Fade resistance testing: Red River Paper and the Epson 2200 (UltraChrome™)
| Paper | Estimated Print life (no glass protection) |
Red River Estimation of Print life with Glass Protection |
|---|---|---|
| Polar Gloss | 35 Years | 58 Years |
| Polar Satin | 33 Years | 55+ Years† |
| Polar Matte Papers | 48 Years | 80 Years |
| Premium Matte Papers | 55+ Years† | 80-100 Years |
† At the end of testing, no observable fade was recorded. A print life beyond 55 years is probable.
Display Life Predictions assuming 450lux for 12 hours per day.
Summary
Beginning with the Summer 2003 round of tests, our lab added six new fade parameters to more accurately predict print life.
| Parameter | Patch that experienced failure | End-point where failure is noted |
|---|---|---|
| Magenta Fade | Red | 30% loss |
| Yellow Fade | Red | 30% loss |
| Cyan Fade | Green | 30% loss |
| Yellow Fade | Green | 30% loss |
| Cyan Fade | Blue | 30% loss |
| Magenta Fade | Blue | 30% loss |
Every item printed with the 2200 UltraChrome ink scored above 30 years as we expected. When glass protection is added, you can probably acheive between 55 and 100 years print life. It is helpful to note that virtually all major manufacturer's print life tests are done with the benefit of glass protection. Red River is one of the few to offer "raw" data regarding what happens to prints left out in the open.
Conclusions
The Epson 2200 is a remarkable printer that offers print life that meets or exceeds the needs of most professional photographers.
As always, Red River is not making any guarantees regarding how long your print will last. As noted, there are many environmental variables that can effect your print's life. You can be as careful or loose with where you display inkjet prints. It is obvious that Epson's UltraChrome system offers outstanding quality as well as what is considered standard photographic life.
*All tests conducted at the Image Permanence Institute of the Rochester Institute of Technology
Last updated: May 17, 2019
