Digital photo printing | Digital printing | Prints

Digital Photo Printing - How To Insure You Get Quality Prints

Now that you have purchased a fine quality digital camera and finally got that great shot of the baby that you would like to get enlarged and framed, how do you know the digital photo enlargement you order from that online printer willlast without fading?

A good price is nice, but in the world of digital printing, there is a world of difference in the quality and archival properties (non-fading), of digital prints. Differences range from the quality and weight of the photographic papers, to the type and durability of the inks used. The greatest difference may be in the actual print quality, or printing resolution, of the digital printer. All in all....a basic general knowledge of the differences out there can be the difference between a beautiful framed image and a complete disappointment.

Photographic papers for digital prints range from very light weight, economical papers, to professional grade, heavy weight durable papers. Economical papers range from 5mil to 7mil thickness and can be damaged by creasing very easily. Because the resin coatings on these economical papers are thinner, the printed image may not be as stable and durable, which can result in color shifting in the print. If you are looking for a one time use with a photo, this may work for you.

If you are expecting your photo enlargement to last for many year with a vibrant dynamic image, I would always recommend using the professional grade photo papers. These papers will be of 10mil thickness and rated with a weight of 250gm.

The type of inks used in digital printing have the most to do with your photo print lasting for years without fading and color shifting. There are basically two types of inks, dye inks and pigmented inks. Pigmented inks are produced from organic materials and will last the longest with the greatest UV and stability protection.

The final, and most important point related to high quality digital prints is the print resolution or printing dpi of the digital printer. Generally, the higher the printing resolution, the finer quality the print. Higher resolutions will produce a fuller, more detailed image, close to what's refered to as "solid tone" printing. Many printers use systems with 600dpi or 1200dpi resolutions. These will produce nice prints, but for the finest quality digital prints, you will want to find printers with higher resolutions like 1440dpi or 2880dpi. These will produce the best visual prints.

As a rule of thumb, you will want to deal with printers that offer a satisfaction guarantee. If a printer does not guarantee their work, how good can it be?

by Mike Kruske