Fine Art Prints

Archival prints are exquisite artworks crafted using refined pigmented ink particles, resulting in museum-quality, high- resolution pieces. These prints are designed to withstand the test of time, creating lasting artworks. However, the duration of archival prints cannot be universally defined, as it depends on various factors such as the paper quality, ink composition, and storage/display conditions. The first thing to consider is the paper. Be sure the paper is acid and lignin free. The term acid-free has long been associated with archival quality when it comes to paper. The base material is manufactured using pure alpha cellulose fiber, pure cotton fiber, or a combination of these two materials. This will ensure that the paper base is pH 7 or above, ensuring it is acid-free. A paper that contains lignin cannot be acid-free as lignin is a naturally occurring acid within plant fibers. Archival paper is one of the most important materials used in fine art printing. Archival paper is made from high-quality fibers that are acid-free, lignin-free, and pH neutral. These qualities ensure that the paper will not yellow or deteriorate over time, and that the colors in the print will remain true and vibrant. There are several types of archival paper that are commonly used in fine art printing, including cotton rag paper, alpha cellulose paper, and bamboo paper. Each type of paper has its own unique qualities, such as texture, weight, and color, and artists may choose a particular type of paper based on the desired look and feel of the final print. The ink you print with also has an effect on how long an image will last. Most printers use pigmented inks when creating archival fine art prints, which are known to be scratch-resistant, stand up to UV rays better, and have water-resistant properties to last a long time. Archival inks are pigment-based rather than dye-based, meaning that they are made up of particles rather than dissolved dyes. This makes them more resistant to fading and discoloration over time. Archival inks are also often formulated to be water- resistant and smudge-proof, which helps to ensure that prints remain in good condition over time. When displaying fine art prints, it is important that they are handled correctly to maintain the archival quality of the paper and ink. Light can be harmful to prints and cause them to fade faster than expected. Where possible, do not hang prints in direct sunlight and use glass that has UV-blocking properties. Temperature and humidity can also ruin a perfect print. The ideal conditions for fine art prints are a consistent temperature between 60oF and 70oF with a relative humidity level of 40 to 60%. Fluctuations in temperature can cause the print to deteriorate faster than expected, and high moisture levels invite mold growth. These three things combined, the paper, ink, and presentation, make a print archival quality. By using archival materials in fine art printing, artists and printers can ensure that the prints they produce will look beautiful and be enjoyed for generations to come. While archival materials may be more expensive than non-archival materials, the investment is well worth it for anyone who wants to create high-quality, long- lasting fine art prints.

Photographic prints are physical copies of photographs that have been developed from a negative or digital image. They can be produced using a variety of printing methods, each with its own characteristics and advantages. One of the most common types of photographic prints is the chromogenic silver halide print, which uses a process introduced by Kodak in the early 1940s. This printing process involves exposing light-sensitive paper to a photographic negative or positive transparency, which is then developed in a series of chemical baths to produce the final image. The reaction between the chemicals in the paper and the light-sensitive emulsion on the negative produces the color dyes seen in the finished photographic image. These prints are also known as c- prints and tend to have a more glossy finish compared to other types of prints. Photographic prints are typically produced on lower quality paper compared to fine art prints, making them more susceptible to yellowing, fading, and cracking over time. They are generally used when the quality of the print is not the primary concern, such as for personal snapshots or commercial prints. In contrast, fine art prints are produced using archival pigment giclee printing, which uses high-quality pigment-based inks and acid-free fine art paper. This printing method is designed to produce prints that are fade-resistant and long-lasting. High- resolution large format printers are used to ensure superior quality, and the combination of materials and printing method creates prints that are more durable and resistant to wear and tear. Fine art prints are popular with museums and galleries that wish to preserve prints for decades, as they do not yellow, crack, or wear out over time. They are also a popular choice for artists and photographers who want to produce high-quality, limited edition prints of their work. Overall, the choice between photographic prints and fine art prints depends on the intended use and desired quality of the final product. While photographic prints are a cost-effective option for everyday use, fine art prints offer superior quality and longevity, making them ideal for archival purposes and professional use.