Digital Prints

weathering tests as well as natural, environmental exposure tests using its Florida and Arizona
locations. (Atlas Laboratory Weathering Testing provides similar services.)
Independent Researchers
Independent researchers like the aforementioned Barbara Vogt and Joy Turner Luke also
conduct scientific testing. Traditional artist, art educator, and color expert Luke has been
doing volunteer, prototype testing for the ASTM since the 1970s. In her northern Virginia
studio, she conducts daylight tests controlled by ISO Blue Wool References. She follows
the ASTM standard D5383 to the letter (she helped write it) and has been doing inkjet
lightfastness testing on her own for more than seven years. She recently added xenon arc
testing to her repertoire (see Figure 5.9) and also “Do Your Own Permanence Testing”
later in this chapter for more about Luke).
Manufacturers, Vendors, and Distributors
Some manufacturers (Kodak, for example) do their own tests and use the results in promoting
their products. Others, like Epson, HP, and Canon (who also do some internal
testing as well), contract with independent testers, like WIR or IPI/RIT, to perform their
tests and then use the results in their marketing.
Epson, which was bruised by the infamous Orange Shift problem, is now very careful
about its permanence claims. For example, here’s the small print it typically uses with its
inkjet printers: “Lightfastness rating based on accelerated testing of prints on specialty
media, displayed indoors, under glass. Actual print stability will vary according to media,
printed image, display conditions, light intensity, humidity, and atmospheric conditions.
Epson does not guarantee longevity of prints.”
Chapter 5 ■ Determining Print Permanence 165
Figure 5.9 Permanence researcher Joy
Turner Luke in her studio working
with an Atlas SUNTEST XLS+ xenon
testing instrument (furnished by Atlas
Material Testing Technology for her
ongoing research).