HP DJ 130 and Humidity?

Michael_OHara · #1 02-22-2005, 08:34 PM

Aloha.

I've been following discussion of the HP DJ 130 and would love to use one in Hawaii. The only issue remaining for me after handling two HP test prints is how susceptible are HP archival papers to ambient humidity over time? A dab of moisture melted the coating and ink immediately on the test prints. This is a concern as Hawaii experiences moderate humidity year round. I'm a Fine Art Photograper whose work ends up displayed in residential and commercial space. Unfortunately, most homes and many businesses aren't air conditioned in Hawaii. I fear that the paper's coating might swell and that print quality might begin to soften over time even if framed under glass.

Is there any first hand experience on this list from someone who works with the 130/30 in a similar climate? Is this a valid concern?

I've written Wilhelm Research Labs asking when their humidity tests for the 30/130 series printers might be completed but haven't received a reply. Doubt that I will.

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Steven_Haber · #2 02-24-2005, 01:49 AM

I really wanted to like the 130nr. Based upon your post, I put two drops of water on the sample glossy print provided by hp and two drops of water on an Epson 2200 premium glossy print which I had printed. The ink and coating on the hp print started to dissolve immediately. When I blotted the hp print, the ink and coating stuck to the paper towel and everything came up all the way down to the base. I not only blotted but also rubbed the Epson 2200 print. Nothing happened at all except that the print was dry after I got done rubbing. The surface was undamaged and I could not tell where the water had been. While I'm sure I would be comfortable doing a poster on the 130nr, I think I would be very uncomfortable printing fine art or any saleable print.

I don't think it is so much a question of humidity as it is a question of how fragile the prints are. If you had a print in a glass frame in even a slightly huimd environment any substantial lowering in temperature would cause condensation. If there is condensation, your print would be ruined before the moisture had a chance to evaporate. If the print were not in a glass frame, the surface is so fragile that it might no survive anyway.

Just my thoughts.

Steve Haber

Michael_OHara · #3 02-24-2005, 05:59 PM

Thanks Haber, just about sums up my fears as well. I want to like this printer but this single issue just won't go away. I could use other papers but then you loose the archival quality. Bummer.

Michael_OHara · #4 02-24-2005, 08:26 PM

Talk about a nice birthday present!

I applied online for a 30 day free trial of the HP DesignJet 130 printer. I got a call from HP's screener today, Graphic Intelligence Agency, and they're recommending me for acceptance into the program. I'll know in 7 days. If accepted I'll get the DJ130 printer free for 30 days. Not enough time to answer all my questions about humidity and the Tropics but maybe enough to get some insight. I'm just glad I won't have to spend my $1500 to find out. I'll post more here as things develope.

Bill_Foote · #5 02-25-2005, 05:32 PM

Whatever this counts, i ALWAYS Lacquer-Spray my prints, whether matte, semi- or full glossy, or even Canvas. I think that allowing any printed image exposed to air is asking for trouble.

I advise clientas that they can then clean their print with a soft cloth dampened in water with a tiny bit of clear dishwashing detergent added. This has never failed me in a quarter century!

Bill/SOB

Michael_OHara · #6 02-25-2005, 06:34 PM

Bill, which spray lacquer do you recommend?

Bill_Foote · #7 02-26-2005, 12:57 AM

Spray Lacquer? For general use, not meant to be "Archival" I just use Ace Hardware glossy. 1/3 the price of others, and just as good. For archival customer use I go with Premier, or Lacquer-Mat, Lyson, or Bulldog, depending on what surface. Check out http://www.inkjetart.com/ for its reccommendations, listed as to what medium.

I also NEVER put glass over my artwork, since the glass causes reflections, lost contrast and color, and also traps whatever contaminents behind the glass e.i. formaldehyde from the wood, solvents from paints, etc. All these chemicals can have a deteriorating effect on the ink or paper surface, in my opinion.

Bill/SOB