Store Paper Properly
Store your inkjet paper in a closed box (original packaging preferred) until you are ready to use it. Protecting the paper from light, swings in humidity, dust, and atmospheric contaminants is important.
Handle With Care
Handle the paper by the edges or underside to avoid damaging the coated surface. Try to avoid touching the printable surface of an inkjet paper. This is especially true of photo base papers like glossy and satin. Oil, dirt, and other contaminants can alter the inkjet coating which could adversely effect print quality.
Keep It Clean
Watch for dust and debris. Because inkjet paper is not packed in a "clean room" environment, there may be dust or paper debris on the coated surface. If left there, you may see blemishes or white blank spaces on your printed image.
- Fan a stack of paper before putting it in your printer
- Use a fine polishing cloth to dust off the surface of paper, especially cotton fine art stock
- Use canned air to clean the interior of your printer often to remove paper dust, etc.
Watch Out for Direct Light
Do not expose prints to direct sunlight. Heat and UV radiation will greatly accelerate fade and paper damage
Keep Them Cool and Dry
Always store prints in a climate controlled environment. 75 degrees Fahrenheit and 50% relative humidity are the benchmarks you should look to when storing prints. Moving air is a big factor in print fade. Try to keep prints in an acid free storage box or print sleeve / bag. Framing prints under glass or acrylic is recommended if you display them. Frame with archival quality materials that are acid free or buffered.
Store Them in the Right Material
If you are going to store prints in plastic bags or sleeves, look for plastic material that is made from biaxially oriented polypropylene. Avoid using any materials that contain polyethylene or plasticizers which can cause rapid yellowing of your paper. Sources like Frame Destination offer a good selection. |
