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View Full Version : Inkjet Photo Prints...how long to dry?


GT40sc
09-24-2004, 05:22 PM
Does anyone have a reliable method for drying inkjet photographic prints?

My local camera shop told me just to wait 24-48 hours, and I have been doing so....However, even after a day or two,I still find that prints with lots of dark ink are very difficult to dry completely.

I am making a "family journal" with some of my Dad's photographs. But under the protective cover sheet in the photo album,many of the prints are "blotchy" or wet-looking in dark areas, even after 48 hours of air-drying.

Perhaps there is also a humidity issue...if I peel back the cover sheet and then replace it, the "blotches" will disappear for a little while.

I am looking for an old-fashioned type of album where the photos clip into place, and no cover sheet is used. Glue is not practical in this case, as we are dealing with nearly 100 8x10s. And I would still prefer that the prints be protected...even the "archival print preservers" from the camera shop still show this "wet/sticky" effect...

I have also been told not to bother with inkjet prints at all, and just have the camera store make "real prints" instead...But aside from the "bleed" I am very happy with the print quality (just a Lexmark Z-52) and I want to do it myself. My Dad was a professional photographer, and this journal is my way of remembering him in life...

So, what say you? "Give it to me straight, Doctor. I can take it..."

thanks in advance,

Michael
09-24-2004, 07:22 PM
..it's the paper quality, use glossy, it dries much faster...I printed some matte and glossy labels, the matte took days, the glossy hours!

GT40sc
09-24-2004, 08:49 PM
Thanks, Michael.

I should have mentioned that I am using glossy photo paper...so far I've tried Kodak, Epson and HP; I have not noticed if any one of them is "quicker-drying" than the others...

Michael
09-24-2004, 10:46 PM
Thanks, Michael.

I should have mentioned that I am using glossy photo paper...so far I've tried Kodak, Epson and HP; I have not noticed if any one of them is "quicker-drying" than the others...

HP is usually a fine product...I've had good luck with all their papers.
So, are they dried yet?:)

GT40sc
09-24-2004, 11:13 PM
well, they *look* dry, but it's only been 5 hours for the current batch...

I'll try to wait until tomorrow afternoon to put this project together. The true test comes when the pages are assembled under the plastic sheets.

Sckott
09-24-2004, 11:20 PM
Some glossy paper is "tacky" for a long time before you can frame it.

If you frame it too soon, it will stick to the glass like tape and look funny. Leave it to dry for 2 hrs or more....

Michael
09-25-2004, 01:15 AM
well, they *look* dry, but it's only been 5 hours for the current batch...

I'll try to wait until tomorrow afternoon to put this project together. The true test comes when the pages are assembled under the plastic sheets.

..even store developed photo's sweat under those clear plastic holders...usually harmless.

-=Rudy=-
09-25-2004, 07:58 AM
I wonder if the ink matters. That's one reason I avoid ALL off-brand ink in my printers: there's no telling what kind of quality is in the knockoffs. Price isn't an issue, as one set of ink carts will last me more than a year--I don't often print anything.