Filtration and Reciprocity Effects on the Fade Rate of Inkjet Photographic Prints

Abstract

In this study, we examine the effects of filtration and reciprocity on the fade rate of inkjet photographic prints intended for display in the home and/or office environment. Test prints on a variety of ink-receiver combinations were subjected to three different illumination conditions: (a) Plexiglas-filtered 5.4 Klux cool white fluorescent (PLIF), (b) Plexiglas-filtered 67 Klux cool white fluorescent (PHIF), and (c) unfiltered 72 Klux cool white fluorescent (UHIF). The primary color patches, secondary color patches, and neutral density patches were monitored at a density of 1.0 above Dmin by status A densitometry at specified intervals of time. Plots of ΔD vs cumulative exposure were fit to either a natural log or linear function, and fade rates were thus determined. The effect of filtration under high intensity lighting conditions and the effect of light intensity (reciprocity) on the different ink-receiver combinations are discussed.