Latex Prints vs. Lightjet Prints

From what was once revered as the “gold standard,” the lightjet laser photo print can be transitioned to the digital inkjet latex print. Undeniably, concerns are raised by conservationists in the museum world until more of a  track history has been laid for the latex prints. The concern is raised when there is proof that there will be no impact upon the artifact or cultural object from latex inks. The longevity or archival properties of latex printing is also a significant concern. My observation is that new latex ink technology meets and will exceed conservation concerns.

Below is a list of issues most likely raised by museum conservation departments.

#1- Protecting the lifespan of artifacts and irreplaceable history when sharing the same space as latex prints.

#2- Odor or odorless off-gassing.

#3- Consistency of high image quality, as sharp in detail and color reproduction.

#4- Definitive archival properties of the latex ink with a chosen substrate.

#5- Comparable budget.

#6- Any improvements, such as durability or environmentally safe materials employed.

 

As background, lightjet prints are laser-exposed images printed onto traditional photo paper, then developed in standard photo chemistry. Those who value archival properties, understand proper fixing and a two wash bath do the job. Black and white paper prints should last for at least a hundred years, we’ve been told. Color prints are not quite as stable. The dyes in the color prints can degrade in direct sunlight and heat, and its resin-base plays a role. The use of latent silver in B&W, and the implementation of photo chemistry had not been under the cloud of suspicion simply because it once was the only solution available. It has been known that ambient moisture, atmospheric pollutants, direct water contact, and finger prints (will etch) will degrade image quality.

Today’s method of exposing the latent image has changed, from an enlarger with enlarging lenses and condensers; to the use of lasers. Image setters by Durst and Cymbolic Sciences, expose with red, green, blue lasers, producing a sharpness with an apparent resolution of 4000 DPI.

It should be noted that the manufacture of image-setting equipment today is no longer. Operators still employing image-setters  are forced to commit to expensive monthly premiums with yearly maintenance contracts, while continuing to employ the use of photo chemistry. Maintaining photo chemistry active with today’s lower production volume (due to high use of inkjets) proves to be a challenging. Chemistry expires quickly when not actively used. So it becomes expensive to keep dumping and mixing fresh batches of photo chemistry. And on that note, when one becomes more environmentally aware, realizing photo chemistry is not eco-friendly product; then inkjet technology should be considered.

Most museums requesting “true” photo prints based on the knowledge of their archival properties and sharpness. Black and white paper prints can last up to 100 years or more, and do not off-gas. Worth considering are that inkjet prints can last up to 108 years for color and over 200 years for black and white under rigorous testing.HP, the manufacturer of Latex inks, makes the bold claim that indoor latex print displays will resist fading, up to 200 years, and outdoor latex prints can achieve up to 5 years of display permanence, un-laminated. HP Lab also states that unless under intense UV light exposure, that neither UV rays in sunlight nor ozone will dramatically affect print permanence in latex inks. Prints produced with pigments, such as is the case with latex prints, will last longer (than those produced with dyes). All testing was performed by the HP Image Permanence Lab and/or by Wilhelm Imaging Research, Inc. on a range of HP media. Latex prints are also non-combustible and nonflammable, according to HP data. They are odorless prints. No hazard warning labels are required when handling. They require no special ventilation, even when being printed. They have received the UL label of the ECOLOGO and the GREENGUARD ratings. Check globalBMG.com/hp/printpermanence for specific test results. (It should be noted, that HP Labs claim that these results are only meant to be used as guidance, and that due to the high number of media available on the market, they are unable to provide true warranties.)

Latex inkjet prints are produced with water-based inks onto various receptive latex substrates. These include: photo paper, vinyls, polyester, and vinyls. These water-based (aqueous) inks are considered eco-friendly; and this should be an important feature to consider.

The exact components are: pigments to form the image, latex particles for the durability, and the ink vehicle is made of water and additives.  An ink droplet dries on the surface of the substrate when the water evaporates. The benefits to this efficient technology are the inks are water-based. HP claims to have developed a proprietary polymer to work with the pigments to give these pigment inks a high durability. HP latex inks are a breakthrough in technology, as they does not produce VOC’s nor the former solvent odor; latex wins over solvent for indoor printing. Latex prints are scratch resistant. Laminating the print will increase the durability of the print. This also allows one to modify the look of the print (glossy or matte); as well as it increases the rigidity of the print.

Museums are contaminant aware, and  understandably so, as contaminants can pose a threat to their collections. The standard that keep museums aware is something called the Oddy test. The museum industry in Britain came up this procedure in 1973. Being aware that even strong housekeeping products like bleach or ammonia could contribute to the deterioration of collections, they determined a method to test for safety in and around art objects. It was noted that acids, formaldehydes, and other fumes can damage, if not destroy, artifacts when placed in close contact with such off-gassers. A sample of the material in question is placed in an airtight container with coupons of different metals- silver, lead, and copper. A small amount of moisture is left added to the container and heated to 60 degrees for 28 days. Naturally, this is set against a control test to determine if it is suitable to be around art objects. The point of placing the metals in there is because each metal determines a different set of corrosive agents.” ( * as per Wikipedia on the Oddy test)

To my knowledge, to-date, there have been no Oddy tests performed on Latex inkjet prints. However, aqueous-based latex inks, offering high-resolution, highly durabililty, NOT producing any fumes, yet lasting to 200 years, should be up for consideration in the museums everywhere!

If you are interested in acquiring latex inkjet prints, please contact info@photoworksgroup.com