Preserving Your Prints

After all the effort you put into making inkjet prints, it may disappoint you to learn that they may not last long.

Many inkjet prints begin to fade within a year or two—even faster when displayed in direct sunlight. Most printer manufacturers now offer pigment-based inks and archival papers that last for decades, but pigment-based printers are pricier than the more common dye-based printers.

If you have a dye-based printer, consider using a paper rated for longer print life. Epson’s ColorLife paper, for example, has a much higher permanence rating than Epson’s Premium Glossy Photo Paper.

To prolong the life of any print, don’t display it in direct sunlight. Frame it under glass to protect it from humidity and pollutants. ...

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