Print longevity issues

  • Thread starter Thread starter Faolan
  • Start date Start date
F

Faolan

How much of an issue is this in real life with a print behind a frame on
a mantle piece or a wall?

For example is it acceptable to sell prints from a Canon i950/i9100 or a
Epson 2200/2100? Or use a Dye Sub printer instead?

I done searches on Google but the debate seems to ignore the issue of
day to day usage.
 
Faolan said:
How much of an issue is this in real life with a print behind a frame on
a mantle piece or a wall?

For example is it acceptable to sell prints from a Canon i950/i9100 or a
Epson 2200/2100? Or use a Dye Sub printer instead?

I done searches on Google but the debate seems to ignore the issue of
day to day usage.
Click to expand...

1) Most consumers (low $$) don't have a clue. If it looks good when they
buy it, they`re happy
2) Sophisticated buyers (more $$) are very particular and do their
homework.
3) Look for research by Henry Wilhelm on inkjet ink longevity. He does
accellerated testing on fading. Some common inkjet printers he rates at
less then 6 years. Yes, behind glass and not in sunlight. The best
Photo processes (C prints) and Dye Sub are rated at approx 30 - 50
years. Fuji Crystal Archive Photo Paper he rates at something like 49
years (I forget the exact number) He rates Epson Ultrachrome inks
(2200) on Epson Radiant White Art paper at 97 years. Go to his web site
for more info.

4) If you were going to pay $2000 for a print what would you want ?
How about only $500 ?
 
How much of an issue is this in real life with a print behind a frame on
a mantle piece or a wall?

For example is it acceptable to sell prints from a Canon i950/i9100 or a
Epson 2200/2100? Or use a Dye Sub printer instead?

I done searches on Google but the debate seems to ignore the issue of
day to day usage.
Click to expand...


There's a world of difference between the two Canons and the
two Epsons you mention, in terms of print longevity. Those two
Epsons in particular -- if printing with OEM inks and on the
appropriate papers -- should make very archival prints.

As to the ethics of it all, regardless of the media -- it's your call,
and your clients. If this is a fine arts market, selling in a snazzy
gallery, I suggest you use only inks and papers known to be
archival. OTOH if you're selling into a low end, low-brow market,
(eg a matted 8x10" for $25) then I wouldn't sweat it much.

If you don't make a claim as to the print's longevity -- and
if the customer hasn't asked -- then it's not your problem if
the print doesn't last forever.

Prints behind glass, in frames, will last longer -- period.
Regardless of any other factors. The #1 thing you can do
to protect your prints and keep them looking better longer
is to put them behind glass.

I'm not sure dye sub prints are going to last a whole lot
longer. For real longevity, print with pigment inks.


rafe b.
http://www.terrapinphoto.com
 
Faolan said:
How much of an issue is this in real life with a print behind a frame on
a mantle piece or a wall?

For example is it acceptable to sell prints from a Canon i950/i9100 or a
Epson 2200/2100? Or use a Dye Sub printer instead?

I done searches on Google but the debate seems to ignore the issue of
day to day usage.
Click to expand...

As suggested by another poster take a look at Henry Wilhelm's site:
http://www.wilhelm-research.com/ Print longevity depends on the paper as
well as the ink, and can vary greatly from one model to another, even within a
given manufacturers lineup.

Regards,
Bob Headrick, not speaking for my employer HP
 
As suggested by another poster take a look at Henry Wilhelm's site:
http://www.wilhelm-research.com/ Print longevity depends on the paper as
well as the ink, and can vary greatly from one model to another, even within a
given manufacturers lineup.

Regards,
Bob Headrick, not speaking for my employer HP
Click to expand...

Thanks for all the replies, seems that the i950/i9100 is ideal for low
end prints with a longevity of about 30 years give or take a few.
 
Thanks for all the replies, seems that the i950/i9100 is ideal for low
end prints with a longevity of about 30 years give or take a few.
Click to expand...


I wouldn't count on that longevity figure unless you're using
exactly the right paper, and OEM ink. Change either one and
all bets are off.

With pigment inks there's a bit more room for fudging.


rafe b.
http://www.terrapinphoto.com
 
I wouldn't count on that longevity figure unless you're using
exactly the right paper, and OEM ink. Change either one and
all bets are off.

With pigment inks there's a bit more room for fudging.


rafe b.
Click to expand...

Getting Canon paper/ink cheaply is not a problem for me as I can source
it through a friend :o)

Also it means I can go for the Epson later when I have more money to my
name and use the canon as a 'draft' printer or when I need speed over
quality. Problem is I rarely print A3, hence why it's hard to justify
the price cost of the Epson.
 
Getting Canon paper/ink cheaply is not a problem for me as I can source
it through a friend :o)

Also it means I can go for the Epson later when I have more money to my
name and use the canon as a 'draft' printer or when I need speed over
quality. Problem is I rarely print A3, hence why it's hard to justify
the price cost of the Epson.
Click to expand...


Epson makes smaller desktop machines that use pigment inks --
eg. C82, C84 etc. No need to go for the 2200/2100 if you don't
need the A3 output.


rafe b.
http://www.terrapinphoto.com
 
Back
Top