UV Protective Spray
Dec 27, 2019 15:59:21 #
We've recently started printing our photos with a Canon Pixma Pro-100 (dye inks), and have seen some people recommending the use of a UV Protective Spray.
The two most commonly recommended are Hahnemuhle Protective Spray for Fine Art Digital Prints, and Moab Desert Varnish, Archival Digital Print Protection Spray.
Can you share your experiences with these or other similar products, and your recommended techniques in terms of application, number and timing of coats, etc.?
Thanks in advance for your input!
The two most commonly recommended are Hahnemuhle Protective Spray for Fine Art Digital Prints, and Moab Desert Varnish, Archival Digital Print Protection Spray.
Can you share your experiences with these or other similar products, and your recommended techniques in terms of application, number and timing of coats, etc.?
Thanks in advance for your input!
Dec 27, 2019 16:07:05 #
I'm not so sure that Canon doesn't put UV protection in the ink. Unless you hang the prints in direct sun, they should be good for decades, maybe even 100 years.
Dec 27, 2019 16:18:16 #
Hamltnblue
Loc: Springfield PA
bsprague wrote:
I'm not so sure that Canon doesn't put UV protection in the ink. Unless you hang the prints in direct sun, they should be good for decades, maybe even 100 years.
Pigment inks are in the 100-200 year range
Dye inks are up to about 20.
https://www.redrivercatalog.com/infocenter/articles/dyerorpigmentink.htm
Dec 27, 2019 16:36:55 #
bsprague wrote:
I'm not so sure that Canon doesn't put UV protection in the ink. Unless you hang the prints in direct sun, they should be good for decades, maybe even 100 years.
If they did put UV protection in the ink, wouldn't they advertise it as a benefit?
Dec 27, 2019 19:13:18 #
Cany143
Loc: SE Utah
I wouldn't trust anything called 'Moab Desert Varnish.' Why? Because I live in Moab, so take it on faith that a product like that would render a print sorta reddish-orange-y brown.
/s
(the '/s' above translates to: 'snark off')
/s
(the '/s' above translates to: 'snark off')
Dec 27, 2019 23:02:15 #
Longshadow wrote:
If they did put UV protection in the ink, wouldn't they advertise it as a benefit?
I think they do. Read here: https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/explore/printing-innovations/chromalife/chromalife-100-plus
Dec 27, 2019 23:04:11 #
Hamltnblue wrote:
Pigment inks are in the 100-200 year range
Dye inks are up to about 20.
https://www.redrivercatalog.com/infocenter/articles/dyerorpigmentink.htm
Dye inks are up to about 20.
https://www.redrivercatalog.com/infocenter/articles/dyerorpigmentink.htm
Canon says longer. But who knows. I don't know how to test any of the claims. Canon claims: https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/explore/printing-innovations/chromalife/chromalife-100-plus
Dec 28, 2019 07:06:03 #
bsprague wrote:
Canon says longer. But who knows. I don't know how to test any of the claims. Canon claims: https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/explore/printing-innovations/chromalife/chromalife-100-plus
See, what you do is give a baby with longevity genes a photo and ask them in 100 years how it looks😁
Dec 28, 2019 08:42:57 #
Dec 28, 2019 10:31:43 #
I have used Moab Desert Varnish, but not for its UV protection. I’m using pigment inks which generally have longer life than those printed with dye inks. I primarily use it to counter any bronzing effect I might get when printing, especially on larger prints. With the newer ink formulas, bronzing is less of a problem than it used to be, but can still occasionally show up as a problem on larger prints on certain papers. A double (but light) coat, one applied horizontally and one applied vertically works well to eliminate any bronzing effect that might arise. As to UV protection, I find using high grade papers and framing with TruView museum glass gives me the most peace of mind.
Dec 28, 2019 10:56:26 #
qualtalk wrote:
We've recently started printing our photos with a ... (show quote)
Dye inks don't last as long as pigment inks. Look on Canon's website to find out how long the dye ink prints last. They will have been tested for longevity. If you are going to frame your prints behind glass, they don't need a protective spray.
Dec 28, 2019 17:43:39 #
qualtalk wrote:
We've recently started printing our photos with a ... (show quote)
I use and swear by Hahnemuhle, I have found it to be the better product. Important to note the actual spray needs to be a fine mist, not a globbie splatter and Hahnemuhle provides the better mist. Your prints must be dry, free of off gassing before spraying (24 hours if pressed between layers of absorbent paper, closer to 48 hours if left to air dry) and two light coats applied perpendicular to each other achieves the best results.
Moisture wicks in from the edges, by spraying the front and back of your pictures you seal the print from accidental damage. I might add posting this question in the printing section will elicit more response.
Dec 28, 2019 17:54:51 #
A great alternative to a spray is UV Glass, and water white 99% UV glass, which is nearly invisible and does not reflect light. It is commonly referred to as `museum glass`.
Both TruVue and Art Glass manufacture it. They are expensive, they will also blow your customers minds. Art glass also makes a 70% UV water white which is cheaper and nearly invisible.
Both TruVue and Art Glass manufacture it. They are expensive, they will also blow your customers minds. Art glass also makes a 70% UV water white which is cheaper and nearly invisible.
Dec 28, 2019 19:18:06 #
Hamltnblue wrote:
Pigment inks are in the 100-200 year range
Dye inks are up to about 20.
https://www.redrivercatalog.com/infocenter/articles/dyerorpigmentink.htm
Dye inks are up to about 20.
https://www.redrivercatalog.com/infocenter/articles/dyerorpigmentink.htm
If you’ll notice, the original copyright on that article is 1997. Dye inks have come a long way in 20 years and they can hold their color much longer these days.
Dec 28, 2019 19:23:30 #
wdross
Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado
qualtalk wrote:
We've recently started printing our photos with a ... (show quote)
Time is a killer to all color slides, negatives, and prints. Dyes tend to have the least longevity and pigments the longest. Sprays and UV glass will lengthen their time from noticeable fading, but time will fade them. Even a properly stored Kodachrome 25 slide will have started fading after 500 years. The better form of permanency is a true silver print (black and white print on archival paper). Longevity for a properly kept silver print is way beyond 500 years.
Just decide what length of time you want the image to exist. Protecting it with spray or glass is still a good idea. In the digital age though, one can just print out a new image when the old one fades. The dyes and pigments will probably only get better. Most of us will never print an image more than three times for ourselves. Then it will become the "responsibility" of our future generations to print what you shot on whatever media exists during their lifetimes.
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