DSI Digital Silver Prints® Fiber
DSI Digital Silver Prints® Fiber are premium black and white prints on double weight silver gelatin Ilford fiber base photo paper (310gsm). Exposed with light from digital files, processed in photographic chemistry, archivally washed, air dried, and flattened. Features baryta coating on an archival alpha cellulose base and superior silver content for exceptional tonal range and archival permanence.
DSI Digital Silver Prints® RC
DSI Digital Silver Prints® RC are Black and white prints on Ilford RC (Resin Coated) Pearl surface paper (190gsm). Medium weight paper with neutral to cool image tone. Processed in liquid chemistry to archival standards. Lays perfectly flat with beautiful neutral black, white, and gray tones.
Silver Gelatin Printing
Traditional photographic printing method using light-sensitive silver halide crystals in an emulsion on paper. When exposed to light and chemically processed, creates a permanent black and white image composed of metallic silver particles. Silver gelatin prints are known for exceptional archival permanence and continuous tone quality.
Giclée Printing
French term meaning “splash” or “squirt.” Giclée commonly refers to high-quality inkjet printing process using archival pigment inks on fine art papers. Used interchangeably with “inkjet printing” or “fine art inkjet printing.” DSI produces museum quality giclée prints up to 60 inches wide.
Museum Quality Prints
Professional-grade prints meeting the highest standards for color accuracy, archival permanence, and presentation. Produced using calibrated equipment, archival materials, and skilled craftsmanship suitable for gallery exhibitions, museum collections, and fine art portfolios.
Archival Printing
Printing process using materials and methods designed for maximum longevity and image stability. Includes acid-free papers, lightfast pigment inks or stable silver gelatin processes, proper chemical processing, and archival washing techniques.
CERTIFICATIONS & STANDARDS
Hahnemühle Certified Gold Studio
Prestigious certification awarded to print labs meeting strict quality and production standards set by Hahnemühle paper manufacturer. Ensures consistent color accuracy, proper equipment calibration, and technical expertise in fine art printing.
Canson Infinity Certified Print Lab
Official certification from Canson paper company recognizing labs that meet rigorous quality standards for inkjet printing on Canson papers. Guarantees reliable color reproduction and print-to-print consistency.
Optimum Permanence
Highest archival rating achievable for photographic prints. DSI Digital Silver Prints® Fiber have received Certificate of Conformance for Optimum Permanence from Ilford Photo Harman Technology Ltd., confirming prints meet the most demanding archival standards.
ISO 9706
International standard for paper permanence and durability. Papers meeting this standard are acid-free, lignin-free, and suitable for archival preservation with expected lifespans exceeding 100 years under proper storage conditions.
Wilhelm Research
Independent laboratory specializing in accelerated aging tests for photographic materials. Founded by Henry Wilhelm, considered the leading authority on print permanence. Provides scientific data on how long different print types will maintain image quality under various conditions.
PRINTING TECHNOLOGIES & EQUIPMENT
Lightjet 430
Professional photographic laser printer used by DSI to expose silver gelatin paper. Uses red, green, and blue lasers to write images directly onto light-sensitive photo paper, enabling true photographic prints from digital files up to 50 inches wide.
Pigment Inks
Archival colorants composed of microscopic solid pigment particles suspended in liquid. Pigment inks have superior lightfastness and longevity compared to dye-based inks. Professional pigment inks can last 100+ years under display conditions. DSI uses the Canon Lucia Pro pigment ink systems with chroma optimizer.
Dye-Based Inks
Liquid colorants composed of dissolved dye molecules. Dye-based inks are less archival than pigment inks but capable of producing vivid colors. Common in consumer inkjet printers but not recommended for fine art or archival applications.
Continuous Tone Printing
Photographic printing method producing smooth color and tonal transitions without visible dots or pixel patterns. Silver gelatin prints and traditional C-prints are continuous tone. Creates photographic quality distinct from halftone or inkjet printing.
Digital C-Print (RA4 Print)
Photographic print made by exposing light-sensitive color paper (Kodak Endura or Fuji Crystal Archive) with lasers or LEDs, then processing in RA-4 chemistry. Digital C-Print (RA4 Print)are less archival than pigment inkjet or silver gelatin prints. Digital C-Print (RA4 Print) are subject to color fading and color shifts over time, easily damaged by exposure to UV light.
