G&G Ink on G&G Photo Paper Issue

[garytec]

I'd love to know if anyone has experienced anything similar. I've been usiing G&G cartridges in a Canon IP 3000, and printed a 'test' photo business card on G&G Digital Glossy Photo Paper. Looked very good. Excellent finish. First class, right? Cut it out and let it sit for about a week at my desk, not exactly 'hot off the press' by then. I decided to get an opinion from a friend, so I placed it in my shirt pocket one morning. When I pulled it out, about 6 hours later, my fingers were covered with black ink smudges. I ran my finger across the paper and most of the ink came off down to the paper. No exaggeration on that. I am fortunate that I did not give it to anyone or I might be paying for a new shirt.

What's the story?

Comments and recommendations for a generic combo that won't cause a major meltdown.

Thanks!

 

[Grandad35]

Take a piece of the unprinted paper and soak it in water for a few minutes. Is the printable surface slimy? If it IS slimy (which I suspect in this case), the paper has a "swellable" surface which is water soluble. This link discusses the various types of inkjet paper.(http://www.ilford.com/html/us_english/prod_html/galerie/htm/gtp/how_suits.htm). In Ilford's terminology, resin coated == swellable. The moisture from your body was apparently absorbed by the swellable coating, allowing it to "run".

 

[garytec]

Thanks very much for the explanation. Can you recommend a no-run combo that would give a reasonably high sheen and not self-destruct?

 

[Grandad35]

Any of the "nanoporous" papers would prevent this problem. HOWEVER, compared to nanoporous papers, the swellable papers have vastly improved longevity in the presence of gasses such as ozone. A low cost, reasonable quality paper that many use is Kirkland Photo Paper, available at Costco for about $19 for (125) 8.5x11 sheets. Another solution would be to keep your G&G swellable photos in an album.