Digital BW, The Print

Mark wrote:

> ...
> That's the first instance I've heard of for humidity-induced fading.

I think we've known for some time that humidity accelerates many aspects of image deterioration, but the potential magnitude of humidity as a variable surprises me.  I'll definitely be doing some further testing to see how other combinations do in my "swamp" (?) jar.

Bob Zeiss, who was (probably still is) an excellent engineer and experimenter, felt that bleaches could be used for accelerated fade testing. I'm not sure what bleach he uses, but one that operates based on oxidizing the stains seems logical.  One experiment I may try is to add a percentage of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2 -- see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrogen_peroxide ) to the water.  It's extra oxygen should accelerate the oxidation induced fading even more than just 100% humidity and whatever else was in the jar's air & water at the moment.  The closed jar with water and possible additive(s) in it would seem to give a way to get very even exposure to samples for good A v. B comparison.  Some quick and dirty way to test for sensitivity to oxidation seems useful.



> ... I understand you are experimenting with solvent modifications to the Claria Black dye, ...

Yes, and that is clearly a variable that I'll looking at soon.

I'll also test the HP Vivera dyes -- much to be done, but not much time right now.


> ... All in all, dye based inkjet is problematic ...

Yes, but the images dyes can put on high gloss substrates must be seen to understand why this effort may be worth the work.  Eboni will remain my fine art medium of choice.  HP Z3100/3200 PK + MIS glop looks like the best I can currently do for a practical neutral glossy pigment.  So for glossy display that is my top contender.  

This dye exploration is for short term, high impact, non-glazed uses like cards and brochures.  I do also wonder, however, what a hanging sheet of metallic paper would look like with lights intentionally set up to reflect shimmering highlights on viewers -- 3D without the glasses.

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com