When printing art, we hope it will last for decades. Depending on a printer you use, it might or might not be true.

Inkjet printer:  Regular paper will give you about a year of color durability when printed with dye-based inks. Paper is porous and will absorb atmospheric pollutants, which will cause speedy fading. The first colors to go will be red and yellow. Inkjet usually has lower resolution. Also, if the paper is not heavy enough, the ink can saturate it and warp it. Inkjet prints will run or smear if exposed to moisture, such as handling with damp fingers, or sneezing on it. In testing, pictures printed on Epson's Stylus Photo 870 and 1270 dye-based printers were expected to last ten years, according to its manufactures. In reality, if prints are exposed to light or any moisture, changes could be visible within months. No inkjet printer can produce "permanent" pictures, no matter what their manufactures are promising.

Laser:   Laser photocopying produces sharp images in vibrant colors with little or no bleeding. Laser copies are made with toner. Toner is dry ink, which contains color and plastic particles. During the printing process, toner is sealed with heat and is bonded to the paper.   Laser copy toner is not water soluble, so it will not run when handled with damp fingers.

In my opinion, laser is a lot better. The prints last almost for many, many years. (Manufactures claim 100 years, but I am not sure about that.)

1. Inkjet and Laser prints          2. Sprayed with water.

3. After the water was wiped. Notice Inkjet image is severely damaged, while Laser image is pretty much unchanged.

As with all prints, sunlight is the enemy. By protecting your prints you could make them last a lot longer then if they are unprotected.

For best results, always use Acid-Free Paper and maintain your printing equipment well.

Visit my store for quality color laser prints, collage sheets and art supplies