As with the output from any reprographic technology it is the colour and general appearance of the printed image which is immediately most apparent to the end user and in this respect dye diffusion thermal transfer (D2T2) images are no exception. This may be an obvious statement but what people are really focusing their attention on is an aspect of the colourant, in this case dye, performance. First impressions are clearly important and can significantly influence the observers attitude to the technology. Assuming that an at least favourable initial reaction is achieved it isn't long before a more critical appraisal of the image starts to be made. Image (print) stability rapidly becomes an essential criterion and key determinant in the success of the technology. In the case of D2T2 images two important aspects of image stability are those related to mechanical handling and exposure of the print to light. This paper will consider both of these aspects but primarily the latter.