Sawgrass’ SubliJet-IQ Pro Photo XF inks for Epson 7890 and 9890 SubliJet professional solutions have earned a print display permanence rating of 64 years from Wilhelm Imaging Research (WIR) when used to imprint ChromaLuxe high-definition photo panels. Designed for and used by fine art and professional photography printmakers, these inks deliver prints that last more than three times longer than those made on silver halide photo paper with other types of photographic ink.

“Sublimated prints on ChromaLuxe HD photo panels are becoming more and more popular in the fine art and high-end photography markets, with several high-profile exhibits recently celebrated in the US, Europe and Asia,” said Patrick McGinnis, Sawgrass’ Director of Product Marketing. “For many printmakers, offering extended print display permanence is a top concern, as the quality and lifespan of the images are incredibly valuable to their customers. Our SubliJet-IQ Pro Photo inks have long been used for sublimating these prints, and we wanted to provide a solution that would greatly lessen the impact light can have on the longevity of a print.”

Sawgrass worked with ChromaLuxe to develop XF inks for increased UV stability, image longevity and performance on ChromaLuxe media. This eight-cartridge set features three black inks - KXF, LkXF and LlkXF – which add extended longevity to prints, in addition to enhanced skin tones, neutral blacks and detail that fine art and photographic prints demand. Wilhelm Imaging Research, the world’s leading independent print permanence testing laboratory, conducted comprehensive, multi-factor print permanence tests under standard interior light conditions on ChromaLuxe high-definition photo panels. The results found extended colorfastness and image permanence of 64 years and more than three times that of prints made on silver halide photo paper.

When displayed, unframed prints made with the latest generation of ChromaLuxe aluminum photo panels are far more stable and longer lasting than Kodak Endura or other current silver-halide papers, including silver-halide prints framed under UV-absorbing acrylic or glass or when face-mounted to UV-absorbing acrylic.

“Very complex interactions take place between sublimation inks and the ink receptive polymer coatings of dye sublimation prints, both during the short, high-heat image transfer step involved in making the prints and, very gradually over time, during the long-term display and storage of the prints,” said Henry Wilhelm, Director of Research at WIR “What a print looks like when it emerges from the heat press tells you nothing at all about how long it will last. You can consider permanence – or the lack thereof – to be the invisible factor in sublimation printing.

“In terms of how long your prints will last, sublimation on metal photo panels is a new and rapidly advancing technology, and all aluminum photo panels – frequently referred to in the marketplace simply as ‘Metal Prints’ – are by no means the same,” Wilhelm continued. “If your lab is using untested products, both you and your customers are flying blind.” Earlier this year, Sawgrass released a formulation of SubliJet-HD Pro Photo XF inks for the Virtuoso 25” 8-Color HD Product Decorating System.

The complete SubliJet-IQ Pro Photo XF solution includes unique color profiles for Windows and Mac OS drivers, as well as popular rip software. All color profiles are optimized for superior image quality in a wide range of applications, including interior signage, fine art and photographic reproduction or high-volume production of personalized gifts and promotional products.