Digital BW, The Print

Shilesh,

>With proper control of OEM K3 PK ink limits, ~2.5 can be 
>achieved on Silver Rag and Fiba Gloss ...

Yes, I've been able to get to that range with Epson UC inks also.  I think
the coated PK has an advantage in terms of the ultimate dmax.  I thought
that Epson had some patent or other protection on its pigment coating.  I
wonder if Canon pigments are coated.

The MIS uncoated PK on the RC type glossy papers tends to lose some dmax as
it dries down slowly over the first few days.   However, a spray would
sometimes kick the dmax up to the Epson UC level on these older RC papers.

The new technology papers seem to be different in this regard.  They don't
lose as much dmax, but they never get as much or benefit as much from
spraying either.  I tried an Innova F-Type with a spray today.  It raised
the UT-3D dmax from 2.22 to 2.26.  Visually the print looks almost identical
to the pre-sprayed version.  It did reduce the already very low bronzing to
nil. 

The difference may be that the new glossy fiber-based papers are not
"barrier" papers.  As such, they may simply pass the glycols on to the
cellulose base.  The cellulose could then simply hold these as is done in
the matte papers.  

The slow evaporation of the glycols and related chemicals off the surface of
RC papers was apparently responsible for the fogging of the glass if RC
prints were framed too quickly.  I have not heard whether the new glossy
fiber-based papers are affected by this issue.


Paul
www.PaulRoark.com