Blue Loon Prints
| Scanning |
| Printers and Inks |
| Papers |
| Longevity |
Printers and Inks
Blue Loon Prints are printed using the top two archival desktop inkjet printers, the Epson Stylus Photo 2200 and the Epson Stylus Pro 4000. These printers use the patented Epson UltraChrome pigmented inks for optimum longevity. Blue Loon also has two Epson Stylus Photo 1280 printers, which use brighter dye based inks, but have a longevity of only about 25 years. Print longevity is covered below.
Papers
Blue Loon Prints You have your choice of several different types of paper. Blue Loon does not use high-gloss ("glossy") paper of the type used by the folks who print your vacation pictures. The high surface reflectivity and generally contrasty appearance of glossy paper detracts from the color vibrancy and softness of Blue Loon Images. The types of paper that are available are made by Epson specifically for their printers.
- Premium Luster: Often used by wedding and portrait photographers, this is a medium glossy photo paper with noticeable texture and moderately high contrast.
- Premium SemiGloss: A bit duller than Luster, smooth with moderate contrast.
- Enhanced Matte: A smooth matte finish which has a softer, more painterly look to it. This is Walt's favorite paper for Blue Loon Images.
- Premium SemiMatte: A true (resin coated) photographic paper developed for the Epson 4000, with a smooth low gloss (matte) finish.
- Watercolor Radiant White: A thick, bright white textured matte paper with the look of fine art papers. A softer look than resin coated papers.
- Fine Art Papers: Thick, museum quality matte papers that remind you of a painter's canvas, sometimes with texture. They are acid free, archival 100% cotton material. Blue Loon does not normally use these papers, but you may inquire about using them if you wish.
As to size, these images are mostly 35 mm slides, so there is a limit to the amount you want to blow them up. Although software exists to scale them up to extremely large gallery sizes, (30 x 40 inches and more), it is probably best not to exceed 16 x 20 inches. Like most images, these are best viewed from a distance, not from a few inches away. The size limitation guarantees that the image still retains detail and sharpness at close range.
Longevity
The estimated longevity for Blue Loon prints is
summarized in the following table. Detailed results for the Epson 4000 printer can be
found here.
These results are for pictures framed under ordinary glass. If framed under
glass which blocks UV rays, the results typically double. Numbers in parenthesis
(typically for fine art type papers) indicate longevity if the paper is sprayed with
Premier Art Spray, which provides an extra layer of protection.
| Paper | Epson 2200 | Epson 4000 |
| Premium Glossy | 56 years | 85 years |
| Premium Luster | 71 years | 71 years |
| Premium SemiGloss | 54 years | 71 years |
| Premium SemiMatte | NA | 67 years |
| Enhanced Matte | 64 years | 76 years |
| Watercolor Radiant White | 92 years | 92 years |
| UltraSmooth Fine Art | NA | 108 years |
| Velvet Fine Art | 58 years | 61 (82) years |
| Somerset Velvet | NA | 62 (166) years |