The Importance of Archival Quality Materials to Fine Art Prints
A matted print of Azalea Impressions 1 with its certificate of authenticity
Archival digital prints, are set apart from other photographic prints by the media and inks used to produce them. It begins with selecting an archival grade paper or canvas. Archival media is made to last a longtime without discoloring or deteriorating. Additionally, it is important to look for media that does not add optical brighteners. These are chemical treatments that brighten the colors and increase the overall “pop” of a printed image. The optical brighteners will accelerate the aging process and produce an image that may be less true to the intent of the artist.
The next key component is the ink that will be laid down on the paper or canvas. Archival inks are pigment based and are designed to hold their color over exceptionally long periods of time (100+ years under proper conditions). In the world of professional inkjet printers, the ink is determined by the make and model of printer. Each model of printer is designed to use a specific ink formulation. I selected the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-4100 to be my primary printer. Canon’s LUCIA PRO Ink produces an exceptionally high-quality image and has been archival certified when printed on archive grade media.
Another important component of a fine art print is a certificate of authenticity. The certificate should clearly describe the work, include any warranty, and the signature of the artist, gallery owner, or dealer who is certifying the work.
Matted and Framed Prints
Corolla Sunset, printed on Canson® Infinity Rag Photographique 310 Gsm
My preferred fine art paper for matted and framed prints is Canson® Infinity Rag Photographique 310 Gsm. I was first introduced to this paper by a fellow landscape photographer, Robert Rodriguez, Jr. Once I tried the paper I was hooked. The paper has a wonderful feel in the hand and semi-smooth matte finish, similar to watercolor paper. The paper helps me to deliver the vision I have for each of the images I create.
Once the print has been created it must be properly matted and framed to maximize its longevity and viewing enjoyment. Each print is matted on acid-free archival grade matboard using archival-grade linen tape and adhesives.
The framed prints I offer are black gallery-style hand-finished wood frames with conservation grade UV-filtering acrylic glazing. I prefer acrylic to glass for several reasons. First, it is much lighter weight, making larger frames easier to handle and hang. Secondly, since most of my work is sold at art fairs or here on my website, the framed works must be transported. As such they are at risk for breakage. The acrylic glazing is far less likely to crack or break during shipping. The UV-filtering properties help ensure a long life for the print. The frames are finished with an acid-free dust cover on the back along with hanging wire and complimentary picture hooks. The framed prints are ready to hang right out of the box.
Framed print of Orchid with certificate of authenticity. Note the professional finish to the frame including acid-free dust cover and hanging wire.
Gallery Wrap Canvas Prints
Fine art quality canvas media for inkjet printers became available in the past 20 years. Photographic and digital artists now have the ability to produce works on canvas stretched over a wood frame, much like that of a painter’s canvas. The printing process is the same as printing on fine art paper, but instead of paper, a specially made canvas media is used. The texture of the woven fabric is visible and adds some dimensionality to the print. Gallery wrap canvas prints have quickly become a favorite of art buyers and artists alike. It is much easier and less expensive to produce large format prints as a stretched canvas versus a matted and framed print.
After sampling a few fine art canvases, I chose Breathing Color’s Lyve. I selected Lyve for its ability to render a high level of detail and support a wide color gamut. Further reinforcing my selection, Breathing Color Lyve has received the Fine Art Trade Guild, Blue Wool certification, for 100 years display life.
Unlike fine art paper prints that will be displayed under glazing, canvas prints are typically hung without a glass or acrylic sheet protecting them. In order to achieve the desired life expectancy canvas prints must be coated with an archival grade varnish. Breathing Color’s Timeless varnish is my go-to coating for my canvas prints. Two coats of Timeless seals and protects the print from UV light and mild abrasions.
Download a copy of our Fine Art Print Care Guide
Video showing the making of a gallery wrapped canvas triptych print set.
Warranty and 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
All prints from Chip Freund Photography come with a certificate of authenticity which certifies that the work described is an original digital archival print and guarantees that all descriptions and information are accurate.
I want all my customers to be happy with their purchase and enjoy it for years to come. If you are not 100% satisfied with your purchase of a Chip Freund Photography print, you may return it in “like new” condition within six months of purchase for full credit toward the purchase of another print or full refund of purchase price. No more regrets of buying the wrong size print or discovering the colors don’t work in your rooms as you had intended.
All prints are warranted, if properly framed and displayed to be free from fading and color change for the life of the print. Chip Freund Photography will replace the faded print at no cost.