Roarke’s digital image WINGED MIGRATION
Here at Moosewalk Studios we are frequently asked about the permanence of art created or printed on paper. Comments generally center around “my photo (or print, or painting) is turning brown”. In these cases, it is the result of the paper used not being true “art” paper. The browning effect is the result of the acids found in the products used to manufacture cheap paper reacting with the atmosphere and light. The cheaper papers are usually manufactured from some type of wood pulp which contains natural acids. The wood pulp is then bleached with harsh chemicals to create the white surface. The prime example of this is the paper used to print newspapers and magazines, cheap greeting cards, advertising posters, etc.
Quality art papers, such as those used by watercolor artists and fine art printers, are manufactured using 100% cotton by-products and not the acidic wood pulp. While each manufacturer has its own process, each relies on some type of acid free gelatin to hold the fibers together. Many art papers on the market today are still hand made. Quality art paper, protected from dirt and extreme atmospheric conditions will last decades without deterioration. Museums have works on quality paper that have lasted well over 100 years.
Here at Moosewalk, we use only the finest art papers available. Gary’s watercolors and Roarke’s fine art prints are considered to be permanent works of art. Jokingly, we tell clients that “if the work fades in 200 years, bring it back and we will replace it.”
