Question about acid-free-ness

[bekkamom0f4]

If I xerox an image onto acid-free paper, is the result acid-free and safe for photos? Or do I need to worry about the toner used? If I print something out with a computer onto acid-free paper, is the result acid-free? Or do I need to worry about the ink? I tried to find an answer to this on the web, but not luck. Thanks for any info anyone has. Bekka

[artistjillian]

Most inks have some archival qualities. You might like to write direct to the manufacturer. Most copiers use a carbon based toner. As long as you use acid-free paper, most people aren't TOO worried about the inks. Especially as some inks are not archival past about 20 years. It is usually their UV qualities you need to worry about. You can get UV sprays to spray on top of prints to lessen any effects of rays. You can also spray a product called 'make it acid free' by Krylon, onto your surface for acid-free type concerns. Hope that helps you somewhat. All products vary, so it's best to either use the sprays, and/or check with your manufacturer. ~Jillian

[bekkamom0f4]

Thanks Jillian. Bekka

[jgoden]

A friend of mine made prints for a gallery she is in, matted and framed them and hung them on a sunny wall, (the south Texas sun in very strong). In only about a month they were faded, enough to notice, (they went from looking bright and beautiful to grey and washed out). She had to trash all of them, (she made over 100). It is possible to get the archival stats for your ink on the manufacturers web site. I am not too familiar with the UV spray and the outcome, but it can't hurt. Also you can use the ink manufacturer the UV manufacturers info to tell your customers what they claim. joyceg

[daughterofgaia]

Epson makes a truly archival ink, but the cartridges are extremely expensive, and apparently the pics don't come out all that well. When I use stuff that I don't want to fade--which isn't always the case, I leave vintage photos alone--I go to Staples and ask for color laser copies. I've read a couple of places that they last much better than inkjet prints, which is all I can make at home. If you have a laser printer, your copies should be fine also. May

[dartnkatz]

You might want to check out the wilhelm imaging research site. wilhelm-research (dot-com) They have more info than you can shake a stick at about printing photos, light fastness, printer inks, etc.

[bekkamom0f4]

The reason I am asking is that I make embellishment bags and I want any paper items I put in them to be safe to use for scrapbooking and collage / altered art. I feel it would be good to be able to say that the paper is acid-free (and possibly lignin (sp?)) free both as a selling point and as a courtesy to my customers. Bekka

[mw-artco]

An instructor of mine once told me that the best way to preserve your art is to become famous because the people in the museum will take care of your work for you (and for free) 😉

[artistjillian]

*giggle*

[meloearth]

I thought someone was giving out free acid :( Oh well, back to work. 😛

[kerryoriginals]

Using acid-free papers and other medias (inks, paints, pens, ect) will certainly help in the long run. Even if only a part of your final product uses known acid-free materials, the finished product will last longer and in better shape because of it. If you are using suspect inks on your prints, then the acid-neutralizer sprays would be an excellant way to improve the longevity of the image. As an artist, it is always a good idea to use the best possible materials that you can. This does not mean it has to be the most expensive, just good quality. 😉

[creatureandape]

if the papers are handled alot they pick up alot of acids from your hands....thus gloves in a museum....

[meloearth]

Man! T'is so tempting to make another silly joke. Ok, I'll go away.

[creatureandape]

i wrote it that way just for you.....

[sue-jim]

I've always tried to use long-lasting materials and methods - saying I wanted my artworks to last at least as long as I was likely to live (so people wouldn't come back to complain) -- since I'm 70 instead of the 25 when I first said that, does that mean I can lower my standards? (no...) Seriously, I remember when acrylics came out and many artists were suspicious of their longevity because they hadn't been around for centuries. Now we're going through a period of getting used to printing long-lasting works on our photo-quality computer printers. Sue "Aunt Acid"