3/22/04

Quick Tips for Higher Quality, Longer Lasting Digital Photos

Today, the way we document our lives is quickly changing. According to the Photo Marketing Association, 2003 was the first year in which Americans purchased more digital still cameras than traditional film cameras. But many amateur photographers do not realize that most computer printer inks are not moisture resistant, and digital prints are more likely to smear, run and fade than traditional photos.

Fast–paced Americans love the instant gratification offered by digital cameras, and the images are easier to manipulate, reprint, and share versus traditional film and prints. Photos of a new baby or new house can be sent almost instantaneously cross–country or around the world with just a few clicks on a mouse.

Printing your own photos is easy, too. Digital technology lets you select only the best photos, enhance them right on the computer screen, and print them from your home printer. But to ensure long-lasting photo quality, archivists say certain steps should be taken. That's why Krylon has introduced a spray–on digital photo and paper protectant called Preserve It!™ that doubles the life of digital photos.

Preserve It!, protects digital images from early aging and makes them resistant to moisture and UV fading. Krylon products are the choice of leading artists and fine institutions for the preservation of priceless artwork, and Preserve It! enables consumers to use some of the same advanced technology to preserve their home photos.

Easy–to–use Preserve It!, available in matte and gloss finishes, dries quickly and its clear formula will not alter the finished photos. Preserve It! also extends the life of images printed on the highest quality paper with the highest quality ink and will work on traditional photos, too.

To be sure your photos are of the highest quality and last for years to come, Krylon suggests the following tips:
  • Set your camera to the highest possible resolution and lowest compression settings.
  • Purchase the highest quality printer, paper and inks that you can.
  • Choose the right paper for your printer. (Preserve It! showed excellent results with papers from Kodak, Avery, IBM, HP, Epson, JetPrint, Great White and Xerox.)
  • Practice first, before the next big occasion. Test different papers and inks, and experiment with different printing resolutions and camera settings to determine which one will deliver the results you want.
  • Do not display photos in direct sunlight.
  • Store your photos in a cool place, away from high humidity. Basements and attics are two of the worst places to store precious photos and other papers.
  • Use a photo preservative, such as Preserve It! for all of your digital and traditional photos.

Preserve It! will also help safeguard computer-generated address labels, inkjet greeting cards or journaling text, important household documents and even business presentations. For more information, call 1–800–4–KRYLON (1–800–475–9566) or log onto www.krylon.com.