Artists and photographers have used carbon-black
pigment for centuries because of its tone, density and
natural resistance to light.
The chemical half-life of carbon black is considered
to be longer than the recorded history of modern man
(5,000 years). Carbon black pigment is the best method
of fixing an image digitally, and it was selected to
provide a historical longevity factor in relation to
environmental pollution, moisture and light.
Carbon pigment inks are not subject to the metamerism
found in dye-based inks nor dye/pigment inks. Metamerism
is the tendency for an ink system to appear different
under varying light conditions. For example, carbon
Giclee prints do not change dramatically under tungsten,
fluorescent and incandescent light sources. The same
can not be said for ink systems produced by others.
While no one can say with 100% certainty that dye and
pigment based inks will not shift or fade. The research
from the Willhelm Institute on archival life of inksets
suggests a rapidly evolving trend towards stability
and permanence of dye based inks when applied to a matched
paper. Epson claims a 200-year. life on its archival
inksets. Lycos, MIS and other ink manufactures claim
archival permanence up to 100 years. With that as foundation,
it is reasonable to assume that quad and hex black pigment
ink would exceed the archival tolerances of the color
dye based inksets. Jon Cone of Cone Edition’s developed
the carbon based piezography system of inks that I use,
Cone Editions website provides comprehensive information
on archival longevity. www.cone-editions.com
All of my prints are created and executed in my studio.
It allows a level of control and consistency that can
not be guaranteed if outsourced.
Care should be taken not to expose the images to direct
sunlight. The use of UV glass or plexiglass for framing is
recommended.
Err on the side of conservatism. |
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