Art should be timeless. By following our 7 keys to a long print life, you can be sure your prints will look just as beautiful 100 years from now as they are for the gallery showing next month.
If you want future generations to enjoy your work, there are numerous factors you need to be aware of.
Without using the right tools, media, and techniques, your art will fade and wither over time.
Here’s a quick rundown of the factors that you can control when working towards creating prints that last 100 years.
This post is a basic overview, but each section includes links for additional recommended reading. Together, all of these related posts will make for a perfect in-depth study of print permanence.
1. Use Pigment Inks
Avoid chromogenic dye prints (wet-processed, digital C-prints).
For high-quality, long-lasting prints, an inkjet printer with pigment-based ink is crucial. Pigment ink offers superior longevity and fade resistance compared to dye-based inks, ideal for archival prints. Always use Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) inks. While aftermarket ink may seem cheaper, they lack the permanence and rigorous testing of OEM ink, leading to faster fading and degradation. OEM pigment ink ensures the best, most enduring print quality.
2. Use The Newest Model Printers
Use the newest model printers if possible, as ink sets continue to show improvements in longevity, color gamut, DMax, and more.
Sometimes people hold on to older model printers too long, thinking they are saving money. Or, for example, to try and avoid nozzle clogging problems in the case of Epson printers.
But remember print permanence ratings for older model printers and their ink sets are much less favorable. And you gain the added advantages listed above.
3. Avoid Papers That Contain OBAs
Print on OBA-free papers (one free of optical brightening agents or additives).
Try and wean yourself away from the bright white papers that contain OBAs. Beware that most all RC photo papers have OBAs in them, such as glossy, luster, etc.
Keep in mind that as optical brighteners begin to dissipate over time from exposure to UV light, the paper will revert to its original warmer (yellower) color.
But it’s not just about a warmer paper: this degradation also has an effect on colors in the print, especially those in the highlights where more of the natural paper color shows through.
4. Pick Your Paper Very Carefully
The quality of inkjet prints is significantly influenced by the paper and its coatings. While pigment ink sets have advanced considerably, the longevity of prints is now largely determined by the media used.
To ensure print permanence, select papers with a 100% cotton base, or at minimum, a high-grade, acid and lignin-free alpha cellulose base. It's also advisable to research longevity test reports that compare different papers with various printers and inks to assess their performance.
Do your research on longevity test reports using the same paper but different printers/inks. See how various papers fare.
5. Choose The Right Environment
Remember, the total accumulated light exposure on artwork over time is crucial. The environment plays a critical role. You have control over print display conditions and can take steps to lower light levels. If you're selling your work, educate and advise your customers on optimal display conditions.
Never expose a print to direct sunlight, even for a few minutes daily. Be aware that a location might receive a tiny amount of direct sunlight without you realizing it. Additionally, avoid heat and high humidity. Maintain photos at or below 70 degrees F and between 30–50 percent relative humidity year-round.
When framing prints, use conservation glass to block UV light. Dust covers on the back of the frame will help seal out insects, debris, and airborne pollutants.
6. Buy and Use A Lux Meter To Measure Light
They are inexpensive and can be purchased online from B&H to Amazon. Lux is a unit of measurement that tells how much light is falling on an object.
Measure lighting levels around your home or office to help determine the best display location. The lower the lux, the better the print life.
Keep light levels as low as possible, preferably at 228 lux or less.
Remember that Wilhelm Imaging Research (WIR) test reports are based on 450 lux for 12 hours per day, twice that amount.
7. Keep Yourself Informed
Become a member of Aardenburg Imaging and Archives, then read the test reports based on the more appropriate I* metric testing system we discussed.
Renée Besta is a fine art photographer and printer, digital imaging and graphics instructor, graphic designer, and exhibit producer who has been avidly engaged in the art form for over 35 years.
For more info on Renée you can check out her website.
