Digital BW, The Print

>Glossy and semi-gloss papers give you denser blacks than matte papers. 

In perfect lighting the RC/glossy blacks are impressive.  However, I find
that in normal, very imperfect lighting the increased reflections off the RC
surface gives the matte prints an edge.

The primary -- perhaps only -- difference in the depth of blacks between
these 2 types of paper is, from what I can tell, a matter of the reflection
differences.  Matte black reflects light in all directions; RC/glossy papers
are more like mirrors.  I personally don't like reflections interfering with
the image -- and this includes reflections from glass.  The highest dmax
I've ever measured with a pigment is a coated matte print -- Arches Hot
Press at that.  But, of course, as the coating increases dmax it is also
increasing the reflections.  It's a double edged sword.

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com