One thing I've noticed since doing some research into print permanence and printer/ink selection: the most popular printer that most pro photographers recommend - various models of Epson with pigment inks - has the lowest print permanence ratings of the three big guns, HP and Canon being the other two (see:
http://www.wilhelm-research.com/Canson/canson_infinity.html amongst others). HP, on the other hand, consistently has significantly higher ratings - more than twice as long as the same paper with K3 w/Vivid Magenta, Epson's latest greatest ink set. For example,
- Canson Satin RC = 221years for HP; 116 years for Canon and 88 years for Epson;
- Canson Baryta Photographique = 160 years for HP; 69 years for Canon; 45 years for Epson.
Please do not respond with "that's longer than I'll ever live" because that's not the point. When we sell prints, they are meant to last for as long as the owner has it, not how long we live!
So, this begs three questions:
How much of your decision about which printer to purchase is based on print permanence? Should we collectively be placing more emphasis on it that we have been?
Are those who use Epson (including myself) at a significant disadvantage? If by recommending Epson, are we putting brand name ahead of the real-life data? Or is print permanence really not an issue? i.e. Is 45 years for Canson Baryta long enough? (99 years under UV filtered glass).
How much of your decision regarding paper is based on print permanence? I realize that there is more to paper-selection than permanence (e.g. D-max,base colour, etc.; the paper has to suit the photo), but I notice, for e.g. that Canson RC paper has longer permanence (Satin = 88 years) than Rag Photographique (69 years), Platine (53 year) or Baryta (45 years) - three favourites of the print-selling crowd. Obviously, UV filtration makes a huge difference, but overall permanence is still relatively longer with RC.
What gives?? This data flies in the face two "maxims" I continue to read about from pro printers: that of whole-hearted endorsement of Epson and that of the "museum quality" 100% cotton rag, no OBAs schtick. Comments?