Digital BW, The Print

Charles wrote:

>One question - you mentioned "depending on which black is used" as one
>concern about how well the inks will print. Have you run any tests with
>using the wrong black for the chosen paper? How badly does the
>matte black work on gloss papers, and vice versa?

Yes, I've printed with the matte black on RC papers.  They all show
"dusting" so some extent.  That is, the midtones will be glossy and the
black will be dull matte -- and it'll rub off easily.  Cheap Epson Photo
Paper may be about the best in this respect of the RC papers I used.  Ilford
would be second best in the dusting characteristics.  Being that it is such
a nice product, I'd be included to use the Ilford and just spray it with a
fixative after printing.

> I don't really know if it would be possible for me to switch
>between the two blacks at all easily when using my CIS system,
>and I'd like to be able to print on both gloss and matte stocks
>if possible. (Though, of course, I'll sacrifice that
>ability if necessary and just do gloss prints if I have to.)

I think that a CIS for only the color inks and then separate black carts
that can be easily popped in and out as needed makes some sense. Vacuum
filling a black cart is rather easy.  It's the color carts that are a
hassle, in my view.

Paul
http://www.PaulRoark.com