It's here! At least it was here.
I received a sample of the new PGPP from Epson, and put it through my ozone chamber test.
First though, the new paper is Epson part number SO41286 (20 sheets, 8.5x11) in the U.S., which is
the same as the old PGPP. (Why does Epson do things like this?) Nonetheless, it will be
easy to tell the old from the new.
The new package includes the following in the list of attributes on the front: "For glass frames and photo albums." It also includes the following fine print on the front: "All dyes change over time. In order to achieve the longest life of your print and minimize any color change, your print must be displayed in a glass frame, plastic sleeve or a photo album. Failure to take the recommended precautions may seriously affect the life of your prints due to atmospheric contaminants."
The back of the package adds: "We recommend that you allow the printout to dry for 24 hours
before displaying it, and that you use a glass frame for display. This will prevent discoloration and
extend the life of your printout.
and
"Keep your printout indoors and away from sunlight. Display in a glass frame, plastic sleeve or photo album."
(The 3rd generation paper is supposed to have a sticker on the package indicating a production date after December 15th, 2000.)
Inside the package, there's another page of warnings (on pink paper), stating the above in even
stronger terms, and adding even more. A couple of my favorites: "If you're unable to limit your prints'
exposure to airborne contaminants and light (for example, if you use them as postcards or display them on a
refrigerator), they may discolor. The degree of discoloration depends on the environment and
how much [sic] contaminants they're exposed to."
and
"If you're framing your photo, avoid doing so when humidity is high, as condensation may form behind the glass. If the humidity is too high, store your print in a photo album or plastic sleeve until the humidity drops."
The paper may or may not be a lot better, but Epson's lawyers have clearly done a much better job of covering the company's collective keister from legal action. I have tested a sample of the 2nd generation paper, and will test a copy of the 3rd gen as soon as I get some.
The paper itself looks, and seems to print, just like the old PGPP, except it has the Epson
logo all over the back of it. So much for passing these prints off as "real" photo
prints.
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