rdrunner@siscom.net wrote: > Take the original to a Professional Photo lab allow them to shoot a > negative, which will also last in excess of 100 years in the proper > conditions and is already proven technology. Once you have the > negative you can print B/W prints as many as you want and sepia > toning IS NOT a lost art, the professional lab can accomplish this > as well. Be sure to ask if they have the ability to print them on > "rag" paper. This is pure paper fiber without any plastic coating > and will last longer. Also they can make a second tone using > Selenium which will bond with the silver to also prevent aging due > to exposure to the elements. I concur with this. Making a scan of any print may be convenient and easy on the budget, but any copy made this way (especially on that uses color inks) is NOT archival by its very process. Analine dye inks are NOT permanent and will fade rather quickly. ONLY a photographic print ­ preferably one that has been toned with either sepia or rapid selenium ­ is considered archival. The plastic vs paper issue is still under debate as the plastic based prints have not yet been around long enough to positively say that they are archival quality. Since these photo "papers" are made of mylar, the same material professional drafters use to preserve their work, it is probably safe to say tat it is safe, but only the passage of time will be proof positive. Cheers -- <><><><><><><><><><><> Arrowhead Images <aepalmer@a-znet.com> <><><><><><><><><><><> Now, that idea is as hot as a Fourth of July Firecracker!