Digital ink longevity

Jerry Nevins (jnevins@ziplink.net)
Tue, 26 May 1998 08:59:36 -0400

Wilhelm tests reported for various inks/papers at IAFADP meeting in NYC in
March

Years of Print Display Before Noticeable
Fading Occurs*
First Distributed October 1st, 1997, IAFADP
Meeting in San Francisco.
Updated March 5 - 7, 1998 for IAFADP meeting in
New York.

IRIS Graphics Equipoise Ink Set
Arches Cold Press
32 -36 years
Somerset Velvet Paper
20 -24 years
IRIS Canvas
16 - 18 years
Arches for IRIS Paper
13 - 15 years
Liege Inkjet Fine Art Paper
2 - 3 years

OLD TOWN EDITIONS USES THE LYSON INK
SET
Lyson Fine Arts Inks Set (FA-II M, ID C, FA-I Y,
Y+B)
Arches Cold Press
32 - 36 years
Somerset Velvet Paper
20 - 24 years
IRIS Canvas
20 - 24 years
Arches for IRIS Paper
10 - 12 years
Liege Inkjet Fine Art Paper
2 - 3 years
Click here to review FAQs about the Lyson Ink Set.

Lyson FA-III Fine Arts Inks Set
(prototype: preliminary data only)
Arches Cold Press
tests in preparation
Somerset Velvet Paper
>60 years (tests
continuing)
IRIS Canvas
tests in preparation
Arches for IRIS Paper
tests in preparation

ConeTech Wide Gamut Fine Art Ink Set
Arches Cold Press
Tests in progress
Somerset Velvet Paper
20 - 24 years
IRIS Canvas
Tests in progress
Arches for IRIS Paper
Tests in progress

American Ink Jet Corp. "NE" Inks (C+M; Lyson
FA-I Y+B)
Somerset Velvet Paper
4 - 6 years

American Ink Jet Corp. "NE" Inks (C+M; IRIS ID
Y+B)
Somerset Velvet Paper
3 - 5 years

IRIS Graphics Industrial Design (ID) Ink Set
Arches Cold Press Paper
2 - 3 years (tentative)

IRIS Equipoise Black Ink (Only) in Monochrome
Prints
Arches Cold Press
>80 years (tests
continuing)
Somerset Velvet Paper
>80 years (tests
continuing)
Arches for IRIS
>80 years (tests
continuing)
IRIS Canvas
>80 years (tests
continuing)

Independent Ink, Inc. "Fade Resistant" Ink Set
Arches Cold Press
Tests in preparation
Somerset Velvet Paper
Tests in preparation
IRIS Canvas
Tests in preparation

Encad GO Ink Set (pigment-based inks)
Encad Photo Glossy Paper
>50 years
Encad Canvas
>50 years

Encad GA Ink Set (dye-based inks)
Encad Photo Glossy Paper
1 - 2 years
Encad Canvas
1 - 2 years

Encad GA Ink Set (dye-based inks)
Encad Photo Glossy Paper
1 - 2 years
Encad Canvas
1 - 2 years

Encad GS Ink Set (dye-based
inks)
Encad Photo Glossy Paper
1 - 2 years

Ilford Archiva Inks for Encad Printers (dye-based
inks)
Ilford Ilfojet Photo Glossy
Paper
>40 years

Epson Stylus 3000 17 x 22" Printer (standard Epson
inks)
Fuji Super Photo Grade Inkjet
Paper
4 - 5 years
Epson Photo Quality Glossy
White Film
2 - 3 years
Epson Photo Quality Glossy
Paper
2 years
Epson Photo Quality Ink Jet
Paper (matte)
1 -2 years
Kodak Photo Weight Premium
Glossy Paper
6 months

Current Photographic Color Negative Prints
Fujicolor Super FA Paper Type
5
71 years
Kodak Ektacolor Edge 5 Paper
16 years
Konica Color QA Paper Type
A6
14 years
Agfacolor Paper Type 10
13 years

Ilford Ilfochrome Silver Dye-Bleach Photographic
Prints
Ilford Ilfochrome Classic
Deluxe polyester-base
29 years 1
Ilford Ilfochrome RC-based
prints
29 years 1
1Tentative data based on tests completed in 1992 with
Ilford Cibachrome II polyester-base and RC based
print materials.

* ©1997 by Henry Wilhelm Research, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
The display-life predictions given here were derived from
accelerated glass-filtered fluorescent light fading tests
conducted at 75°F and 60% RH and are based on the
"standard" indoor display condition of 450 lux for 12 hours per
day employed by Wilhelm Imaging Research, Inc. Illumination
conditions in homes, offices, and galleries do vary, however,
and color images will last longer when displayed under lower
light levels; likewise, the life of prints will be shortened
when
displayed under illumination that is more intense than 450 lux.
The predictions given here are the years of display required for

specified, easily noticeable fading, changes in color balance,
and/or staining to occur. These display-life predictions apply
only to the specific ink and paper combinations listed. Print
coatings tested to date have shown little if any benefit in
terms
of prolonging the display-life of IRIS inkjet prints (also known
as
Giclée prints); with some ink/paper/coating combinations, the
coatings have even proven to be harmful to image stability.