How do you store/display/protect your prints?

[slejhamer]

Having read the continuing and sometimes heated discussion over favorite printers, I'm curious as to what you all do with your prints.

I'm assuming that not everything is under glass and hanging on a wall, so what do you do to preserve and protect your printed images?

Also, what's your favorite print media? I'm fond of Epson heavyweight matte, but am worried about its durability.

Cheers,

[G2Jim]

I actually haven't printed too many, but most of the ones I have printed I either gave away or are stored in a plastic bag. One piece of advice is to be sure to let them lay out to air dry for a couple days before storing them on top of other prints. If they're not totally dry, they end up sticking together.

I use an HP960 printer and HP gloss photo paper. I've very happy with the colors and quality. I tried another cheaper brand of photo paper once, but never again: it was very poor. Maybe experiment to find what works best for you.

[Conk]

There is spray available in camera shops that help to preserve your photo's. Haven't actually tried it yet but plan on buying a can.

[bigdave]

I prefer the Epson Stylus C80, because it uses DuraBrite inks that don't fade, even under prolonged exposure to sunlight. The pigment ink also doesn't run. On top of all that, it's water resistant.

More info on epson durabrite inks
http://files.support.epson.com/pdf/sc80__/sc80__db.pdf

Maybe it's just me, but I love glossy paper. I like epson the best, and they have 3 kinds.

Semi-gloss --- slightly textured surface.

Photo Glossy --- slightly textured surface, inconsistency in surface of paper is obvious when angled into light.

Premium Photo Glossy --- super smooth paper, and shiny too! It looks like a photo developed from film.

The advantages of glossy paper are that high contrast areas are crisper, and colors appear more vivid and lifelike.

Hey, I'm no pro at this, but hopefully this will help you.

[eland]

Mitch

Just adding a little to what has been said.

Some printer manufacturers advertise Archival inks and
Archival papers. ........... Supposed to last more than
50 years. Make enquiries from your printer manufacturer's literature.

These inks are not compatible with all models of printer.

Also of course keep prints in the dark when not being
viewed.


eland

[R2-G2]

Conk wrote:
There is spray available in camera shops that help to preserve your photo's. Haven't actually tried it yet but plan on buying a can.

Hi Conk,

Have you bought/tried out that spray yet? Brand/price? Any thoughts about it, good or bad?

I find that when trimming images by hand which are printed with my Epson 1270 on Epson Photo Paper a lot of "dust" kicks up which I would like to minimize (I think a spray would potentially help, though maybe not).

Thanks in advance if you have time to post.
R2

[octathlon]

I've looked around and haven't seen any spray for ink jet photos. Does anyone know what it is called and where to get it? Sounds like a good idea.

[eland]

Dear Glenna

I can't promise that this firm is still in business.

McDonald Photo Products Inc
11211 Gemini Lane Dallas Tx 75229
Tel 214 243-6767

Called McDonald Pro-tecta-cote

Procuct Lacquer with UV Inhibitor

Name "RETOUCH"
This comes (came) in an aerosol can.
..........................................

Another that might help. Not a lacquer though.

PROTECTAN SPRAY
by the German company TETENAL

This is an Anti-Oxidizing Agent that is sprayed on
the image.

That's about all the help I can give you, I'm afraid


eland
hal bruce

[octathlon]

Thanks, eland.

Searching on google I found a site called inkjetart.com that has a lot of products and info about this and other printing stuff, mostly geared toward Epson printers but any ink jet as well.

One product that looked good was called Bulldog Ultra which is supposed to protect from UV and water.

[R2-G2]

Hey, since the topic of printers came up...

Do any of you who use Epsons have a favorite source (competitively priced/good service) for Epson inkjet cartridges?

I have an Epson 1270 printer, and someone told me I could refill the existing cartridges, but I'm wary of that. Anyone had experience with this?

Thanks,
R2

[brianf01]

I worked with someone who had a setup like this. I forgot the name of the product, but you have big tubes of ink and they hook up to the printer with small tube lines, like some kind of medical experiment/blood transfusion looking setup. and a electronic connection that replaces the ink cartridges.

I think you save about 50% on ink doing it this way, BUT we found that about 1 out of 6 pages, the printer would freeze up and you would have to turn it off and do a head cleaning. It will often think its low on ink, even if its not. The hassle was a bit annoying, as was the waste of large 13x19 paper when it would not restart. This could have been a fluke though, it seemed to stop having errors after a while, but it could be a trade off (paper vs ink).