Keep Your Photos Looking Like New
Ink technology has improved so much in the last decade that photo prints from your Epson Stylus® T60 inkjet can now literally last hundreds of years, allowing them to be appreciated for generations to come. However as with artwork, printed photos need to be treated reasonably well. Here are some handy tips to ensure they last that long:
1) Only use the inks and media from the same printer manufacturer
The genuine Epson photographic inks used by your Epson Stylus® Photo T60 needs to be printed on genuine Epson photo media to ensure photo longevity. This is because Epson has invested a significant amount of research to design these components with proprietary technology to ensure they work best together to produce the best photo print and longevity results. Therefore, no third party manufacturer can precisely imitate our ink ingredients and formulations, or paper layer compositions to match the results.
2) Allow prints to dry for at least 24 hours before storing them
Even if a photo feels dry a few minutes after being printed, its ink particles below the surface may not have fully dried. Therefore, it is best that you leave them out for at least 24 hours before storing them to ensure complete drying.
3) If possible, laminate photos
Laminating photos (after ensuring complete drying) further protects them from atmospheric pollutants and humidity with a hermetically sealed layer of plastic. Of course, do this only for your favorite photos as lamination can be costly and time consuming.
4) Choose albums with protective paper layers
When storing your photos in an album, choose ones that have protective paper layers. This is to minimise their exposure to the atmosphere when not being viewed. Avoid albums with PVC sleeves as photo papers (especially glossy, swellable and porous media) may stick to them over time.
5) Store photos in dark, low humidity locations
Photos and photo albums should be stored in dark, low humidity conditions so as to minimise damage and fading caused by exposure to atmospheric pollutants and moisture.
6) Frame photos for display behind UV filtered glass and avoid organic material frames
Ultraviolet (UV) light is the main cause of faded photos on display. So, should you want to display a photo, choose frames with UV-proof glass. These come at a premium but are easily available and worth their price as they not only protect your photos but can also be reused. To get UV-proof glass, just inquire with your photo framer. In addition, try to avoid wood or cardboard frames as the small amount of moisture they attract and retain can also damage your photos over time. Metal or plastic frames are better although they may not be as attractive looking.
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