question about printing your pictures from a pc

[Tiggeroo]

A little off topic, but maybe someone here will know.
If you print them on photo paper, will they last as long as photos you get from a studio? What if you use photo quality printer ink? Does anyone on here know this? Are these photos ok to put in a scrap book?
Thanks guys.

 

[Cricket2]

That really depends on the exact paper and ink. Some papers are just glossy and some are photo quality. Most inks are water based and will not last nearly as long as a actual photo. They are prone to "sway" or "bleeding" over time, especialy if they are not protected. Direct light will also bleach them out very quickly. I can get more technical if you want.

Still, the printed picture will last quite a while. Years in fact.

So I guess the answer to your question is no, they are not as "good". However, the photo on your PC can last forever if stored/backed up properly.

JC

 

[Cricket2]

Whoo-hoo! 1900!

JC

 

[Tiggeroo]

and I can get the photo printer ink. My dd is a senior, and wants to give a bunch of wallets out. The photo studio is ridiculously expensive for their wallets, but sells pc reprint rights for a small charge. I would hate to have her give them to her friends and have the pics vanish in 6 yrs.
Thanks and congrats on the 1900.

 

[Cricket2]

They won't just "vanish" probably ever. They will (most likely) smear if even a speck of water gets on them though. I suppose you can try laminating them, but there goes your cost savings. I'm not even sure if you can laminate them anyway. There are some rather expensive gel type color laser printers that do print in water resistant color inks. Once again though, there goes your savings.

I still haven’t found a jet-based system that is both photo quality and legitimately water resistant. I also haven't looked in a while either. Possibly someone else here knows of one.

JC