Digital BW, The Print

>... So far I've
> never seen anything black and white that I would regard as beautiful
> on these papers either...

The sprayed 1800 3-MK on Ilford Gold is very impressive.  I think many 
would say "beautiful."  It's a satin finish with high dmax and almost 
no artifacts.  But, the graininess will limit its appeal for small 
prints and smooth midtones.  At 13 x 19, it can probably blow away most 
other prints in a non-glazed or very well spot-lighted setting and from 
normal viewing distance.  A totally water and fingerprint proof finish 
that can be displayed un-glazed definitely has its place.  I have a 
couple similar prints bonded to foamcore that that, in terms of impact, 
can easily steal the show from my normal matte under glass images on 
the walls.

But, I really don't want to mess with these sprays and the other 
difficulties of glossy media.  Matte behind glass, overall, is still my 
choice.

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com