Inkjet Printing
Inkjet Printing is a digital printing method spraying microscopic ink droplets onto paper surface. When using archival pigment inks and fine art papers, produces museum quality prints with wide color gamut and excellent longevity.
PAPER TYPES & SURFACES
Alpha Cellulose
Alpha Cellulose is a long fiber used for making inkjet and silver gelatin photo papers. It can be made from a variety of materials including wood, cotton, and other plant materials. Alpha-cellulose makes an ideal paper base because it is devoid of any of the acid-producing structures like lignin allowing for high quality archival papers to withstand the test of time and remain acid-free.
Baryta Paper | Classic Photographic Paper Surface
Photographic or inkjet paper with coating containing barium sulfate. Creates brilliant white base, enhanced contrast, and classic photographic appearance. Term applies to both traditional silver gelatin papers and modern inkjet papers like Hahnemühle Photo Rag Baryta.
Fiber Base Paper
Traditional photographic paper with fiber (alpha cellulose) substrate coated with baryta layer and light-sensitive emulsion. More archival than RC papers. Requires longer processing and drying time but produces superior image quality and permanence.
RC Paper (Resin Coated Paper)
Photographic paper with polyethylene coating on both sides of paper base. Faster to process and dry than fiber papers. Lays flat without curling. Less archival than fiber but suitable for many applications. Available in various surfaces including glossy, pearl, and matte.
Cotton Rag Paper
Fine art paper made from 100% cotton fibers rather than wood pulp. Acid-free and lignin-free. Exceptionally archival with neutral pH. Traditional choice for fine art prints, watercolors, and archival documents. Examples include Hahnemühle Photo Rag and Canson Aquarelle Rag..
GSM (Grams per Square Meter)
Standard measurement of paper weight and thickness. Higher GSM indicates heavier, more substantial paper. Typical fine art papers range from 190gsm (lightweight) to 340gsm (heavyweight). Traditional fiber base silver gelatin papers and DSI Digital Silver Print® are typically about 310gsm.
Panchromatic Paper
Black and white photographic paper sensitive to all wavelengths of visible light (red, green, and blue). Required for direct digital exposure systems. Must be handled in total darkness. DSI Digital Silver Print® is a panchromatic black & white silver gelatin paper.
PAPER BRANDS & PRODUCTS
Hahnemühle Photo Rag Baryta 315gsm
Premium 100% cotton semi-gloss inkjet paper with barium sulfate coating. Natural white without optical brighteners. High-gloss premium inkjet coating producing stunning prints with outstanding color, deep blacks, and perfect contrast. ISO 9706 compliant for museum quality archival permanence.
Hahnemühle Photo Rag Metallic 340gsm
Heavyweight 100% cotton paper with silvery-shimmering metallic surface finish. Natural white without optical brighteners. Ideal for images with metallic elements, reflections, architecture, and high-contrast black and white photography. Acid and lignin-free.
Hahnemühle Agave 290gsm
Sustainable fine art paper made from 70% agave fiber and 30% cotton. Bright white natural tone without optical brighteners. Rough yet delicate surface texture. Matte premium inkjet coating. TIPA World Award 2020 winner for Best Inkjet Photo Paper.
Canson Infinity Platine Fibre Rag 310gsm
Premium 100% cotton satin surface paper. Traditional platinum darkroom paper now available for digital printing. True pure white tone without optical brighteners. Extremely high Dmax (maximum density) and exceptional gray tones. Ideal for discerning black and white and color photographic prints.
Canson Infinity Aquarelle Rag 310gsm or 240gsm
Genuine 100% cotton rag watercolor paper. Authentic watercolor surface texture and warm white tone. Complies with highest archival standards. Gives unique character to fine art reproductions of traditional artwork and photographs.
Ilford Galerie Digital Paper
Panchromatic silver gelatin photographic paper manufactured by Ilford/Harman Technology specifically for digital exposure systems. Available in fiber base (GDS FB) and resin coated (GDS RC) versions. Used exclusively in DSI Digital Silver Prints®.
PRINT PERMANENCE & PRESERVATION
Archival
Materials and processes designed for long-term preservation with minimal deterioration. Archival materials are acid-free, lignin-free, and chemically stable. Archival prints can last 100+ years when properly stored and displayed.
Print Permanence
Measure of how long a print will maintain its original appearance and image quality. Affected by paper substrate, colorants (inks, dyes, or silver), processing methods, and display/storage conditions. Determined through accelerated aging tests.
