Archival C-Type Print

To be truly archival a C-Type print needs to be washed thoroughly with warm water to ensure that all the bleach used when processing is removed. This is why mini-lab prints cannot be classed as archival as a stabiliser is used instead of washing. Spectrum exceed the manufacturers guidelines by using a three stage washing system to ensure the highest archival properties are achieved.

Archival Giclee Print

Here at Spectrum we use only the highest quality acid-free Giclee papers, and genuine fade-resistant, archival Epson pigment inks.  When tested by the international testing facilities (the Wilhelm Institute and Aardenburg Imaging) these inks were ranked within the top three of all archival inks currently in production, although choice of media can also alter the final outcome.

Archival Mounting

Archival mounting is a process of mounting a print or photograph to a material that will not degrade over time and where the print will not suffer degradation due to the mounting process. It does not mean it is reversible or removal. We use a PH Neutral adhesive mount film, making it compatible with sensitive papers. Not all materials that we mount to are classed as archival – materials such as Display Card, Foamboard, PVC and MDF contain acids and by-products that will break down over time, however, Dibond, Aluminium and Durospec (Perspex Reverse Mounting) are fully archival and will last as long, if not longer than the lifespan of your print.

Archival Framing

Archival framing does mean fully reversible. This would include archivally sound materials such as 100% cotton rag mountboard (standard with Spectrum), UV stabilised glass which should be kept off the artwork by way of a window mount or fillet, and hinging the print with acid-free, lignin-free hinging tape, meaning the print can then be easily removed if desired. Should you desire to have your print dry mounted to ensure it doesn't sag or ripple over time due to moisture levels in the air or other such causes, mounting to Dibond would be advised before framing. This mounting is however not reversible.

What does archival mean?

Archival; archivally sound - A non-technical term that suggests that a material or product is permanent, durable, or chemically stable, and that it can therefore safely be used for preservation purposes. the phrase is not quantifiable; no standards exist that describe how long an "archival" or "archivally sound" material will last.

Archival Printing at Spectrum

All C-Type and Giclee prints made at Spectrum are produced to exceed the manufacturers recommended guidelines for permanence, and as such when stored appropriately will exceed a lifespan of at least 70 years. For more information on the lifespan and archival qualities of each, please see the Wilhelm Institute or Aardenburg Imaging websites www.wilhelm-research.com www.aardenburg-imaging.com.