Digital BW, The Print

John Nollendorfs wrote:

...
> Arches paper, of course uses a gelatin tub sizing, which could be
> considered a "coating".

I think being mixed into the paper fibers would prevent such things 
as separation.   

> But this paper has been around for a long
> time, and seems to have accumulated a pretty good track record. 
> The same can not be said for the majority of the inkjet coated 
> papers ...

That's why I think some would opt for Arches watercolor paper if the 
printing was smooth enough and the dmax high enough, and with 1.5 pl 
printers, it probably can be good enough for large display.

On the other hand, in my fade testing the best coated papers have 
done better than Arches.  But then it's market perception that counts.

>...I guess the new premium buffered wood pulp papers should be 
> pretty good for 50-100 years?

Assuming they are 100% alpha cellulose (no lignin) they should be as 
good as cotton for our purposes.  The shorter fiber lengths of the 
alpha cellulose reduces strength, but that is probably not an issue 
for photographers.

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com