Lightfastness EN

Simulation of a color photo discolored under the Influence of Light (Ultraviolet rays).

What is Lightfastness?

Lightfastness is the property of a dye that indicates the extent to which the dye is influenced by light (ultraviolet rays).
Some dyes undergo a chemical change under the influence of light that makes the colors lighter.

Photo prints and their Lightfastness

Most photos, such as those developed in chemical baths, fade after a few years. On this page we try to explain in a simple way why some prints discolor and how to prevent this. Dyes that do not discolor are called "Lightfast".

ISO standard 9706 = 200 years of Lightfastness

As a result, an ISO standard was established out of necessity (ISO 9706).

This contains specifications to which photos must conform that can be used for at least 200 years under normal everyday conditions.

This norm is considered today by most museums and galleries as the standard.

The logo is the Infinite symbol in a blue circle, accompanied by the ISO 9706 identifier.

Fine Art Inkjet Papers from Hahnemühle and Canson with ISO 9706 standard

In addition to ordinary photographic papers, producers of quality Photo Papers such as Hahnemühle and Canson sell a range of artistic Fine Art papers that meet the ISO 9706 standard.

Authentic produces an extensive range with these papers. You can find them in ‘Diasec A la Carte’ and Photo Prints.

Elsewhere on this site they are designated by the ISO 9706 logo.

Solution: Epson ISO 9706 Inks and Printers

Epson is a manufacturer of printers with associated inks that both comply with ISO standard 9706.

You should therefore not only use ISO 9706 papers, you should also have ISO 9706 inks and printers.

AuthenticPhoto uses such ISO 9706 Inks and Printers.

Diasec finishing in accordance with the ISO 9706 standard

Once the photo has been produced on ISO 9706 paper, it must also be finished to the same standard.

Diasec is the ideal adhesive product for the ISO 9706 standard. That is why Diasec is adopted as an ISO 9706 standard by world-famous image artists, museums and art galleries.

For gluing and presentation, do not use any products that contradict the ISO 9706 standard. Mounting photos with an adhesive that does not respect the ISO 9706 standard, for example.