Accelerated Aging Tests
Laboratory tests subjecting prints to elevated temperature, humidity, and light exposure to simulate decades of natural aging in compressed timeframe. Provides scientific data on expected print lifespan under various conditions.
Lightfastness
Resistance of inks, dyes, or photographic materials to fading when exposed to light. Professional pigment inks and silver gelatin prints have excellent lightfastness. Consumer dye-based prints and digital C-prints fade more quickly.
Display Permanence
Expected lifespan of print when displayed under typical indoor lighting conditions. Measured in years until noticeable fading or color shift occurs. Silver gelatin and professional pigment prints can exceed 100-200 years display permanence.
Dark Storage Permanence
Expected lifespan of print when stored in dark, climate-controlled conditions. Generally much longer than display permanence. Properly processed silver gelatin prints can last centuries in dark storage.
Acid-Free
Materials with neutral or alkaline pH (7.0 or higher). Acidic materials cause yellowing, brittleness, and deterioration over time. All archival papers, mounting boards, and framing materials should be acid-free.
Lignin-Free
Paper without lignin, a naturally occurring polymer in wood that causes yellowing and deterioration. Cotton rag papers are naturally lignin-free. Wood pulp papers must be specially processed to remove lignin for archival use.
COLOR MANAGEMENT & REPRODUCTION
Color Gamut
Color gamut is the range of colors that can be captured by a camera, displayed on a monitor, or reproduced by a printer. Wider gamut means more colors available. Professional inkjet printers typically have wider gamut than digital C-print systems. Different from color space.
Color Space
Color space is a standardized organizational system for colors. Common color spaces include sRGB (small gamut, web standard), Adobe RGB (medium gamut, photography standard), and ProPhoto RGB (large gamut, professional photography). Files should match printer capabilities.
ICC Profile
International Color Consortium profile. Data file describing color characteristics of specific device (camera, monitor, or printer) and paper combination. Essential for accurate color management. Custom ICC profiles ensure color accuracy in fine art printing.
Color Rendering Index (CRI)
Measure of how accurately a light source reveals true colors of objects compared to natural daylight. Scale of 0-100, with 100 being perfect. DSI digitization system uses LED lighting with CRI of 98 for accurate color capture.
Color Matching
Process of adjusting digital files and print output to achieve accurate color reproduction. Involves comparing prints to originals or reference targets and making corrections. DSI offers professional color matching services for art reproduction.
Calibration
Process of adjusting equipment (monitors, printers, scanners) to known standards. Essential for accurate color reproduction. Monitors should be calibrated regularly using hardware colorimeters. Printers require profiling with specific paper stocks.
Dmax (Maximum Density)
Darkest black a printing or photographic process can produce. Higher Dmax means richer blacks and greater tonal range. Silver gelatin fiber prints typically have Dmax of 2.0-2.3. Measured using densitometer. Important for shadow detail and contrast.
Metamerism
Phenomenon where colors appear different under different lighting conditions. Problematic with papers containing optical brightening agents. Can cause color shifts between daylight and incandescent lighting. Avoided by using papers without OBAs.
OPTICAL BRIGHTENERS & PAPER CHARACTERISTICS
OBA (Optical Brightening Agent)
Fluorescent dyes added to paper to make it appear whiter and brighter under UV light. Absorb ultraviolet light and re-emit as blue visible light. Break down over time causing yellowing. Can cause metamerism. DSI uses papers without OBAs for archival permanence.
Optical Brighteners
See OBA. Chemical additives that fluoresce under ultraviolet light to enhance paper whiteness. Common in consumer papers but avoided in professional archival papers due to instability and color shift issues.
Base Tone
Inherent color of paper substrate before printing. Can be cool (bluish), neutral (pure white), or warm (creamy/yellowish). Affects overall color appearance of prints. Some papers use optical brighteners to shift base tone toward blue-white.
Natural White
Paper color without optical brightening agents. Authentic paper color ranging from bright white to warm white depending on fiber source and processing. More stable and archival than artificially brightened papers.
Bright White
Paper with very white appearance, typically achieved through bleaching and/or optical brighteners. Hahnemühle Photo Rag Bright White achieves brightness through cotton selection and processing rather than unstable OBAs.
PRINTING SERVICES & OPTIONS
Custom Printing
Full-service printing where DSI staff inspects files, performs cropping and resizing, makes color adjustments, and produces proof prints. Ideal for photographers wanting expert assistance. Includes file manipulation and custom sizing options.
