What is a pigmented digital print?

Pigmented digital prints use the power of computers to give the artist a 'digital darkroom'. After scanning processed film into a computer. I process the scanned image using a variety of techniques to achieve an image that conveys my artistic vision of the original scene.

To create the final print, I use a sophisticated digital printer that sprays very fine particles of color onto heavyweight fine-art paper. This produces a richness and depth of color not possible on traditional photographic papers. The resulting image is often compared to a watercolor painting.

Pigmented digital printing is a relatively new photographic process. In the early 1980s, artists began using simple inkjet printers as an experimental new media. Unfortunately these dye-based prints had relatively short lifespans, often measured in years. In the past few years, major breakthroughs have been made in the durability of the prints. All lenscraft prints are designed to have the highest archival potential possible. Through the use of acid-free 100% cotton rag papers and archival pigments, our prints can be displayed for over 150 years before noticeable fading or changes in color occur. If you store your prints in the dark, you can expect them to last well over 200 years!

How can I protect my print?

If you choose to frame your print, I recommend glazing using ultraviolet-resistant plexiglass. I prefer plexiglass because it will not shatter and puncture your print if dropped.

Never mount your print to foamcore. Instead, sandwich the print between 'window' and backing matboard using archival-quality corner mounts. Make sure your matboard is also p.H. neutral. I recommend using 8-ply front matboard so that there is generous airspace between the print and the glazing. (It also looks better.)

If you don't frame your print, then store it flat between sheets of archival-quality paper. When you're not enjoying the work, keep it in a cool, dark, dry place.

As with all works on paper, you should keep the piece out of direct sunlight. Halogen 'picture lights' are also a bad idea... They look great, but halogen light is very high in ultraviolet and will accelerate the aging of your fine art. (If you do use halogen lighting, as I do, put an ultraviolet filter on the bulb.)