Home printing - keeping the colour safe for years to come

[TEAMYAKIMA]

Hi

 

I am home printing and I am concerned that I need to spray the prints with something to prevent colour fade over the years.

 

I've seen a artists fixative (is that the word?) being recommended but was stunned by the price when I've seen it in Hobbycraft - I only have a few sheets that might need treating and the price per sheet was horrendous - one spray can would do 1000 times what I need.

 

I use Testors dullcote for my plastic models and also have some clear car spray as well.

 

So my questions are

 

1. Is it necessary to coat the prints to prevent fade?

 

2. If so is that dependent on the paper quality? I've used both matte photo paper and plain copier paper.

 

3. Would Dullcote or car acrylic do the job?

 

Thanks

[sdw7300]

Hi

 

I am home printing and I am concerned that I need to spray the prints with something to prevent colour fade over the years.

 

I've seen a artists fixative (is that the word?) being recommended but was stunned by the price when I've seen it in Hobbycraft - I only have a few sheets that might need treating and the price per sheet was horrendous - one spray can would do 1000 times what I need.

 

I use Testors dullcote for my plastic models and also have some clear car spray as well.

 

So my questions are

 

1. Is it necessary to coat the prints to prevent fade?

 

2. If so is that dependent on the paper quality? I've used both matte photo paper and plain copier paper.

 

3. Would Dullcote or car acrylic do the job?

 

Thanks

 

Not tried it myself but would this stuff be any good?

http://www.photopaperdirect.com/products/Creative-Paper/Inkjet-Fixative-Varnish-Spray-Glossy-400ml.html

 

Can be found for just over a tenner delivered on ebay.

 

Alternatively, I've used any old cheap rattle-can varnish (poundshop specials) for sealing printed brickwork. I cannot comment on ability to prevent light fade as it's not been that long, but as long as you build up several light coats, it works well as a sealer. 

Edited July 5, 2017 by sdw7300

[raymw]

What are you doing with the prints? How long do you want them to last? What type of printer? What quality of paper are you printing on? What ink are you using? How many prints you dealing with? What size of print?

 

If you are looking for cheap and easy, just reprint it when the original fades.

[Izzy]

I'm afraid everything fades over time, just that the materials used with archive type classed stuff is supposed - treat it with caution - to take more time to do so. Sprays/varnish that resist fading just slow down the process. Some printer inks and papers are meant to do the same, but whether they make a real difference, erm, only time will tell.......

 

Izzy

[KNP]

I have experienced fading over a few years of printed brickpaper and this what I now use to protect.

 

 

The other thing I would recommend is good quality photo paper and manufacturers ink.

[leopardml2341]

I had this recommended to me - not used it myself as yet, but the chap who recommended it said that he has some printed buildings 'protected' for over 7 yrs without noticeable fading.

 

https://www.mediarange.de/en/products/packaging_accessories/accessories/index.pmode/modul,detail,131/index.pmode

 

The website above makes the claim:

 

"Permanently preserves your images without fading"

 

Must be good then

[alfsboy]

I shot a photo of Norwich Cathedral at the dawn of  cheaper digital in  2002 ish  and printed it with Epson inks on Epson paper and its been hanging in my hall ever since and hasnt faded.its not in direct sunlight though .

[Chubber]

Agree re Epson Dura-brite inks.Non run, permenant.

 

When they stock it, Lidl waterproofer for shoes and anoraks is perfect for keeping out the damp, etc, but I imagine any 'shoe and clothing protector would do the same.

 

Do not expose any printed medium to direct sunlight.....

 

Doug

[CourthsVeil]

Agree fully with Chubber's advice, but don't know whether shoe protector etc. will prevent fading. 

 

As has been said:only time will tell.

 

If one wants to enjoy such prints for quite a time one should not rely on cheap stuff.

Some varnishes may change colour of the print immediately (don't ask how I ... )

 

Another possibility: let them print out by a laser printer (copy shop etc.).

No sealing needed, resistant against damp, nonsolvent glue...

 

HTH

   Armin

Edited July 25, 2017 by CourthsVeil

[Antony Farrell]

If you really want the card and paper buildings to last for years you would also need to use acid free papers and card. This sort of paper is easy enough to get but I don't know whether you can get acid free card.

[Chubber]

If you really want the card and paper buildings to last for years you would also need to use acid free papers and card. This sort of paper is easy enough to get but I don't know whether you can get acid free card.

AFAIK reputable mount card is acid-free. Given the cocktail of chemicals in the adhesives we use, I'm not sure it makes much difference for card armatures but to a limited extent should prevent the texture paper material from yellowing.

 

Doug

[Chris GH]

I have experienced fading over a few years of printed brickpaper and this what I now use to protect.

 

292.JPG

 

The other thing I would recommend is good quality photo paper and manufacturers ink.

Like KNP I use Windsor and Newton Matt UV varnish to protect the printed papers used to construct the Scalescenes Models BEFORE construction as it also stops the ink running when it comes in contact with the water based card glue (PVA). I apply a couple of coats via an air brush with a large jet fitted

[14Steve14]

I use a thinned matt varnish that i brush on to the card model before making, and once complete. The first light coat prevents finger marks, and the second seals all the edges. The tin has been used for years but I never have any problems with colours fading. Saying that the layout is in the roof of my garage and never sees the sun or natural light. I have several superquick cards that were made 30 odd plus years ago, and they still look good.

 

I have tried all types of spray varnishes and inkjet fixatives and most seem to work to some degree or other.

[Kelly]

ModPod should do the trick. It is used to seal decopauge work (effectively printed paper on card or other objects/materials). It is a formulation derived from PVA and dries clear and is available in a number of different types, a pot lasts a good while ime.