Digital BW, The Print

mccarvill wrote:

> I'm planning to order some 40x50 prints on an Epson 9600 in the near
> future and would be interested in recommendations and advice from those
> with experience printing at this size.
>
> One print shop I contacted has recommended against my first choice for
> paper (Epson premium luster), saying it's relatively thin, so large
> prints are more prone to damage, creases and scuffs. He recommended
> going with a matte paper, like Epson enhanced matte or Ultrasmooth, or
> a watercolor paper. I'm not a fan of textured papers or those with
> flaking issues. What are your favorite paper in this format, especially
> among the luster or semi-glossy papers?
>
> Also, I have an option of getting the prints packaged in 3" tubes or
> flat between foamcore. Any recommendations here?
>
> Thanks

Since you are using inches, I assume you are in the USA. You should note 
that the largest "normal" size for matte boards in the USA is 40x60 
inches. This begs the question of how you are going to display your 
prints. My largest size for prints on paper is around 30x40 inches 
because of the 40x60 inch limitation on matte board. Anything larger I 
put on canvas and frame in a floater frame without glass. But... there 
are many paths to the waterfall.

Shipping a print of any size in a 3" tube is IMHO a bad idea. Why can't 
your vendor use a 6" tube? A 3" tube will most likely put a marked curl 
in your print. Most art papers would be difficult to roll tight enough 
to get into the tube that small, and the risk of damage in getting a 
large print into a tiny tube is something to consider.

These are just some things that your vendor should have told you be 
evidently didn't.
--
Bruce Watson