Red River Paper Printlife Testing Summer 2003

We have exciting news with our most recent image longevity results. As in the past, we chose to be consistent with earlier tests and use light exposure as the primary culprit of fade.

In addition, we felt that since Epson's UltraChrome inks were to be tested, our tests were designed to simulate exposure of 55 years.

Our testing facility* also added six new fade parameters to more accurately predict printlife. Learn more about our printlife test procedures here.

New Parameters for Summer 2003 Test

Parameter Patch that experienced failure End-point where failure is noted
Magenta Fade Red 30% loss
Yellow Fade Red 30% loss
Cyan Fade Green 30% loss
Yellow Fade Green 30% loss
Cyan Fade Blue 30% loss
Magenta Fade Blue 30% loss

What We Tested

Ten seperate tests were performed for this round. Six papers were evaluated with the Epson 2200 which uses UltraChrome inks. One of the 2200 samples was tested with a glass overlay to evaluate any benefits from the added protection.

We also decided to update our knowledge of recent advances with Epson's 960 and its dye based ink system. Two papers were tested with this printer.

Finally, we performed another Canon S9000 test. This time, the sample was sprayed with Krylon UV Clear spray.

Results

Display Life Predictions assuming 450lux for 12 hours per day.

Epson 2200 Tests

Paper Estimated Printlife
(no glass protection) Red River Estimation of Printlife with Glass Protection’‚’‚…‚’‚‚
66lb. Polar Gloss 35 Years 58 Years
66lb. Polar Satin 33 Years See Below
60lb. Polar Matte 48 Years 80 Years
Premium Matte 55+ Years’‚’‚…‚’‚‚* 80-100 Years
65lb. Polar Art 40 Years 67 Years

Testing with Glass Protection Printlife Estimation
66lb. Polar Satin 55+ Years’‚’‚…‚’‚‚*

’‚’‚…‚’‚‚* At the end of testing, no observable fade was recorded. A printlife beyond 55 years is very possible.

’‚’‚…‚’‚‚ Using a multiple based on the effect of glass on Polar Satin, Red River has estimated the effect of glass print protection on the other papers in this test.

Epson 960 Tests

66lb. Polar Satin No glass protection
10 years

76lb. Polar Placid No glass protection
9 years

Canon S9000 Test

66lb. Polar Satin Sprayed with Krylon Clear UV
24 years

See below for an explanation of the Krlyon testing
Here is our interpretation of the results

1) Every item printed with the 2200 UltraChrome ink scored above 30 years as we expected. When glass protection is added, you can probably acheive between 55 and 100 years printlife. It is helpful to note that virtually all major manufacturer's printlife tests are done with the benefit of glass protection. Red River is one of the few to offer "raw" data regarding what happens to prints left out in the open.

2) The 2200 results reminded us of our 2000P testing (Epson's first pigmented inkjet printer). Now though, we feel that the 2200 is a far superior printer with wider media compatibility and faster print speeds. The 2000P would be a good buy if you absolutely require 100+ year printlife in all circumstances.

3) Results on the Epson 960 were interesting in that unprotected printlife is up significantly over other dye based models like the Epson 1280. In previous tests, unprotected resin coated papers showed 4-6 years before fade. The Epson 960 unprotected printlife estimation is 10 years. Again, its it important to note that Epson's fade testing with dye based printers always uses glass protection to acheive their predicted 20-25 year printlife.

4) The Canon test helped to bolster our opinion that UV sprays are a valid way to extend the printlife of a dye based inkjet print.

Conclusions

The Epson 2200 is a remarkable printer that offers printlife that meets or exceeds the needs of most professional photographers. Other printers like the dye based Epson 960 and Canon S9000 are perfect for prints when you do not need true photographic longevity. Red River suggests that the perfect digital darkroom would include an Epson 2200 and the new Canon i9100 for all your proofing, print, greeting card and marketing needs.

As always, Red River is not making any guarantees regarding how long your print will last. As noted, there are many environmental variables that can effect your print's life. You can be as careful or loose with where you display inkjet prints. It is obvious that Epson's UltraChrome system offers outstanding quality as well as what is considered standard photographic life. Red River would be more than confortable handing a 2200 print on our paper to a client with the expectation that it would fade no faster than traditional photolab processing.

Please feel free to email advice@redriverpaper.com with any questions about these results.

* All tests are performed by the Image Permanence Institute of the Rochester Institute of Technology

This article has been re printed with the express consent of
Drew Hendrix
Red River Paper