposition of ink droplets onto paper, creating images or text. The choice of technology impacts the printer's cost, speed, quality, and the types of inks it can use. Generally, for both systems, the smallest movements are carefully controlled to achieve detailed and high-resolution printing.