Digital Prints

Maximize Print Permanence
Depending on whether you self-print or have someone make prints for you, there are
things you can do to maximize print permanence: (see also Chapter 7 and Chapter 9 for
more about inks, paper, coatings, framing, and display)
■ Always select/specify long-lasting colorant and media combinations. The key is in matching
your colorants to your media. Realize that permanence is specific to a particular type
of ink or dye on a particular type of medium (paper). Don’t mix them up and expect the
same results.
■ Study paper and coating specs. Swellable polymer coatings on inkjet papers protect against
light and ozone but are more sensitive to humidity. Microporous coatings are less sensitive
to humidity but more sensitive to light and ozone.
■ Keep prints on display away from strong light, especially daylight, and very especially sunlight.
(Your goal should be to never let one ray of sun strike a display print.)
■ To protect against gas-air fading, display your prints behind glass or acrylic (or store them
in an album or in sleeves) whenever possible. This reduces airflow and some UV exposure
problems. If using fluorescent lights, filter them with glass or plastic covers to cut down
on the UV emissions.
■ If you can’t or don’t want to display prints—on canvas, for example—behind glass, consider
using a coating, lamination, or spray. Keep in mind that post-print coatings sometimes
add a new element to the chemical interaction of ink and media; under certain
circumstances they could even reduce print life.
■ Store your prints in a dark, dry, and cool place; light and moisture are real print killers.
Try to minimize temperature and humidity changes; keep them as constant as possible.
High temperature and humidity levels can speed up print deterioration, and very low
humidity or fluctuating humidity can cause prints to crack or peel. Model conditions are
68º F (20º C) to 77ºF (25º C) with 30 to 50% relative humidity. (See more print storage
recommendations in Chapter 9.)
■ Communicate to and impress upon anyone receiving your prints all the points above.
You’ll save yourself and them a lot of disappointment.
The Artist’s Responsibility
Prints begin deteriorating the moment they’re made. Some faster, some slower. Whether
because of light, temperature, or other factors, your prints are going to degrade. Your goal
should be to use your knowledge about materials and processes to make the wisest choices
that will improve the permanence of your work. This applies to inkjets, digital photo
prints, color lasers, everything.
Realize that there are three main factors that affect print permanence: colorants (inks, toners,
etc.), media (paper, film, etc.), and display/storage conditions. (Most people erroneously
think that the printing device is the main factor, but it’s only important in that it
can limit the others.) To optimize permanence, you need to carefully control all three factors.
If you make prints to sell or give away, you’ve just lost one leg of the stool since you
can’t control the conditions where the prints will end up. But, you can do your best with
the other two.
Chapter 5 ■ Determining Print Permanence 175