DVD's printed with Epson R200 -- How long before fade?

[Tekken]

I've spent a while reading the R200 threads (quite a few) here, but I haven't seen anyone mention how long before the discs will begin to fade? Basically I'm wanting to know how long it is before the discs look bad. I don't want to goto all the trouble of printing these, just for them to only last a couple of years.

BTW, I've already got an R200 and have printed approx 40-50 discs. But depending on the replies to this, I might not print to the discs any more. I'm using the TY 8x DVD-R hub printables from RIMA.com.

[qbol]

i also have an R200 but cannot give you an answer because i havent had it long enough.

but i recently got a colour protection spray http://www.isp-proshop.de/trade/productview/522/113/, i bet your discs will look good a lot longer if you coat it with a few layers. even just for water protection...

[averyisiah]

Well, like I said in my other posts, Epson ink has one of the best lasting quality, better than Canon & HP for photos, as long as you have a quality cd/Dvd it should be the same, it says up to 100 years...so half that so I would say about 40-50 yrs as long as it stays away from sunlight and high and low temp. changes...

[Tekken]

100 years? Wow.. that's longer than what I'd expected. If that's true, then I will keep on printing DVD's. I guess if you use Generic cartridges, then the life span isn't as long?

[sync]

Longevity is dependent on both ink and paper. I doubt that the paper coating used on a DVD disc is as high quality as top notch photo paper. I don't know of anyone that has tested this.

Generic inks usually do much worse on longevity tests.

[junkmalle]

And those quoted lifetimes are for image protected under glass and never exposed to sunlight, even indirectly. Stick one on your refrigerator door and it will be obviously faded in a year.

[yellowsugga]

Well if you store the DVD's in those black DVD cases, and they never see light, unless taken out and used to play in the DVD player, they should never fade right? So just don't store them in a clear case where light might affect it.

[dun4cheap]

The ink that I use in my R200 is UV resistant plus they are sealed. Not that I have equipment to test this, if properly taken care of and kept away from harm (Sun and Rain) it should last a very long time.

Of course this is my opinion. BTW Disc that I printed last year, appear to still be holding the same lustre as the ones I printed yesterday.

[Bodyslide]

I took out a few of my DVD's I printed on over 2 years ago with my Epson 900 and they look the same as the ones I have just printed. They have been stored in Jewel Cases. In my office in the basement.

[That Bastid]

The disc will go bad long before the artwork.

[Skith]

Two other factors that can affect fading and discoloration: Humidity, and exposure to gas (ozone is the worst offender).

The other thing to keep in mind (as stated above) is the coating/medium to which the ink is applied. The quoted 100 years is only for epson's heavy weight matte paper (Archival Matte is only for the Photo 2000P and 2200P and some of the very high end pro lovel printers, Standard Heavy Weight is for dye based inks, etc. see epsons website for paper specifics).

Glossy papers are typically RC (Resin Coated) and made of a plastic like material. The coating is actually a gel which bonds with the ink. While the ink may appear to be try uppon exiting the printer, the ink is still sitting on top of the gel layer. Over a period of 12-24 hours the ink is "cured" (sinks in and bonds with the gel). This is why most glossy papers say not to stack fresh prints (unless an absorbant seperator sheet is placed between prints to absorb excess moisture).

Because of the porous nature of gel (it has to be so the ink can be absorbed) glossy prints (or prints on any plastic substrate) will be more vulnerable to moisture and airborn pollutants that matte (fiber based) mediums.

If you actually read all that, I am impressed! Go reward yourself with a cookie or something!

good luck!

[ultraman36]

Hey dun4cheap i pm you but here what i wanted to know hi question where did you get your inks from and what type of ink do you use for your R200 that is uv resistant? I have an r200 and am looking to make my dvds smudge/water proof Is the quality different from the origanal epson inks?

[dun4cheap]

I purchased a CIS system for mine which has worked flawlessly. I purchased it from a local computer fair for $99 and it came with UV ink. I still coat my discs with krylon or Patricia Nimrock Clear sealer.

here is a link to the cis system www.ink4inc.com however their online prices seem to be a great deal more than at the computer fair.

[ultraman36]

Opps sorry dun i just sent you a pm again didnt see this posting how many full color dvd do you get before you need to refill