Dye-based inks

Dye, unlike pigment, dissolves completely in solution (pigment-based inks leave tiny particles floating in the solution). This means that dye-based inks are entirely absorbed into the paper that they are printed on – the image is in fact a highly controlled stain. The resulting images can thus appear very slick and even, with a vast range of subtle colours and extremely fine detail. However, dye-based inks are more susceptible to the harmful effects of UV light than pigment-based inks, and should be kept out of direct sunlight. And since they are soluble they should also be kept away from water, which causes them to run. Images printed with archival dye-based inks onto archival paper will last for at least 70 years if stored in the proper conditions.

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Pigment-based inks

Pigment, unlike dye, is a powder made up of tiny granules that will not dissolve completely in solution. This means that pigment-based inks leave particles of pure colour bonded to the surface of the paper that they are printed on. The resulting images can thus appear very rich and physical, densely saturated in colour –…

Selenium process

Selenium gelatin photogram: see photogram and selenium toning. Selenium toned gelatin print: See silver gelatin print and selenium toning. Selenium toned photogram: see photogram and selenium toning. Selenium toning: A type of toning using the metal selenium to replace silver salts. Used both for the aesthetic benefits of a slightly warmer tone and greatly improved archival properties

Silver type prints

Silver salts Silver salts are light sensitive chemical compounds. When exposed to light – either in a camera (in the case of film and negatives) or in the dark room (photographic papers) – the silver salts react by darkening in proportion to the amount of light reflected from the subject. Silver bromide Print Silver bromides…

Lambda Print

Regarded as one of the best digital printers. It uses three lasers (Red, Green & Blue) to print digitised images onto traditional photographic paper. This allows consistent reproduction of large run editions with the same quality as traditional print techniques. This process typically uses C-type paper. Lambda on crystal archive: see Lambda and Fuji colour…

Heliogravure or photogravure

Also known as heliogravure, photogravure is arguably the finest photomechanical means of reproducing a photograph in large editions. Copper plates are acid-etched directly from an original silver print; the etched areas then hold differing amounts of ink in order to correspond to the tones of the original print. If prints remain untrimmed, the impression of…