So I heard this rumor that prints of photos from an inkjet printer, even if they're on photo paper, don't last more than a few years. Is that true? I also heard that there's some kind of spray that will make them last longer, but I don't know what it's called or if it works as advertised. Advice?
Depends. If you are using an older printer that uses dye inks, then yes. Framed or out of an album they will last a year or two. In an album in a dark place a bit longer. If you have one of the newer printers that uses pigment inks and you are using the right paper they will last a decade or two. I do not believe that even the pigment inks will last the 70 to 200 years some printer makers claim. All of the testing done on this is done in a lab simulating what they think is 70 to 200 years of light exposure. They do not take in to account the variations in pollution, atmosphere (drier vs. wetter conditions) and the like. But I do believe that these newer printers will make prints that last a decade or two.
Some printers to look at include:
The Epson R1800 The Epson R2400 The original Epson PictureMate (the new just released ones use dye inks and went from 6 colors to 4) The HP PhotoSmart 9180
Basically look for them talking about pigment based inks. It is of course important that you use real Epson, HP, Canon inks and paper. Using others totally throws the print life out the window. Meaning you just don't know then how long the prints will last.
Robert
Thank you for all that interesting information! It doesn't help me much, since I'm talking about pictures on layouts that are already completed, and I can't actually afford to buy a new printer right now.
Oh, I just remembered the name of that spray product I was talking about. Krylon makes it, it's called "Preserve It!"
I would look for same preservation spray. You should be able to get this from almost any scrapbooking store. It can be used on the entire page and will neutralize any acid in the inkjet paper. Keep the albums and images out of the light as much as possible. Another option is to laminate any new pictures you do, this will seal them and keep air away from them. I would recommend a cold or heatless laminating something like the Xyron machine which has laminate cartridges, you want to laminate both sides.
When buying paper for your printer try to make sure that it is archival quality this will mean no acid or lignin, you may pay more for it but it will help your prints last longer. With that you only have to worry about color shifting and fading of the ink and the laminating will help with that.
Robert
Yes, that will help remove the acid form the paper. Just beware that if you spray too much (get the prints too wet) they ink will do funny things as it is most likely not moisture or water poof. I would suggest spraying from a distance and if needed spray two of three times with a light mist instead of one heavy spray. If possible do the back of the prints as well.
I would also do a test on an unimportant print to make sure that the spray isn't doing to do something unexpected. If it works ok, then spray your album images.
Robert
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