Digital BW, The Print

>I've been noticing that my older Enhanced Matt prints are starting to 
>yellow in the paper base.  These papers have been stored in a 
>drawer.  Is this normal?

EEM is a non-buffered, acidic, wood-based (with residual lignin) paper that
appears to deteriorate quickly in certain storage conditions.  If you can't
re-print the images on acid-free paper, store them with buffered interleaves
in a dry, acid-free environment.  

Among other sources of problems, other papers in a drawer may be releasing
acids that will attack un-buffered prints.  That is what appears to have
polluted my silver prints.  You can interrupt the acidic cascade (chain
reaction) by putting the paper in a bag with a cap full of ammonia for about
10 minutes.  It'll stay yellow, and the ammonia will not buffer the EEM, but
it might help stop the cascading chain reaction. 

If the drawer is wood, it may be a source of problems.

We really need a good, affordable, acid-free paper to replace EEM.  Most of
the papers that come close don't have the dmax or are otherwise not quite up
to the EEM quality, however.  I'm not sure I'd trust any non-cotton paper
with really long-term uses.

>Also, does anyone know if Ultrasmooth Fine Art will become available 
>in sizes suitable for the 2200?

Have you tried the Premier Imaging Fine Art Hot Press papers?  I think they
are close to UltraSmooth.  (I believe the come from the same basic stock,
although there are some profile differences.)  For even a more affordable
alternative, try the Moab Entrada papers.  The Natural (no OBAs) Entrada 300
seems like a good substitute for UltraSmooth.  Be sure to brush or wipe it
first to avoid flaking.

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com