The latest Epsons have a black overcoat embedded somehow, that according to reports of printmakers on these forums makes a real improvement both in black density and optical smoothness.
As for the Lucia Pro inks, the longevity depreciation, is significant, not a slight change.
Apart from Aardenburg, which is the most reliable and capable resource, Wilhelm’s test show the same exact thing. I believe you would have to check his tests done on the various Canson media that was sponsored by the paper manufacturer, not the printer companies. That is an interesting comparison of the original Lucia pigments As in the 8300-8400,etc., the new Lucia Pro ones in the 4000, the older Epson K3 inks, the improved Epson pigments of the P series printers and , and the HP Vivera inks. Hp beats them all and has a fade consistently through all the hues, Epsons new ones are second apparently due to a much improved yellow, and The new Canon a distant third and a real step backward. In the beginning Canon even had these bad results on their website until everybody started talking about it and they removed that info.
What I would not put too much stock in is “years of display” as this is totally dependent on how much light will be hitting them and for how long. Prints shown in public display often have much more exposure of light intensity and can fade much much faster. And as well, prints stored in dark storage can last a lot longer.
John
Mike, what do you mean by black double printing technology. I hadn't heard about that and couldn't find anything googling that term.
