The Iris printer will accept virtually any flexible, water-accepting medium less than 10 mil thick. With limitless possibilities as far as color, surface, and size, this includes glossy, matte, and semi-matte papers, coated acetate, translucent backlit film, watercolor and printmaking papers, canvas, leather, silk, and coated fabric. Our favorite paper is Somerset Velvet Radiant White, which we have found to be the best Iris printing sheet ever. Its makeup permits excellent ink retention, while its radiant white allows for extremely clean and pure color. We invite you to choose something from the wide selection of acid-free papers we have on hand. We also encourage you to furnish any other unique paper that you feel would best enhance your work.
At the time of your order, we will discuss the type of finishing
you will require. Borders are an important aspect of printmaking
that can often add greatly to the presentation of a finished piece.
The majority of medium-sized prints have a 1-1/2" to 3"
border. It is often effective to add a large border to a small
print, or a small border to a large print.
A second finishing
item is the deckle edge- the place where the paper, whether mouldmade
or handmade, ends. Keep in mind that handmade papers have long,
feathery deckles, while mouldmade papers typically have two natural
deckles and two cut sides. We are experienced in tearing sheets
to create a natural looking deckle edge. Of course, you may simply
choose to have us cut the edges of your prints.
Unlike the more traditional printmaking techniques which
use pigments, Iris prints are made from dyes which, by their nature,
are fugitive and, therefore, subject to fading. Classic does not
use Iris dyes, since the custom inks we choose to use offer up
to 80 times more longevity (currently rated at 65-75 years on Somerset at
450 LUX, 12 hours per day) and, we believe, greater color accuracy
and richness on fine art papers. As an option, we also offer
an exclusively formulated overcoat that utilizes the most effective
ultraviolet light absorber (UVA) available, plus an advanced Hindered
amine light stabilizer (HALS) which, in our opinion, is even more
important, as it combats fading caused by indoor lighting,
a problem few even address. The coating is inert; its presence
is virtually undetectable, and it gives the most effective treatment
available. (Testing is currently underway as to the extension this coating
adds to the life of the print.) An Iris print treated in this manner should
be afforded the same care as an original watercolor or pastel, and will
exhibit as much permanency.
If you anticipate the need for additional prints at a later date, at your
request we will store your image at its final print size only on CD,
free of charge. Additional sizes will incur additional costs. (See Archival
on pricing page.)
