Digital Printing: Prints, Inks And Longevity

All physical media will fade in time, but just how long are digital prints supposed to last? With digital printing as your choice of printing technology for your project, just what do you gain? What do you stand to expect?

Print Life

A large manufacturer of printers and inks claim with their special ink, paper, and printer, a digital print displayed under glass, in an indoor area should last over 80 years. But mind you, this comes with several disclaimers. There are certain conditions that would only make this true.

Word to the wise – do not be taken in too easy with prints that are said to last forever. Such claims are not always a guarantee. Second, on what merits and tests have such prints been subjected to? Third, there are all sorts of variables that can affect the longevity of prints.

Perhaps, like human beings, a print’s life span depends on the stuff it’s made of, the tender, lover and care it enjoys. Add to that a dash of luck. But like the study indicates, not all prints are created equal. There are all sorts of prints that enjoy different kinds of ink, paper materials, finishes, and of course, printing processes.

Kinds of Ink

As already mentioned, there are several variables that determine the life of a print. The following is a discussion of some of the inks and their effect on print permanence.

• The regular inks available at retail stores for home or office document use is water based. Their life span is much shorter. Apart from sun-damage, it is also vulnerable to damage from water. When exposed to water, the image will smudge. Water-based inks in humid areas have shorter life span.

• There are differing opinions on archival ink. When printed on a matte surface, it is said to improve longevity, but when printed on glossy paper, are said to have the same resistance to fading from light as regular ink. However, one big advantage of archival ink however, is its resistance to water.

• UV coating is a finishing application applied to prints. It is exposed to strong UV-light to harden the polymer. The result is a thick laminate-like texture. It protects the print from sun-damage delaying fading. Because of its thickness, it becomes crease resistant, and tear-resistant, in addition to being water-proof.

• Uncoated paper stocks are more vulnerable to the damaging elements present in the surrounding. Humidity, direct sun exposure, dust and the cling can all do considerable damage to prints. Acid-free paper is not the singular answer because a variety of premium grade paper stocks are available to printers for longer-lasting prints.
Preserving Images

• When caring for prints, place them in areas away from the harsh midday sun. You can prolong the color fastness by preventing the damaging rays of the sun from diminishing the vibrancy of your prints’ colors.

• But as difficult as it is to care for prints or to make them last forever, there is away to make images last long. Always take note of what material your prints are made of, be it paper, vinyl, or artist canvas. Keep the prints clean and away from dust.

• If your artist canvas or vinyl banners get wet, remember to dry them. These media are water-resistant and not waterproof. Ask your digital printing companies about the inks and materials they use for their prints and research. Just how long your prints can last is also half your job.