A straight answer about archival life, backed by independent UKAS testing and the most durable inks and papers made.
We use only pigment-based inks — never dye — printed onto papers that meet archival standards tested by an independent UKAS-accredited laboratory. In plain English: your print is built to outlast the wall it hangs on.
Stored out of direct light in an album or archival box, a giclée print can survive for around two centuries — longer than most things in most museums.
Under normal indoor lighting and behind glass, our prints are rated for around 80 years before showing noticeable fading — the light-fastness measure.
Displayed without glass, a print will still last around 50 years before atmospheric pollutants begin to take their toll — this is the gas-fastness rating.
All figures are based on normal indoor display conditions away from direct sunlight and extreme humidity.
At the heart of our print longevity is the Canon LUCIA EX pigment ink set — a 12-colour system including photo grey, photo cyan, photo magenta, and both regular and matte black. Unlike dye inks, which sit on the paper surface and fade more readily, pigment particles bind deeper into the paper fibre and are naturally more resistant to light and air.
The result is a wider tonal range, truer neutral greys, and the archival life figures above. It's the ink choice that has made giclée printing the professional standard for fine art reproduction.
The archival figures above assume sensible display conditions. Like any original painting, a fine art print responds to its environment — here's how to give yours the best chance of reaching those numbers.
Any pigment or dye — whether in a giclée print, a watercolour, oil paint or fabric — will fade more quickly when exposed to direct UV. Display your print away from south-facing windows and direct sun.
Our prints are not varnished or sprayed, so treat them as you would an original watercolour or pastel — water or smudge resistant, not waterproof. Handle by the edges and keep them away from damp.
Proprietary varnishes and UV-protective sprays can enhance durability. Always check the product is compatible with archival inkjet prints, follow the instructions closely, and test on a sample first.
Our sample pack includes prints on every paper we stock, plus a calibration print so you can judge our colour work and paper quality for yourself.