Digital BW, The Print

"Sylvain M." <sylvain@...> wrote:
 
> I'm looking for a matte paper (such as HPR, for
> example), OBA-free, that would give the most neutral tone as possible
> (or even a little bit cool) with Eboni inksets. Of course the best Dmax
> is also welcome :o) 
> 
> Could anynone give me an advice? 


For black only Eboni printing and OBA free papers, see 
http://www.paulroark.com/BW-Info/R1800-No-OBA-Paper.pdf

This was part of the 1800 3-MK write-up.  The tones are the same as those with a 1400 BO, however.

For brightened papers, see 
http://www.paulroark.com/BW-Info/R1800-OBA-Papers.pdf

If the graphs are not self-explanatory, see 
http://www.paulroark.com/BW-Info/R1800-Paper.pdf

For dilute Eboni-6, see http://www.paulroark.com/BW-Info/Eboni-6.pdf

In general, Eboni black only or the 3-MK approach appears to be the closest thing we have to a neutral 100% carbon image.  Diluting the Eboni causes the tones to be warmer on most papers.  Also, the 1.5 pl printers are a bit warmer than the 3 pl printers with dilute Eboni.

For a coated inkjet paper, the Epson Hot Press papers -- both natural and brightened -- should be tried. 

If toners are used to cool the carbon, I'd recommend OEM inks.  Epson LM and LC may appear to have done the best in http://www.aardenburg-imaging.com/ testing on at least a few papers I've checked.  But, all we have are the 100% C and M patches to rely on.

Check out the graph on page 6 of http://www.paulroark.com/BW-Info/4000-6K-Plus.pdf .  Some paper takes to little color to neutralize the carbon, that I doubt the fading of top color pigments would be of much consequence.  In short, once you find a paper that you like and is relatively neutral, it may be that getting it to exactly the tone you like takes so little color that it's not particularly relevant to  longevity.  Remember that 100% carbon is a benchmark.  The more color added and the quality of the color added are what cause the problems.

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com