Cambridge Photography - Archival Quality

The whole objective of using Archival Quality materials and processes is to give your fine art photographic prints as long a life as possible. A long life is determined by little or no fading of colors, no discoloration or disintegration in the paper that the photo is printed on, and no discoloration or disintegration of the mat or other mounting materials.

There are three major factors that determine Archival longevity in a photographic print:

· The light fastness of the pigments or dyes used to impart color to the photograph
· The acid content of the photographic paper and other materials that come into contact with the photograph
· The amount of light and humidity in which the photograph is displayed

Light Fastness:

Color photographers are moving toward digital printing of color photos for a number of reasons: Foremost is that the light fastness of photos printed with pigment based inks is far superior to the light fastness of dyes used in older silver halide processes. Instead of 15 years without fading under normal viewing circumstances, we now can expect more than 100 years.

Acid Content:

Any artist who wants their work to last must be concerned about the acid content of the materials they use. Acid is often used in paper and other materials to bleach those materials and make them white. Unfortunately the acid causes the materials to break down over time and to discolor. Using acid free materials is the only way to avoid these problems.

Amount of Light and Humidity:

This is a factor that is largely out of the artist’s control. Yet, by using light-fast pigments and acid free materials, the artist gives the owner of the art work the best chance for long life. In general, fine art should not be displayed in direct sunlight or in high humidity situations. Quality materials, however, will provide the longest possible life even in adverse light and humidity conditions.

The Bottom Line:

So, why don’t all artists use the most lightfast pigments and acid free materials? The short answer is cost. Pigment based inks and acid free materials are roughly twice as expensive as less permanent materials. Thus, the price that the artist must charge must also be higher to you, the customer.

Yet, as with many things in life, you get what you pay for. Instead of color photographs that may fade in 15 years, you get a photograph that is not likely to fade for 100 years. Instead of a mat that discolors in six months or a year, you get one that may never discolor. Instead of paper and other materials that will disintegrate in 50 to 100 years, you get materials that should never disintegrate if properly handled.

Yes, you pay more, and often the artist makes less money as a result of using Archival Materials. But, you get much more. You avoid the disappointment of fading photographs and framing materials. You protect your investment in fine art. You also know that the artist cares about both his work and protecting the value of your investment.