Digital BW, The Print

I am printing with K3 inks on Hawk Mtn. Merlin Natural using a R2400 printer.

One particular 11x14 print I am making has solid black area covering about 1/3 of the print.

I am using the Hawk Mtn. provided ICC profile; in the printer driver, I have selected the recommended Watercolor Paper - Radiant White type, Best Photo, and ABW mode.

Under Ink Config, I have set -5 on the Color Density slider (no significant difference actually between 0 and -5) and allowed .2 sec additional drying time.

This area is subject to random "bright spots" in the black area as it comes out of the printer. Perhaps they could be described as rub marks and I can duplicate the problem with a rub of my finger as well.

I applied a fixative in the hopes of masking the marks but at least Lascaux Fixativ does not help.

I assume this is an ink application/drying issue. Maybe a different paper type might be better. 

Any ideas/recommendations out there? 

Dave.
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David Keenan, ausdlk@swbell.net on 5/12/2006