Cibachrome fine art photography prints are created from color transparencies by a system that is completely different from traditional color prints (also known as C-prints). The sharpness, brilliance in color, clean whites, and critical accuracy to the original image are stunning. Rather than a typical, fiber-based paper print, cibachrome images are made onto a polyester-based cellulose paper. Additionally, this method provides for greater stability and resistance to light than any other current process; the art will not colorshift, fade, discolor, or deteriorate for a very long time.
The Ciba-Geigy Corporation of Switzerland developed the Cibachrome procedure in the 1960s. The process was subsequently purchased by Ilford and renamed "Ilfochrome", but most professionals still refer to it as Cibachrome.
Producing a Cibachrome is completely different from other methods of photographic printing offered by Kodak, Fuji and others. In these processes, the chemistry contains color dyes that interact with the developer to transfer the colors onto the paper.
The reverse is true of Cibachrome in that the dyes are embedded in the paper, and are selectively bleached out during processing. Cibachrome prints are known among artists, curators and art collectors for their rich, saturated colors. When compared to other photographic mediums, cibachromes are also noticeably sharper - this is a direct result of the dyes permeating the paper.
Cibachrome's are also the most environmentally friendly of all color processes. Common "C" and "R" printing releases greater quantities of toxic dyes into the environment. With Cibachrome the dye remains bonded to the paper, therefore there is less discharged in the waste chemistry.
And most importantly, Cibachrome prints are archival. Museums and art collectors insist on Cibachrome prints because they don't fade in normal light. Unlike regular color prints, which fade over time even when stored in a dark closet, cibachrome images will last a lifetime. That means an investment made will be around for many decades.