Epson Photo paper and original inks

I always use the above - premium glossy; does anyone have any knowledge on the time length permanence & fadeproofness this combination has in normal conditions of being framed and hung - or where I can find out please?
Lilly

You could try the Epson website and see if they make any claims there.

Hi Lilly, I don't think it is the paperfinish (glossy, lustre or matte) that defines the lifespan of a print. It is the inkt that is responsible for that.The newest generation Inktjet printers from Epson (and HP,Canon for that matter) use the new pigment based inkts. Which according The Wilhelm Research Centre have a print durability (lifespan) of over 100 years. The Epson 1400,1800,2400 and pro series.(to name a few.) Pigment based inkts are superiour to dye based inkts. Specially when it comes to fade resistance. A very interesting article can be found here:
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/next_generation.shtml
Hope this helps.
PS, did you know that Epson Pigment Inkts cost as much as 35000 dollar a Gallon? No joking here i am affraid.
Martin.

Thank you John, but no such claims there, I did actually phone them a while ago and was told they would get back to me - but never did. I just wondered if anyone else had investigated this further.
Lilly

Thanks Martin, yes I realise pigment based inks are the way to go, especially for commercial use - but until I am in the position to upgrade from my Epson Stylus Photo R245 I am going to have stick with what I have got.
I am just curious as to how long my present combination will last in the lightproof stakes, it is an interesting question that must affect a lot of peeps.


cheers Lilly

Lilly, this link dates back almost 5 years to the launch of the R800

http://www.photo-i.co.uk/News/Nov03/R800.htm

Claims a life of 80 years for Gloss and 100 for Matte.

I use 3rd party inks and paper, durability is not a concern since I can always reprint.

This obviously is more of an issue if you are selling your prints.

Steve

You might find more details about Epson Inks here: http://www.whypaymore.epson.co.uk/

It does depend on the printer (i.e. what type of ink it uses) and the paper, as if the paper doesn't absorb the ink correctly it can shorten its lifespan.

Dan

Well.....,they will fade. And at a speed that is determed by storing or hanging conditions. The only advantage is that reprint the file isn't exactly breaking the bank with dye based inkts. To get the best out of your existing equipment i.e:/inkt/printer/paper i can only advise you to never wander off to using other inkts and papers than the ones Epson advise.
Martin.

Not much help to a customer who buys a print though.

Of course you are right. I sure hope that there is no professional in this day and age who selles dyebased prints. But for personal and home printing it should not worry you to much.
Martin.

Ever hear the happiness in a customers voice, when they tell you your print has been damaged and you tell them to bring it on down for a free replacement? Warranty your work. It'll pay for itself in free advertising.
if it fades..replace it. if thier kids knock it off the wall, replace it (keep track, because some customers are accident prone, and won't complain if you bill them (with a discount) for a second or third replacement.).

museums keep prints in dark, temperature and humidity controlled drawers and dont allow anyone to see them, touch them or breathe on them. You could however use the new generation of UV proof and anti-reflective glass which really works and is almost invisible. A chum who is a fine art conservator is swearing by it.

Ken

Thanks for all your comments and links, I am a little clearer now, until such time as I pay out for that A3 with continuous pigment ink flow system (does anyone have that by the way?) I shall have to live with the uncertainty of how long they will last, depending on where placed etc and if behind UV glass, but being sensible they should last a good few years.
many thanks Lilly

According to the Wilhelm site, Epson ink/paper prints last longer than regular old style photo prints.

thanks

found this article on their site:
http://www.wilhelm-research.com/dnc/D&C_Perm_Article_2005_04_03.pdf