JD750 Loc: SoCal

I have seen here recommendations for Wallmart printing and a friend recently recommended them. I am wondering for those who might know, how well do they hold up, do they fade over time, change colors over time?

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

I’m guessing they’ll be comparable to any of the drug/department stores that do chemical process prints.

BebuLamar

They don't do chemical processed prints anymore I don't think. They don't have the volume to do that. If you don't have the volume your process will go out of control. The chemicals go dead not being used very wasteful.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

I use them all the time. Very good prices, very nice results. Can't beat there prices.
I frame 4X6 prints and 5X7 prints, my clients are very happy with the results.
I have not noticed fading, but most of my prints are less than 5 years old.
So, maybe after 20 years, who knows, I will not be around, that's for sure.
Good luck and keep on shooting until the end.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Do you mean Walmart?

In 2024, most labs do a fairly decent job of printing photos, given the following caveats:

1) You calibrate your monitor with a hardware and software device kit from Datacolor or Calibrite.

2) You provide the lab with a file in the ICC color space they expect (usually sRGB).

3) For best results, you use their printer profile as a proofing or simulation profile in your software during final image adjustment.

Traditional silver halide chromogenic (wet process) color labs have many variables to control. Process control and printer control are the two biggies.

If the chemistry is properly mixed, replenished, and adjusted for pH and specific gravity as needed, The color you get will be more accurate than if the chemical activity drifts out of control.

If the printer is properly calibrated for linearity so it produces a true gray at every value between pure black and paper white, AND if it is custom-profiled so the color engine in the controlling computer can convert the image file color profile to the characteristics of the specific printer and paper, you will get more accurate color.

All those stars need to align for best results. If the lab has good quality control, it will deliver consistent quality.

Generally, labs serving the professional community (known in the trade as professional color labs) will keep a steady watch on their chemistry and machine calibration. Calibration changes every time the lab loads a new emulsion number of paper. ICC profiles need to change every time the paper manufacturer re-formulates the paper's spectral response characteristics. That's different from an emulsion batch change, and usually happens every few years.

The question of whether Walmart does any of this sort of thing, or just runs inkjet mini-labs, is one to ask them. Chances are, the person you ask won't have a clue. If you ask a lab like WHCC (White House Custom Color), Bay Photo, American Color Lab, Printique (formerly Adoramapix), Full Color, H&H, UPI Lab, etc. they will be happy to explain the care they take.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

Darn it too late to change the title.

Thank you for the detailed reply!

JD750 Loc: SoCal

Thank you for sharing your experience.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

It does look like they’re using Epson and Fuji inkjets now instead of the silver halide machines. That should improve the colors.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

I think I will give Walmart (one L) a try for a print for my wall. What could it hurt?

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

If it's a big print, it might even be an Epson inkjet print. Worth a try.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

Yep, it looks like the use Fuji for smaller stuff and Epson 24” wide printers for large prints.

Papa Joe Loc: Midwest U.S.

I have two very large (24x30) prints Walmart did, (while I waited), about 5 years ago and so far, no visible signs of fading or discoloration. Nice vivid colors. Also have had multiple 5x7's and 8x10's with no problem..... so far.
God Bless,
Papa Joe

JD750 Loc: SoCal

You wait for them? I thought you ordered them on-line!!

jimpitt

First, your grammer.
WalMart* has only one "L".
Second, why would anyone go there considering the poor quality of most of their products.
As one example, their passport photos are regularly rejected.
Go to a professional photo store.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

There is always a tell when someone only reads the original post and none of the other posts.

Thank you for taking the time to reply.