|
Today's ink-jet prints are projected to last from fifteen to 100 years with minimal fading--as long as they are properly printed and displayed. Here are some tips that can help you enjoy your TwistedBrush creations for many years to come:
1. Always use archival paper. Acid-free, high-quality paper stock that's matched to your printer helps achieve color permanence. Why? Because coatings that are on the paper, as well as the paper's absorption properties, are engineered to resist damage from light, air, and humidity. This is why printer manufacturers strongly suggest that their paper be used for best results.
2. When using an ink-jet printer, use a good one that has at least six ink-jet cartridges. Doing so will give you richer details. Keep in mind that inks are often created to match the printer manufacturer's papers, so using generic inks may produce lower-quality images in various ways. The idea is to use high-quality inks that are engineered to resist fading. Another reason to use the best UV-resistant inks possible? Because they are less likely to reduce print speed and they help keep paper from curling. They also help prevent dreaded color blotching and bleeds.
3. Use the printer manufacturer's recommended settings for the paper you are printing on. To do this, access the printer's settings by clicking Print and then clicking Properties. In Paper Quality, choose the type of paper that you are using. If your printer selects a print-quality setting for the paper that you selected, use the suggested setting. It can be tempting to override the printer's choice and manually choose Best over Normal, but Normal often produces the best results when your printer is programmed to choose optimal printing for different paper stocks.
4. When matting prints, use an acid-free matte to keep acid from leaking to the acid-free paper. It also keeps prints from sticking to glass when framed. When framing a print that isn't matted, you may want to slip a small piece of acid-free cloth between the print and the frame. This will generate an air barrier between the print and the glass, limiting the chance of moisture build-up that can occur when ink-jet prints directly touch glass.
5. Use frames with glass that has anti-UV coating. You'll get better fade resistance when this type of glass is combined with UV-resistant inks.
6. Be aware that humidity can affect wood frames, but doesn't affect aluminum frames.
7. Don't hang prints in humid or hot rooms. Keep them out of direct sunlight and limit their exposure to artificial lights.
8. Follow your printer manufacturer's suggestions for routine printer maintenance. Doing so can keep the printer nozzle's free of clogs and the print heads in alignment, among other things.
9. When printing on specialty papers, canvas, or fabrics, follow your printer's recommendations AND those that come with the specialty item.
|
