| Abstract: | AbstractThis project examines the lightfastness of prints created with the most commonly used digital technologies (inkjet, color electrophotography, dye sublimation and digital press) along with prints created using traditional technologies (color photography, black-and-white electrophotography and offset lithography). The inclusion of traditional prints provides benchmarks for collection care professionals to better gauge the significance of the results. In this study, prints were subjected to two types of lighting used independently to simulate daylight through window glass and artificial indoor illumination. Five aspects of light damage were assessed: fade in the mid-tone neutral, fade in the darkest neutral tone, paper yellowing, changes in paper gloss and text readability. In general, digital prints were less sensitive to light than traditional prints; but each digital printing technology produced at least one sample that performed worse than its traditional benchmark in at least one of the aspects of light damage studied. Therefore, it is recommended that cultural heritage institutions strive to provide the most benign environment possible, taking display practices currently in use for traditional prints as a minimum starting point for the care of digital prints. Close monitoring for signs of change is also recommended. |
