1. Overview

How long will a photographic print last? There is no simple answer. But it is important for anyone who cares about their photos to have a base understanding of the factors that affect the longevity of prints to make informed decisions and insure those photographic prints will last an expected time.

This white paper deals with the complex subject of print permanence and how knowledge of industry-accepted comparative print permanence testing can lead to the best decisions about buying or specifying imaging products. Every bit as important, this document will help the reader detect potentially misleading marketing claims about photographic image quality, print permanence and the limitations of universal compatibility.

We at Epson want to help consumers and professionals learn more about how prints are made and how different inks and papers can help create not just memories but high quality memories and works of art that will look good not only today but also to future generations.

1. Overview

How long will a photographic print last? There is no simple answer. But it is important for anyone who cares about their photos to have a base understanding of the factors that affect the longevity of prints to make informed decisions and insure those photographic prints will last an expected time.

This white paper deals with the complex subject of print permanence and how knowledge of industry-accepted comparative print permanence testing can lead to the best decisions about buying or specifying imaging products. Every bit as important, this document will help the reader detect potentially misleading marketing claims about photographic image quality, print permanence and the limitations of universal compatibility.

We at Epson want to help consumers and professionals learn more about how prints are made and how different inks and papers can help create not just memories but high quality memories and works of art that will look good not only today but also to future generations.

Lightfastness Testing Chamber, Seiko Epson Corporate


Environmental Testing Chamber, Seiko Epson Corporate
 

1-2. Why You Should Care
If consumers and professional photographers do not insist on unbiased comparative data obtained with rigorous test procedures and confirmed by reputable independent test laboratories, we see three profound negative outcomes:

 
The public will not be able to get accurate and meaningful information to make informed purchase decisions about which products can be counted on to produce photos they will cherish and pass on to their children.
 
 
Companies may have to shift research and development funding for continuous print permanence improvements over to marketing efforts in order to compete against those who choose to lower the playing field.
 
The credibility and reputation of photography itself will be at risk as:
 
 A reliable method to preserve memories
 
 A credible way to document the times in which we live
 
 
 A viable and valuable fine art in itself
 
 
1-3. Conclusion
We at Epson believe consumers should have access to unbiased comparative print permanence data based on uniform rigorous test criteria so they can make informed choices about the photographic materials on which they print their precious memories. The long-term survival of photographs and our photographic heritage must not be shortchanged by overstating the permanence characteristics of any paper, ink, other imaging material, or their combinations.

Photographs are simply too important to our civilization to be subjected to undisclosed compromises about their longevity.