Digital BW, The Print

Tom,

>My primary interest in BW printing is creating new prints from antique 
>photos. I'm using a 1280 with the UT2 inks on PhotoRag at present. 
>I have no problems with this combination. ...

>...I'm wondering about the new matte papers 
>that are being discussed here. Are any of you who do antique photo 
>restoration using the new papers for this purpose? ...

I like the warmer, no OBA papers, like PermaJet Alpha, with pure carbon warm
tone for these photos.  I think it both looks appropriate and will probably
be the most archival.  Alpha has a dmax that is between EEM and PhotoRag,
has curves for UT2, and is available from Jobo at (800) 664-0344.
Supposedly people get a discount if they mention my name.  I don't know how
the net price looks, however.  I think the Innova Smooth Cotton Natural
White is similar.  Jim Doyle at ShadesofPaper carries this.

The brightest non-OBA paper is probably Epson UltraSmooth (aka PremierArt
Hot press fine art).  The dmax is a bit less.  ULtraSmooth has done very
well on fade tests.  (I have not tested Alpha.)  Whether lack of OBAs aids
in longevity is an open question.  I personally prefer to avoid them if I
can get the look I'm after with a non-OBA paper.

For a whiter paper, the PermaJet Delta might work -- same good dmax, but
with some brighteners.

Hope this helps.

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com