Digital BW, The Print

> However, I believe (and it is a gut feeling) that it would be better to put
> most Piezo prints behind UV blocking glass.  I checked tonight and the
> manufacturer of my glass states 97% UV rays blocked.  I bet that is better
> than a typical home sprayed on misting of a polymer that has "some" UV agents
> in it.  

UV rays aren't the whole story...particularly with pigments.  With dyes UV
is the main enemy.

> In addition, the glass "encapsulates" the image

Glass does not protect the print from air...which is what coating does.  Air
in the end is an essential ingredient to fading.

> and protects it from a variety
> of other detrimental factors....sharp objects

(glass breaks and ripes print)

>, poking fingers, 

(glass cuts fingers then rips the print)

> kids with 
> crayons, spaghetti sauce (you never know where those prints go),

I know exactly what I would say to the buyer of one of prints that wanted
another copy because of either of these...but I can't repeat it here.

> hairspray 
> and perfume (again you never know)..etc...

A good point for those essential bathroom prints...glass...absolutely...but
it does trap hummidity against the print...lost an etching that way...
> 
> I also think the matte surface of black carbon inks on matte cotton paper is
> sensual...meaning that you can "feel" surfaces with your eyes...so that skin
> looks like skin etc...


Absolutely, but you can't see the matte surface behind glass.

> Finally, by not putting anything on the paper but the carbon ink, I have no
> fear of "coatings" turning yellow, cracking etc...

Yep...your only fear is the print simply disappearing.

Robert