Inkjet printers are versatile devices widely used to print images, and capable of exceptional quality and precision. In this article, we'll explore how inkjet printers work, the advantages of Inkjet printing, and why it's essential to handle inkjet prints delicately.
We also offer Silver Halide printing at Queensberry which is a different printing method. Click here for a description of silver halide printing.
How inkjet printers work
Inkjet printers operate by spraying tiny droplets of ink on to a substrate such as paper to replicate a digital file. Here's a simplified overview of the process:
The inkjet print head has numerous small nozzles that spray ink onto the printing surface. Inks are typically delivered from a separate ink cartridge for each colour (cyan, magenta, yellow and black) to allow precise colour mixing and image reproduction.
The printer is controlled by a computer (or internal electronics) which moves the print head across the paper and controls the precise location, amount and colour of the ink sprayed onto the paper to replicate the image. The ink is absorbed by the paper, resulting in the final printed output.
One major advantage of inkjet printing is the variety of substrates that can be printed on. We’ll discuss the ones Queensberry offer below.
A word of warning! Inkjet printing is capable of exceptional quality but not all prints (or printers) are the same. Much depends on the capability of the equipment, its maintenance and colour calibration, the quality of the paper stocks and inks, and the skill of the operator.
Paper stocks
Queensberry offer a variety of substrates in lustre and matte finishes, and paper, cotton rag and canvas based.
Lots of choice! As you’ll see there’s plenty to choose them, but we recommend you limit what you offer customers to avoid confusion.
Inkjet Lustre. The primary advantage of lustre printing (personal preference aside) is that the output replicates the look of true photographic (silver halide) printing, which has a history of over a hundred years and the trust that it’s built up over that time.
Matte printing. The non-reflective surface of matte prints minimises glare and reflections, making them ideal for viewing under different lighting conditions. They add their own “perceived value”, being commonly associated with fine art and professional photography, and they complement a wide range of artistic styles and genres.
Smooth or textured surfaces. We offer both. The difference is largely one of personal preference.
Cotton rag. Choosing cotton rag over paper based stocks will also add perceived value, but at added cost. However all our stocks are conservation quality.
Canvas. Most of our canvas printing goes into stretcher frames, but it’s also available for standard framing or as loose prints. The stock is a cotton-polyester blend for an ideal, stretch-free printing surface.
Handle and display inkjet prints with care!
While inkjet prints offer exceptional quality and versatility, they are more delicate than Silver Halide prints and require careful handling to preserve their appearance and longevity. Here are some tips for handling inkjet prints delicately:
1. We recommend that prints be framed, bound into an album, or in mats, preferably in a folio box.
2. Avoid touching the surface: Handle them by the edges to prevent fingerprints, smudges, or scratches on the surface.
3. Avoid exposure to sunlight: Display them away from direct sunlight or harsh artificial light sources, as prolonged exposure will cause fading and discolouration.
4. Frame them behind UV-protective glass to block harmful UV rays and minimise the risk of fading or deterioration.
5. Because your professional inkjet prints are both delicate and costly, if you’re not presenting them as recommended above please store them in conservation quality sleeves, folders or portfolios to protect them from dust, moisture, and other environmental factors that can degrade their quality over time.
Alexandria
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