Digital BW, The Print

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "Lutsky, Berel" <berel.lutsky@...> wrote:
>
> You are asking the wrong question here- cast acrylic is optically better, neither plastic is particularly healthy for the print and should always be separated from the print surface by a widow mat, or fillet(spacer) or both - also - both plastics generate static electricity when cleaned/dusted which can if discharged damage the surface of a print - when possible/practical use glass - when plastic must be used be sure to separate it from the print


I'm very interested in your conclusion that static discharge can damage a print directly in contact with acrylic. I get the theory, but have you ever actually seen it happen? The primary reason conservators have always recommended that photographs not be placed in direct contact with cover glazings is that in high humidity conditions ferrotyping will occur where the emulsion sticks to the glass. Some inkjet papers will suffer the same fate, so as a general rule the recommendation to use a spacer is a wise general policy to follow. However, some inkjet papers won't suffer this fate, and a borderless-no overmat look can be very aesthetically appealing in this situation. That leaves the issue of static discharge, damaging such prints as an interesting prospect.  I've never seen it occur.  Just wondering if you have actually witnessed this problem or seen examples of it in the real world of inkjet prints on display?

Kind regards,
Mark
http://www.aardenburg-imaging.com