Digital BW, The Print

>I abandoned this one about a
> year ago...but it does illustrate the incredible bang that you can 
get
> from
> coating.

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It seemed pretty far-fetched about two weeks ago, to think that 
these Epson printers might some day incorporate some type of 
spray coating within the printhead itself.

Now, with so many of us having such great DMAX increase and 
print protection, I could see Epson adding this feature soon. It 
helps the fine art people with DMAX, but it also could help the 
sign guys who make prints for display in store windows and the 
outsides of buildings. The more you think about it, the more 
sense it makes. If they could just design something that would 
be instant-dry, they'd be in business.

I also like the "spot varnish" idea that Ernst mentioned; on matte 
papers, where the image area would be gloss or satin, against 
the backdrop of a matte paper.

Someone on the 9000 list implied that there is a company 
working on this technology right now; built right into the head. So 
maybe it's not as far away as it seems.

For me, I am seeing radically improved contrast, snap, crackle 
and pop from ESFA, Museo, PhotoRag, and Epson Velvet 505, 
using Hood Satin Hydrocote that Paul recommended, in this 
9600.

If there was just a way to avoid spraying it, I'd be happy. But for 
large prints, it seems like it's the only way. Even with a respirator, 
I'm kinda nervous doing this every day. If I ever have kids, they'll 
probably pop out looking like an octopus; I'll have to name him 
Flipper. I know I would not want to work in a body shop spray 
booth.

-MT, http://www.marktucker.com/