Digital BW, The Print

Hi Gang

Well, my new C86 and EZ inks are here and working well - that is -
after I managed to make all the first level rookie mistakes. I'm pretty pleased by what
I see. I'd like to thank all those that have asked questions for those of us that read more
than we write.

Now its on to paper selection - just like my "wet lab" experience - paper choice looks like 
its going to be a big deal. I print fiber base and selenium tone to a slightly cool tone print 
when I'm making traditional silver prints. I'm stumped when it comes to my new "carbon" 
prints. Here in north Idaho there's not much to choose from on the shelves in the local 
office supply stores So I'm looking for some advice.

To date - I've sampled some Epson Matte Paper Heavyweight (had some in the drawer). 
HP's Soft Gloss Photo Paper (got it from a friend) and Epson DURABrite (came with the 
printer). The Matte Paper is ok - the HP looks more like a resin coat silver paper and the 
DURABrite comes close to looking like an air dryed fiber base gloss surface. I couldn't find 
any info on the lifespan of any of these papers - so I'm hoping for some advice. Could 
someone recommend:

1. A "white" paper that has a finish similar to a gloss surface fiber-base printing paper - 
and an archival lifespan. Are spray coatings required here?

2. A "white" matte surface paper with archival lifespan.

Thanks in advance fro any help you can offer.

Phil Corlis
Coeur d Alene, Idaho