Epson paper color shifts: a follow-up

Regarding our report of problems with Epson paper color shifts (mentioned last time), Thomas Maler writes: "I have was told to send samples of the faded prints to Epson Canada and they offered to refund my money for the paper. They also suggested to use a McDonald's Photographic spray to protect it. I tried that and it works to a large extent, but after a few seeks, there is still a slight color shift, compared to a fresh print. Michael Reichman of Luminous-Landscape suggests the use of Pictorico Hi-Gloss Film." Thomas further quotes an item from an Epson Product Manger (spotted on Luminous-Landscape Discussion Board): "Premium Glossy Photo Paper was introduced first to the Japanese market last November. When we saw the paper, we were really excited as this was the first true RC photo paper that exceeded traditional photographic quality when printed on the new photo printers. Our lightfast tests indicated a 10 year indoor life span before noticeable fading occurred, which was confirmed by an independent lab, Wilhelm Imaging Research. In May, we received an inquiry in Japan that some prints turned orange. In investigating possible causes of this color shift, it was noticed that the prints were displayed without a protective covering. We also noted that the ozone count was elevated in May when compared to the previous 7 months. This ozone elevation naturally occurs with the onset of summer. At that point, ozone lab tests were run with covered and uncovered samples, and the uncovered samples confirmed the field observation. Since inkjet photos carry the dye on the surface of the media with no overcoat, we have always recommended that users store prints in a sleeve, in a glass frame or in a photo album to protect the image from atmospheric contaminants. It appears that the new Premium Glossy Photo Paper has high sensitivity to high/prolonged exposure to ozone, (and possibly other free radicals) resulting in changes to the cyan dye. This is a specific problem with this paper. The more concentrated the ozone, the more rapid the change. We have not seen this rapid shift with either the Matte Paper - Heavyweight or the original Epson Photo Paper. It should be noted that if the print is framed in glass, in a plastic sleeve, laminated, in a photo album or even sprayed with an overcoat, the cyan dye is protected from ozone, and that no orange shift occurs on the paper. Now that we have identified the existence of a problem with Premium Glossy Photo Paper, we are working on improving the paper's gasfast properties."