Digital BW, The Print

I do agree with Paul that the 3MK1PKGL prints on Ilford Gold Silk and  
Harman FB Al Gloss are the best glossy B&W printsI have seen as  
well.  This is not an out of the box printing workflow and it does  
require a little extra effort, but for me at least it is well worth  
it when I see the prints.  I do wish that this process could be used  
on a larger format printer, but a 1.5 pl large printer does not seem  
to be forthcoming from Epson, Canon, or HP.  I now stock only 3  
bottles (Eboni, PK, and Glop) for refilling the 1800 carts for B&W  
work and I may setup a CIS like Steve's unit, using 3 positions each  
of Eboni and PK and 2 for Glop.  This process does use a lot of Glop  
so a CIS would save the time needed for refilling the small 1800  
carts.  I think Steve is using a clear Glop sold by his CIS vendor  
that may be even better than the MIS Glop which is a pale yellow that  
imparts slight warming to the print.

Carl





On Feb 12, 2008, at 2:52 PM, pr_roark wrote:

> Hi Steve,
>
>>
>> I understand your drive to get an all-carbon gloss inkset for
>> longevity purposes, but it does seem like an uphill struggle
>>
>
> Actually, I think we've overcome the problems already.  The approach
> appears to work very well on many papers.
>
> The need for a second pass for coating is a disadvantage, but it
> looks like you're doing it with the K3 setup anyway.  I've thought
> for some time that glossy prints needed to be sprayed to really look
> good.  It looks like we both have found that a second glop coat makes
> that job juch easier.  What printers aside from the 1800 allow this
> without wheel marks is uncertain.  If you're using the Epson glop in
> the 1800, you might find the MIS glop is both far cheaper and does a
> better job, judging from Carl's experiences.
>
> The other disadvantage of the 100% carbon glossy approach is that the
> 3MK setup can't get as smooth as an inkset with dilute inks, which
> might affect some types of images, particularly in the midtones.  For
> most of my images, it's not a problem.
>
> Overall, even aside from the 100% carbon aspect, the prints are
> simply the best glossy prints I've been able to make.  I think Carl
> agrees with this.  I still, however, am not 100% sure I like glossy
> prints as well as matte, but I have to say the dmax difference in
> good lighting makes a visible difference.
>
> I think those who use Piezo inks may want to use this approach to add
> a gloss option to their existing inks.  That would give that user
> base access to the new baryta and fiber based papers.  The Piezo
> options on those papers could be interesting.  Aside from the unknown
> with respect to the base compatibilities, I think the approach should
> work.  Those who know how to use QTR or other rip should be able to
> find a spot in their K7 systems for a glop cart and profile the
> systems.
>
> Paul
> www.PaulRoark.com
>


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