Digital BW, The Print

Ernst Dinkla <edinkla@...> wrote:
>
>...will that also mean a return to gelatine/PVA coated papers to get 
> the optimal conditions for the "dye" inks?

I'm not sure what all the consequences might be.  

I'm following the http://www.aardenburg-imaging.com tests closely.  The Canson Infinity Baryta Photographique results suggest that type of coating might be something to consider.  

Given the predominance of pigments for serious printing, I'm guessing the paper R&D may have been geared in that direction at the expense of the dyes.  On the other hand, with the dry labs taking over the photofinishing, hopefully the heavy hitters will refocus on that market to get their longevity ratings up.  (The dry lab dyes are the source for this.  Even if the companies try to stop direct sales, imagine trying to police all of those photofinishers.)

While the mordants in the receptor coatings are going to be one issue, another issue that is more directly relevant to the dilution base is the coupling agent(s) that are most appropriate.  It looks like the glycol ethers (http://www.dow.com/PublishedLiterature/dh_0032/0901b80380032bc8.pdf?filepath=oxysolvents/pdfs/noreg/110-00965.pdf&fromPage=GetDoc) may accomplish several functions in such a mix.  The ratio of a couple different types may allow adjusting several parameters, such as keeping the printer head moist, viscosity, cleaning, surface tension and coupling.

I have not give much thought to toning, but I believe dyes do not have the separation issues that we ran into with pigments.

At any rate, I'm not sure where this effort will lead.  The first thing is to start slow and just see how the black only dyes compare to Claria and the glossy pigments (like HP PK) that we have.  I have no doubt that the HP PK is more stable, but it sure would be nice to get rid of the bronzing for my cards and brochures.

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com