Digital BW, The Print

Peter,

>...  I'm a traditional wet darkroom user, ...

Many of us still have our darkrooms.

>... considering getting an inexpensive inkjet printer, 
>perhaps the Epson c86, ... with Mis EZ inks.

Yep, that's what I recommend as a starting place.

> I'd like these prints to looks as much like my  
>prints from medium and large format negatives onto Ilford's glossy 
>silver gelatin VC fiber based paper, which I air dry. This gives a soft 
>sheen.

Under glass this is relatively easy, since the gloss of the glass is what
people see.  If there is no glass, the surfaces of the papers differ.  I
like the sprayed Epson Premium Semimatte (only in rolls) or Semigloss (in
sheets).  This line of papers (and perhaps the Costco glossy paper) are
about the only glossy papers that may be archival.  Most glossy papers have
acidic paper interiors.  The Epson Premium line and Costco have buffered
interiors.  Wilhelm gives the Epson Premium papers an estimated dark storage
life of >200 years, which is the best he gives any paper, I believe.

>... Would the Epson C86 and Mis EZ inks allow me to make prints 
>that are at least close to my more traditional methods?

Yes.

> What paper would best match the qualities of 
>Ilford's glossy silver gelatin fiber paper? 
>I don't like glossy resin coated silver gelatin prints, 
>as they are too shiny and plasticy looking, 

That is why I like the Semimatte and Semigloss.  These papers need a
post-printing spray to get rid of bronzing.  This spray also protects the
prints, however.

> I don't like matte paper for my work.

I think the matte paper look is a problem many have had with inkjet
printing.  However, if they are going to be under glass, they can look very
good.  There is probably noting that is more archival and easier to frame
either.  Tape hanging a matte print is much easier than dry mounting.

For more information on the C86 and other options, see my ink information
page at http://home1.gte.net/res09aij/index.htm .

Good luck.

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com