As with traditional photos, proper care will minimize color changes and maximize display life. For indoor display, Epson recommends that prints be framed under glass or placed in a plastic sleeve to protect the prints from atmospheric contaminants like humidity, cigarette smoke, and high levels of ozone. And, as with all photographs, the prints should be kept out of direct sunlight. For proper storage, Epson recommends that your prints be stored in a photo album (or plastic photo storage box) in acid free, archival sleeves commonly available from most camera shops and other retailers.

The test conditions are reported more fully on the Wilhelm web site with new information regarding potential ozone contamination.

Epson has received inquiries from users regarding a color shift on some prints by Stylus Photo 870/875DC/1270 printers on Epson Premium Glossy Photo paper. We have discovered that such color shifts are possible in unprotected display conditions due to atmospheric contaminants, particularly high concentrations of ozone, and are not due to exposure to light. For display conditions where protection of prints from atmospheric conditions is not possible, Epson recommends Epson Matte Paper-Heavyweight or Epson Photo Paper, which are more resistant to ozone and other atmospheric contaminants.

By taking the steps described above to protect prints from direct sunlight and contaminants, you can preserve your photos for many years.

History of Lightfast Prints

Since the introduction of the first Epson Stylus Color printer in 1994, Epson's goal has been to improve our printers to the point that prints have the image quality of traditional silver halide photos. With the introduction of the Stylus Photo 1200 printer in 1998, many professionals felt we had achieved or surpassed that goal.

While Epson has rapidly advanced its Micro Piezo printing technology to set new standards for photographic print quality, lightfastness (the resistance of prints to light induced fading) posed a technological challenge. Our research department began working on this issue in 1994, and this year we introduced two solutions, one with Archival Ink for professional applications and one with dye-based photo inks for Epson Stylus Photo 870/875DC/1270 printers. The new Epson Stylus Photo printers produce prints on photo papers with greatly improved lightfastness. Tremendous excitement was generated among photo enthusiasts when this new technology was introduced to the market this year. A digitally produced, gallery-ready print would now last for many years when properly stored or displayed.

Epson's leading edge improvements in lightfastness generated a greater focus by Epson and others on other potential causes of color shifts. The effects of ozone and similar contaminants on ink jet prints have not been well understood because ink jet prints were previously so susceptible to light induced fading. Now Epson is now vigorously investigating the effects of ozone and other contaminants so that we can offer users even longer lasting, more durable photo prints.

Epson's new line of Epson Stylus Photo 870 and 1270 printers have justifiably been received as innovative products that offer the best available solution for desktop photo printing. With the information provided above, you can produce lightfast prints to enjoy for many years with proper display or storage.