The proliferation of inexpensive digital cameras and the increased
use of color scanners, has allowed us to store photos on our computers
to a degree not even imagined three years ago. While the digital
images will last forever, the same is not true of the prints you
make. Color printed photos have a life span related to the ink's
stability over time, as well as the paper used for printing.
If your printouts need to last for years, use acid-free paper.
It's the acid in paper that makes it yellow and causes it to become
brittle and crumble over time. As for inks, their enemy is ultraviolet
(UV) light. Exposure to sunlight and, to a lesser degree, light
from incandescent and fluorescent lamps causes the ink to fade.
Some manufacturers, including HP, make UV resistant inks. But it's
still preferable to keep printouts in a drawer or box that's cool
and dry. If the printouts are for long-term public display, you
have the luxury of re-printing them from time to time because you
can save the file on your computer.
