How long will my Giclée print last?

Archival Fine Art Printing

The inks and papers we use are made by top manufacturers. The inks are pigment, not dye based, the papers are of required archival standard. If displayed under normal lighting conditions and the normal precautions are taken, a print can last approximately 200 years in a photo album, 80-years on display behind glass (light fastness) and 50-years without the glass (gas fastness). Any pigment or dye, whether it be in an original painting, fine art print, photo print, paint, fabric etc. will fade more quickly if exposed to direct UV radiation i.e. sunlight.

The professional archival pigment inks we use offer accurate colour reproduction and enhanced print longevity. This significant longevity is possible because pigment-based inks, which are made from finely ground powders suspended in liquid, are not water soluble, dry quicker, and bind with the paper fibre to make them more resistant to fading and UV damage. They have a greater scratch resistance and colour stability, making them ideal for archival printing and preservation.

As our prints are not varnished or sprayed, they should only be considered water or smudge resistant. Treat them the same as you would an original water colour or pastel.

There are proprietary varnishes and UV protective sprays on the market which may be used to enhance the durability of your prints. Be sure to check that the product is compatible, follow the instructions carefully and we would always recommend a test first, just to ensure that everything is working properly.