Direct-to-Print Service
Our Direct-to-Print Service self-service online printing at discounted prices. Customer handles file preparation, cropping, and sizing through web-based application. Faster turnaround and lower cost. No adjustments or reprints. Recommended to start with Print Sample Promotion.
Value Print Service
Value Print service is designed for photographers who need high-quality small format prints without paying custom printing prices. Value Prints are perfect for editing, evaluation, sharing with family and friends, or when you need better quality than mass market printing services. Value prints are higher quality than basic minilab prints or prints from a big box or pharmacy.
Print Sample Promotion (PSP)
Our Print Sample Promotion is an introductory offer allowing customers to test DSI printing services. Black and white option includes one 8×10 print on both fiber and RC paper. Color option includes one 8.5×11 print on choice of three fine art papers. Includes $25 coupon toward next order.
Proof Print
Test print used to evaluate color, tonality, and composition before final production. Allows adjustments to be made. Standard practice in custom fine art printing to ensure customer satisfaction before printing entire edition.
Chemical Toning
Traditional darkroom process chemically altering silver gelatin prints. Selenium toning adds warm to neutral tones and increases archival permanence. Available on DSI Digital Silver Fiber Prints®.
Selenium Toning
Chemical toning process using selenium compounds to enhance print longevity and add subtle warm tones to silver gelatin prints. Industry standard for archival black and white prints. Increases resistance to atmospheric pollutants.
ART REPRODUCTION & DIGITIZATION
Art Reproduction
Art Reproduction is the process of creating accurate copies of original artwork through digital capture and fine art printing. Involves high-resolution photography or scanning, color correction, and printing on appropriate substrates. DSI specializes in museum quality art reproductions.
Digitization
Digitization is the process of converting analog materials (film negatives and positives, prints, artwork, documents) into digital files through scanning or photography. Preserves originals while creating accessible digital archives. Essential for art reproduction and archival preservation.
High Resolution Digitization
DSI utilizes high resolution digitization professional-grade image capture equipment. DSI uses 150-megapixel Phase One camera with flat field lenses. Comparable to drum scanning quality. Suitable for large-scale print reproduction and archival applications.
Flatbed Scanning
Scanning method using glass platen and moving sensor. Suitable for prints, film, and flat artwork up to 8×10 inches. Mid-tier digitization option. Can handle items unsuitable for pass-through scanners due to damage or irregular edges.
Drum Scanning
High-end scanning method mounting originals on rotating drum and using photomultiplier tube sensors. Produces exceptional resolution and dynamic range. Expensive and slow film can be damaged in this process so it is not used by the Library of Congress and other conservation institutions. DSI high resolution digitization provides comparable quality at fraction of cost and it is a “touchless” process that is approved by the Library of Congress and other institutions known for their conservation processes.
Color Checker
Standardized color reference card used during photography or scanning. Contains patches of known colors. Allows accurate color calibration and correction in post-processing. DSI uses Calibrite Color Checkers in digitization workflow.
Capture One
Professional image capture and processing software by Phase One. Industry standard for tethered shooting and RAW file processing. DSI uses Digital Heritage Capture One software specifically designed for art reproduction and archival digitization.
MOUNTING, FINISHING & FRAMING
Aluma Mount
Aluma Mounts are a DSI product combining fine art pigment print mounted to archival aluminum composite material (ACM). Similar to Dibond. Spray coated with Hahnemühle UV protective spray. Results in rigid, lightweight, museum quality print ready for display.
Dibond / ACM (Aluminum Composite Material)
Dibond / ACM (Aluminum Composite Material) is a mounting substrate composed of polyethylene core sandwiched between two thin aluminum sheets. Rigid, lightweight, and flat. Does not warp. Popular for frameless contemporary presentation and large format prints.
Gatorfoam
Gator foam is a rigid foam board substrate with polystyrene core and wood fiber veneer faces. Denser and more durable than standard foam core. Resistant to warping. Available in various thicknesses. Popular for mounting prints for exhibition and portfolios.
Face Mounting
Face Mounting is a technique of adhering print face-down to clear acrylic sheet. Creates frameless presentation with glossy surface. Protects print surface. Creates depth and luminosity. Premium presentation method for contemporary photography.
