kirsty-anne

For a quick overview on archival quality prints, take a look at our FAQ page. There are many terms used to describe the archival quality of inkjet papers and every artist wants their work to stand the test of time. The problem is that there are many contributing factors when considering the archival quality of an image printed on inkjet fine art paper. The first thing to consider is the paper itself The term acid free has long been associated with archival quality when it comes to paper, but historically this terminology has only applied to the base paper without any type of coating applied. The base material should be manufactured using pure alpha cellulose fibre, pure cotton fibre or a combination of these two materials. This will ensure that the paper base is pH 7 or above (acid free). A paper that contains lignin cannot be acid free as lignin is a naturally occurring acid within plant fibres. It is the lignin content in newsprint paper which causes it to yellow and go brittle over time. For inkjet papers the coating must also be considered in combination with the base materials. The coating is applied to the surface of the paper base to ensure that the ink is absorbed just the right amount. Once a coating is applied, the pH value (acidity) of the entire paper changes. The only way for this to be addressed is for manufacturers to ensure that the coatings used on their papers are as close to acid neutral as possible and to supply the pH value of the total paper (base and coating) rather than just the base. The second thing to consider is how the image is printed [...]

Last month the Innova team was in London for the 8th edition of Moniker International Art Fair. Moniker Art Fair 2017 was buzzing with activity from a full programme of talks and events and Innova’s inkjet fine art media took centre stage for multiple exhibits. In the installation hall, US mixed media artist Ian Kuali’i created a large scale installation from hand cut Innova art paper. Visitors to the fair could walk through and around the exhibit -becoming a part of the art. Surrounding this impressive sight was some of Ian’s stunning original artwork: mixed media collages overlaid with paper cut outs, as well as a whole series of repurposed spray cans, each with their own paper cut out applied. On the Innova Art stand, the walls were adorned with reproductions of unique collaborative pieces created by a Los Angeles based trio: photographer Jim McHugh and urban artists Big Sleeps and Prime. Utilising McHugh’s polaroid photographs of Los Angeles, printed on Innova FibaPrint® Ultra Smooth Gloss 385gsm (IFA 49), Prime and Big Sleeps use their own distinctive lettering styles to work over the top and create urban artworks inspired by the new noir scene in L.A. The Innova team also took part in their own collaboration as part of the show. Teaming up with Moniker Art Fair and London based artist Mr. Frivolous to release a special print edition. Commissioned specifically for the fair this year the artwork, drawn by Mr. Frivolous, celebrated the east London art scene. The print edition was printed on Innova Fabriano Printmaking Rag 310gsm, part of the Innova Editions range and given away for free to fair attendees. At selected times of each day, Mr. Frivolous took up residence on [...]