SOFTWARE
In order to match an original, you need exact control over each color channel. This is not possible in an RGB workflow. RIPs such as Wasatch and
ONYX offer these independent controls. Accuracy in color matching almost requires color management software such as Monaco or Color Blind. These softwares are not the solution to color matching; rather they are a necessary tool to get you closer.
PAPER
Your papers need to be acid free, mold made papers. If the paper has a natural color tint, you’ll have no pure white to work with. For the IRIS, we’ve settled on Somerset and Arches. For the Roland, we recommend coated
Somerset and
Hahnemuhle Etching paper. These feed well and carry the longevity and color gamut necessary.
CANVAS
There are quite a few canvas choices available to you. Canvas without a gelatin surface cracks with time and temperature cycling. Less expensive canvas contains canvas flaws inherent in a natural fiber, volume production, and process. We run BullDog canvas almost exclusively on both the IRIS and Roland and have done so for six years without product failure. Don’t forget, if you’re going to build a business around collectable art, your product will have to stand up over time.
INKS
There is an inherent trade-off between brightness of color and longevity of inks. The best inks give you an acceptable balance between the two. Good choices for the IRIS are
BullDog Inks 4 IRIS and Equipoise from IRIS. The Roland printers offer pigmented inks. Their color gamut is less than the IRIS dye, but the longevity is beyond question. We run
Roland inks and BullDog inks. Both are acceptable for longevity. The BullDog is designed to reduce yellow drag or blooming, a phenomenon that occurs during coating or bouts of high humidity.
COATING
Paper prints can be spray coated to reduce abrasion and protect from misting, which makes the inks run. However, the protection is slight and paper prints should be put behind glass. Canvas prints must be coated to protect from handling and the dreaded housecleaner. This is an important and delicate process because you need the protectant to be tough, but not attack the printing inks. We recommend
BullDog Ultra coating and encourage you to be very careful with coating choices. The material must be completely inert after application or color distortion will occur over time.
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