Digital BW, The Print

Hi Alistair,

>I am early in the journey of learning the ins and outs of 
>getting a decent BW print from my 2200...

> I am currently using the 
> Epson inks and have experimented a little with QTR. 

>The two big issues I want to resolve initially are those 
> of getting a BW print without color cast and also 
> getting a print that may initially be without color cast
> but as soon as it is viewed under a 
> different light source it suddenly looks bright pink (or whatever).
> I understand that this is referred to as metamerism?

Yes.

>... I have narrowed down next steps to the following options:

> 1. Stay with Epson inks and use QTR. Will this solve my 
> problems by eliminating the use of color pigments by the printer?

With QTR you'll use the K, LK, LM and LC.  This will give you a minimum
color for a neutral print other than the pure Eboni MK 1800 prints I'm now
doing.  To keep the LK dots to a minimum, use 2880.  It may well be smooth
enough for you then.

>2. If not then move away from Epson inks to a dedicated BW inkset.

You can do the above with MIS inks also.

> I have narrowed the choices of ink down to three:
>a. UT-3D from MIS
>b. UT7 from MIS
>c. K7 from Piezography

>My questions are:

>a. How far will QTR go to solving my two issues in combination 
> with the Epson inks.

With proper profiles a 2200 with the least amount of LC and LM will be
essentially equal to the blended inkset options with respect to the issues
you mentioned above.  The blended ones might be a bit smoother, but you may
not see the difference in actual prints.

>b. If I need to move away from Epson inks, is there a clear 
>recommendation from the three inks mentioned above? Alternatively, is 
>there a better inkset available that I have not found yet? 

All of the inksets mentioned can make excellent prints.

The ability to make glossy prints differs among the inksets.  With the OEM
color setup you'll need to change the black inks.  With the 3D and UT7,
matte and glossy can be printed without changing ink. The K7 is still matte
paper only, I believe.

Good luck with your system.

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com