Archival Mat Board
Archival Mat Board is an Acid-free, lignin-free mounting board used for matting prints. Prevents deterioration and discoloration. Museum quality mat boards have alkaline reserve to neutralize environmental acids. Available in various colors and thicknesses.
Hahnemühle UV Protective Spray
Hahnemühle UV Protective Spray is a non-aerosol archival coating, professionally applied to inkjet prints. Hahnemühle UV Protective Spray shields surface and extends print life. Ideal for prints handled without glazing or displayed without glass/acrylic.
Print Hangers
DSI Wood and Aluminum Print hangers are a hanging systems for frameless print display. Allows easy print swapping. Affordable and elegant presentation solution. Available for prints mounted to Gatorfoam or ACM.
Custom Framing
Made-to-order Custom Wood Frames are handcrafted in Boston. Museum quality with custom profiles and finishes. French cleat mounting for easy installation. UV conservation clear acrylic standard glazing. Optium Museum Acrylic available. Complex matting with multiple windows is all possible through our Custom Framing service.
Value Frames
Value Frames are an affordable elegant framing option. Complement images without overwhelming them. Standard profiles in popular sizes. Quality materials at accessible prices. Available with archival matting, and UV acrylic.
Welded Aluminum Frames
Welded Aluminum Frames have perfectly joined corners for a clean, durable, professional look. Unlike “chop” aluminum frames that are joined at the corners, all four corners of our welded aluminum frames are seamless and will not separate or show a gap. Each frame is custom made to order.
PHOTOGRAPHY TECHNICAL TERMS
Aspect Ratio
Aspect Ratio is the proportional relationship between image width and height. Expressed as ratio (e.g., 3:2, 4:3, 1:1). Determined by camera sensor size or film format. Must match print size or cropping required. Understanding aspect ratio essential for proper print sizing.
Resolution
Measure of image detail. For digital files, expressed in pixels per inch (ppi) or total megapixels. For printing, 300 ppi at final print size recommended for optimal quality. Higher resolution files allow larger print sizes.
File Format
Digital file type for storing images. Common formats include JPEG (compressed, smaller files), TIFF (uncompressed, larger files), and RAW (unprocessed camera data). TIFF and RAW preferred for fine art printing. JPEG acceptable for Direct-to-Print service.
Adobe RGB
Standard color space for professional photography and printing. Encompasses larger color gamut than sRGB. Recommended for fine art printing workflow. Requires color-managed applications and calibrated monitors for accurate preview.
RAW Format
Unprocessed image data directly from camera sensor. Contains maximum information for editing. Requires specialized software to process. Preferred format for professional photography and art reproduction. Not standardized across camera brands.
Dynamic Range
Range between darkest shadows and brightest highlights that camera, scanner, or print can capture or reproduce. Measured in stops or f-stops. Higher dynamic range preserves more detail in shadows and highlights.
PROFESSIONAL PRINTING TERMINOLOGY – COLLECTIONS & GALLERIES
Edition
Limited series of prints from single artwork or photograph. Numbered sequentially (e.g., 1/25). Artist Proofs (AP) additional. Limited editions maintain value for collectors. Requires documentation and edition management.
Artist Proof (AP)
Print outside numbered edition reserved for artist’s use. Traditionally 10% of edition size. Marked as “AP” or “A/P” with number. Sometimes more valuable than edition prints.
Exhibition Quality
Prints meeting standards for museum and gallery display. Includes museum quality materials, expert craftsmanship, proper finishing, and appropriate presentation. DSI has printed for Philadelphia Museum of Art, Smithsonian, MFA Boston, Chicago Art Institute, MOMA, and international institutions.
Portfolio
Curated collection of prints presenting a body of work. Can be boxed set, bound album, such as the DSI Bound Portfolio, or presentation folio. DSI assists photographers and artists in producing professional portfolios.
Print Finishing
Post-printing processes including mounting, matting, framing, coating, and edge treatment. Critical for presentation and longevity. DSI offers comprehensive finishing services using archival materials.
INDUSTRY STANDARDS & MEASUREMENTS
Print Permanence Rating
Expected lifespan of print under specific conditions (display vs. dark storage). Based on accelerated aging tests. Measured in years. DSI Digital Silver Prints® and museum quality pigment prints rated for 100+ years display permanence.
Archival Standards
Industry guidelines for materials and processes ensuring long-term preservation. Include acid-free materials, lightfast colorants, proper processing, and appropriate storage conditions. Museum and institutional standards most rigorous.