Large Format Printers: How To Increase Print Permanence

Large format printers, such as Canon's imagePROGRAF range, offer high quality prints with long-lasting print permanence, as independent researchers from Wilhelm Research recently reported. Canon's large format printers that use compatible LUCIA inks could last more than 100 years when prints were left unprotected and exposed to mixed gases and high illumination test settings. But with simple and proper storage practices, the same prints can last for more than 300 years!

So how do you increase print permanence of large format prints? With a quality large format printer and compatible paper, here other simple ways to prolong the longevity of prints:

- Encase in glass or store inside plastic. All prints intended for long-term display, such as those in museums or art galleries, should be encased in glass or plastic. This will protect large format prints from staining, image discolouration from mixed gas and other airborne contaminants such as cooking fumes, insect residue and cigarettes.

- Use UV glass filters in high illumination settings. Studies indicate that UV light from incandescent light bulbs can emit up to 365nm of UV light which increases the rate of fading. While framing in ordinary glass is an effective protective measure, for large format prints in places with illumination, such as museums, universities, libraries or galleries, should be encased with UV filtered glass.

With Canon's imagePROGRAF large format printers , LUCIA inks and compatible paper such as Canon's Glossy Photo Paper or Premium Matte Paper, Wilhelm Research found that prints kept under UV-filtered glass had print permanence of more than 300 years! That said however, under ordinary glass, prints from Canon's large format printers could still last more than 200 years before the onset of discolouration or image fading.

- Keep out of high humidity. Prints stored in the dark, say in a storeroom are likely to deteriorate through discolouration, fading and paper yellowing. To help slow down the process, it is recommended that large format prints are kept out of high humidity environments, and stored in closed boxes, album sleeves, framed in glass or in high-quality acrylic sheets. With correct dark storage procedures, Canon's large format printers can produce prints with a 300-year print permanence.