TL;DR: Archival pigment inks are the gold standard for fine art and photography printing. They provide exceptional color accuracy, water resistance, and fade protection, ensuring prints last for generations.
Professional artists and photographers know that every detail matters when reproducing their work. The inks used in printing can make or break the result. To capture the true essence of an original piece, you need to use the highest-quality materials available, starting with archival pigment inks.
At The Stackhouse Printery, we use archival inks in all of our Giclée Fine Art Prints and Photo Prints. These inks produce stunning color, unmatched detail, and long-term durability that keeps your work looking as vibrant as the day it was created.
What is archival pigment ink?
As the name suggests, archival pigment ink is made to last. It consists of solid, opaque pigments suspended in a liquid base. These pigments provide color through microscopic crystalline particles that sit on top of the paper surface rather than soaking in. Because of this structure, archival inks are far more resistant to fading and discoloration than standard dye-based inks.
Why should artists use archival pigment ink?
Archival pigment inks are formulated for longevity and performance. They resist UV light, moisture, and environmental damage, which means your prints maintain color accuracy for decades. For artists and photographers who want their work to endure, archival pigment ink is the professional standard.
In short, these inks ensure your art remains beautiful, consistent, and protected for the long term. Below are a few reasons why they are worth the investment.
1. Archival inks create long-lasting art prints
Standard inks often begin to fade within a few years. Archival pigment inks, on the other hand, maintain their vibrancy for generations when properly stored or displayed. The crystalline structure of the pigments provides exceptional color stability, making these inks ideal for museum-grade reproductions.
2. Archival inks provide stable coloration
These inks form a strong, chemical bond with the paper surface, ensuring consistent color over time. When combined with the precision of Giclée printing, this stability helps your artwork resist warping and moisture damage while preserving fine tonal transitions.
3. Archival inks deliver intense, accurate color
Archival pigment inks reproduce colors and tonal variations with incredible precision. The pigments reflect light differently than dyes, producing more natural highlights and deeper shadows. This makes them especially effective for fine art prints, photography, and pieces with subtle gradients or detailed textures.
4. Archival inks resist fading and water damage
Because they are highly resistant to UV light, humidity, and water exposure, archival inks ensure your prints retain their integrity even in challenging environments. They are perfect for art displayed in homes, studios, or galleries with varying lighting and moisture levels.
The Stackhouse difference
At The Stackhouse Printery, we specialize in creating museum-quality reproductions that stand the test of time. Our Giclée Fine Art Prints and Photo Prints are produced with archival pigment inks, premium papers, and advanced color management to achieve exceptional detail and accuracy. Each print is made to showcase your art exactly as you envisioned it.
Ready to experience the difference archival pigment inks make? Request a Free Media Sample Set and see the quality for yourself.
