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HP Photo Permanence and Durability


Photos printed with HP Vivera inks and HP photo papers meet rigorous standards to ensure your memories stay beautiful for generations
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See how your photos stand up to time by using HP’s Light Fade Simulator
Wilhelm Imaging Research shows Original HP inks last longer than refill inks.*  Visit Wilhelm Imaging Research for more information.

What is photo permanence and durability?

Prints that last for generations

Photos printed on HP photo papers using HP inks not only feature better image quality than photos processed by conventional labs or non-HP retail kiosks, but are more resistant to fading caused by light or heat.

 
Durability:

HP designs and tests all of its ink and photo paper combinations for optimal durability.
  • Wet durability: Photos can be damaged when exposed to water or by handling when wet. However, many HP ink and photo paper combinations produce high-quality, water-resistant or waterproof prints.
  • Dry durability: Fingerprints, fingernail scratches and scuffing from stacking pictures can degrade photos. All photos printed with HP supplies are engineered to resist damage from everyday handling.

» View the water resistance.....

 
Permanence:

Wilhelm Imaging Research tests HP inks and papers for the following types of fade resistance:
  • Light fade: Photos can fade or discolor from normal exposure to light.
  • Thermal degradation (dark fade): Photos can fade or discolor even at room temperature over time.
  • Air fade: Ozone and other airborne pollutants can cause photos to fade.
  • Humidity: Humid environments can cause colors to change hue or become less vibrant.

» View the fade resistance.....
Over 100 years with select HP inks

The The Wilhelm Imaging Research display permanence seal on packages indicates that the permanence of HP photos has been tested and certified by the industry's leading independent photo permanence test lab.

See HP & Wilhelm testing for more information.

Unsurpassed Technology

More infomation

HP invests heavily in the research and technology that ensure photos last for generations. HP researchers carefully consider both permanence and durability when they develop new photo printing supplies and expand existing technologies. Permanence refers to how well photos last over time—whether they fade when exposed to sunlight, heat, humidity or airborne pollutants. Durability refers to how well photos resist accidents—such as from spilled water, smudging and fingernail scratches. All HP inks and papers must meet rigorous tests developed by HP and by relevant standardization organizations or independent test labs.
» Inkjet Photo Prints: Here to Stay (310KB, PDF)
» Light fade testing methods: HP Image Performance Labs & Wilhelm Imaging Research (91KB, PDF)

Testing standards

HP uses established, independent test labs such as Wilhelm Imaging Research to test its ink and photo paper products. HP directly participates with industry standardization bodies, such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), which develop procedures that can be used to test and compare products. When third-party testing isn’t possible, or the technology is so advanced that there isn’t an industry standard, HP develops its own set of tests based on HP’s extensive experience in photo printing technology and knowledge of how HP customers use photo prints.

Other links

Learn more about the technology behind:
» HP Premium Plus photo paper
» HP Vivera inks

Rigorous testing for archival quality

Most HP papers are acid-free and lignin-free. However, these terms are not always relevant to coated inkjet papers. The more relevant question is: "How long will the photo last?" This is answered by the tests outlined above. For more details, please refer to "Archivable papers: A report on acid-free and lignin-free paper (213KB, PDF)."

Purchase products/supplies

There are many products and supplies that can be purchased online at HP.com. Check out the different HP photo printers, HP Premium photo papers or HP inks by selecting your country.


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* Light fade under glass simulation based on average results of HP internal tests. Less than one year is the average of all North America refill ink brands printed on refill brands' recommended, or leading 3rd-party photo paper tested in 2006 by Wilhelm Imaging Research display permanence testing (light fade under glass) of leading remanufactured cartridges and/or ink refills for six-ink printing with HP 57- and HP 58- compatible inkjet print cartridges. For more information, visit Wilhelm Imaging Research.
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