Photo printing that preserves the quality of the image over time is known as "archival printing." With the right storage and care, the photo is designed to last a very long time. Archival prints matter if you want your photos to last for many generations to come, without fading and changing color. An artist may want to sell his or her work, and archival photo printing is a fine way to ensure the prints accurately match the originals. According to IBIS World, it is predicted that the market for online photo printing would grow by 1.1 percent in 2022. Let's take a look at four key factors that affect the quality of the archival print.
Ink
There are two kinds of ink: pigment-based and dye-based. Dye-based inks are prone to color change and, because they are water-based, they can be easily damaged by water. Pigment-based inks last longer and are resistant to fading.
Paper
Photo paper has many different levels of quality. The more expensive the paper, the better the quality. All types of paper should be acid-free for photo prints. If photo paper contains lignin, it can degrade and become yellow over time. Ensure the board used to mount the prints does not contain acid either. The base material of the paper matters as well. For example, wood pulp-based paper is not recommended over, say, a cloth rag that is stronger, more durable, and absorbs ink better. There are also chemicals known as Optical Brighteners added to paper to make it appear whiter. These chemicals break down over time leaving yellow spots in the paper.
Environment
The printing of the photos must be done in a controlled environment for the best results. The humidity and temperature should be at a certain level to ensure quality is maintained. The printer should wear white gloves to prevent the oils from their fingers from transferring onto the paper. Pigment-based printers are the most popular when it comes to lightfastness and longevity.
Framing
Ensure that the frame is acid-free. If the frame is wooden, it must not touch any part of the photo as wood contains acid. Glass shouldn't touch the print either, since it retains humidity, which will make the print stick to it. The mat should also be acid-free, otherwise, it may turn yellow and adversely affect the print itself.
Hire someone who understands the importance of archival printing, knows the details involved, and doesn't skimp on any material. It is better to have prints that last as long as possible. For more information about our photo printing services, contact Fine Line Supply Co. today.