PMG Resin Coated (RC) Papers History and Conservation

Photographic Material

Photographic Materials Group

Deterioration Issues
Materials
Supports
Surface
Tools, Equipment, Materials, and Supplies

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Page Information
Date initiated	Febraury 2025
Page Compiler	Zachary Long
Contributors	Luisa Casella

Definition and Terminology[edit | edit source]

Resin-coated (RC) photographic paper refers to a support material in which a paper core is sealed between two thin layers of polyethylene (PE). Introduced commercially in the 1960s, RC paper rapidly became the dominant support for black-and-white and color photographic prints in both professional and consumer markets.

By the late 20th century, trillions of RC prints had been produced worldwide. These prints were favored across photofinishing labs, educational institutions, and consumer photography for their numerous practical advantages, including:

Dimensional stability: The PE layers minimized curling, cockling, and expansion/contraction during processing and drying.
Rapid washing and reduced water use: Unlike fiber-based papers, RC prints required minimal wash times, leading to significant savings in water and processing time.
No need for ferrotyping: The surface gloss was inherent to the material, eliminating additional finishing steps.
Quick drying: The water-resistant PE coating prevented emulsion soak-through, enabling faster turnaround for commercial labs.

However, RC papers also introduced the extensive use of polyethylene, a synthetic polymer that is non-biodegradable and susceptible to chemical and physical degradation under adverse storage conditions.

RC supports were manufactured by sandwiching the raw paper base between two layers of polyethylene (PE). The emulsion-side PE layer is pigmented with titanium dioxide (TiO₂) to provide opacity and brightness, replacing the visual function of the baryta layer found in fiber-based prints. Both rutile and anatase forms of TiO₂ have been used, though surface treatments were introduced to reduce the risk of light-induced oxidation, which is catalyzed by TiO₂, and to improve particle dispersion and prevent clumping. TiO₂ was also added directly to the raw base of RC supports beginning around 1984^[1].

Although the exact composition of RC supports varies by manufacturer and time period, Kodak RC color prints after 1988 typically included the following layers and additives (Weaver and Long 2009):

Emulsion layers: Cyan, magenta, and yellow dye-forming layers
Pigmented PE layer (emulsion side): TiO₂, zinc oxide, optical brightening agents (OBA), magenta dye
Raw base: Paper fiber, TiO₂, OBA, antioxidants
Backprinting layer
Clear PE layer (back side)
Anti-static layer: Typically composed of colloidal silica

RC prints are a cornerstone of 20th-century photographic production.

History and Chronological Development[edit | edit source]

1920s: Positive water-resistant papers – direct positive papers that could be cellulose nitrate coated Water-resistant material: Cellulose nitrate Used in novelty photography and early photo booths; highly flammable and short-lived.
1940s: Kodak water-resistant papers – designed for photo-booths that required a quick processing time Water-resistant material: Cellulose acetate or gelatin-hardened baryta Created for fast processing in military and commercial ID photo booths.
Mid 1960s: Kodak Kind 1594 RC paper – multigrade black-and-white RC paper, used for commercial or lab printing Water-resistant material: Polyethylene (PE) Early Kodak RC paper with PE coating on both sides for high-speed automated processing.
Mid 1960s: Kodak Resisto RC paper Water-resistant material: Polyethylene (PE) Early branded RC paper with emphasis on durability and faster drying times.
1968: Kodak Ektacolor RC paper Water-resistant material: Polyethylene (PE) One of the first commercially available RC color papers for use with RA-4 processing.
1972: Luminos RD paper Water-resistant material: Polyethylene (PE) American-made black-and-white RC paper used in educational, amateur, and studio settings.
Mid 1970s: Agfa-Gevaert, Fuji, G.A.F., Ilford, and 3M start manufacturing RC papers Water-resistant material: Polyethylene (PE) RC paper production becomes industry standard across major manufacturers.
1979: Ilford Cibachrome RC Paper Water-resistant material: Polyethylene (PE) Reversal color paper for printing from transparencies (slides); later known as Ilfochrome.

Late 20th century: Dye sublimation and inkjet RC papers Water-resistant material: Polyethylene (PE) base with microporous or swellable ink-receiving layers Developed for digital photo printing, combining traditional photo feel with digital compatibility.

Deterioration Concerns and Manifestations[edit | edit source]

It is important to distinguish RC papers from earlier “water-resistant” supports that may have included cellulose nitrate or cellulose acetate coatings. RC papers with PE coating are generally considered more stable than these predecessors.

Some conservation issues or deteriorations include:

Embrittlement or delamination of the PE layers: Polyethylene can become brittle or delaminate from the paper core, especially along fold lines or when exposed to fluctuating temperature and humidity.
Yellowing of the base layer or exhaustion of brightening agents: Optical brighteners and the paper core may change color over time due to light exposure or oxidative degradation, often appearing as general yellowing or uneven staining.
Trapped residues: Inadequate washing during processing can leave behind fixer or other chemicals within the gelatin emulsion, which are then sealed in by the PE layers and can lead to image fading or silver mirroring over time.
Microcracking: Fine cracks may develop in the PE surface, often as a result of physical stress or aging, which can alter the paper's gloss and allow environmental pollutants or moisture to penetrate.
Planar distortion: Localized distortions such as planar warping, dimpled surfaces, or edge lifting can occur due to internal stress between the emulsion, PE, and paper core, often exacerbated by changes in RH or mechanical handling.
Adhesion or blocking: Under high humidity, water damage or pressure, RC prints can adhere to eachother (blocking), plastic enclosures, or other housing materials.

Conservation Treatment[edit | edit source]

Emergency Response[edit | edit source]

Preservation Recommendations[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

↑ Weaver, Gawain, and Zach Long. “Chromogenic Characterization: A Study of Kodak Color Prints, 1942–2008.” Topics in Photographic Preservation, vol. 13, 2009, article 13, pp. 67–82. Presented at the 2009 PMG Winter Meeting, Tucson, Arizona.