Inkjet prints are great for photos and color images but have a tendency to fade rather quickly. However, it's a simple task to stop this from happening. The best way to prevent or at least limit the fading process is to use ink and paper that complement each other. This means that the chemistry of the ink and the chemistry of the paper determine the quality of print. For example, use photo paper for photo prints; typical paper will yellow far quicker than photo paper. There are typically two forms of photo paper available, swellable and porous.

Swellable paper works best for longevity as it allows the ink under an exterior layer and its dried underneath. This protects the ink from light and air which discolor and fade colors. Porous paper, although faster drying, allows the air and environment to come in direct contact with the image and colors causing faster fading.

Ink is up for debate as to which type is better suited for color preservation but the consensus is that dye based ink is better for photo longevity; both HP and Epson agree on this. The dye based ink performs better under common conditions than pigmented ink due to its basic structure and properties.

Ink and paper alone will not preserve all of the end user's prints; additional life can be added to the prints with the use of framing and mounting. By placing the print in a framed and mounted setting the print is exposed to less light, air, and humidity factors leading to the degradation of color. The mounting will help keep the print flat and expose all of the image or photo to the same amount of light and environmental conditions keeping it consistent throughout. The glass or plexi-glass covering shields the print from the elements. Mounting the print with complimentary colors will keep even a faded print looking newer as the colors of the mounting and mating will add to the overall depth of the print.

Lastly, an user can adjust the colors of the actual printing process to deliver more or less color in each print. A simple printer utility will enable the user to set color preferences. Every printer on the market has a preferences control for aspects such as automatic color calibration, color adjusting, and custom settings. Setting the color saturation to a higher level will increase the overall color in the photo or image print which reduces the fading effect proportionally—which means the fading will be less severe as there is more color to be faded. Using all of these methods will ensure the longest life of an inkjet print.

LINKS:

A List of Basic Solutions to Inkjet Print Fading
Inkjet Longevity Tests
Testing Results for Five Different Types of Paper and Five Different Types of Ink on Inkjet Fade Tests
Life Span of an Inkjet Print
How to Stop Prints from Fading
Understanding Printer Color Management
Changing Default Color Settings
Information on Different Inkjet Paper Types
Inkjet Paper Tips
Dye Based Ink vs. Pigment Based Ink
Photo Printing Tips
Tips to Keep Prints from Fading
Tips for Framing
Print Framing Tips and Tutorials
Inkjet Mounting Tips

When printing a web page using a inkjet cartridge or a color laser toner cartridge it is important to first calibrate the printer. Extensive documentation can be found from the printer manufacture to help you with this. 

This was written by Printerinks.com, your home for printer inks and laser toner.