Digital BW, The Print

"andrevallejo" <vallejodasilva@...> wrote:
>
> ... I'm trying to learn all this stuff about partitioning, linearization and so on, so I can extract the most out of the system, ...

With UT14 as well as most of my inksets, I recommend the following approach to learning the various printing workflows or approaches: 

First, just plug in the carts (removing the air intake plugs first) and print with the Epson driver and no other ICC or profile.  See page 2 of my PDF at http://www.paulroark.com/BW-Info/UT14.pdf for the settings.  An inexpensive matte paper like Epson Ultra Premium Presentation Paper is not a bad learning paper (but it's acidic).  I use ink densities and placements that allow quick and easy positive results, even if not perfect.

Second, to "linearize" the system, which in this case more accurately means to make it "color managed" in the sense that the print will match a calibrated monitor, try using QTR's Create ICC to make a grayscale ICC.  This involves making a 21-step test print, reading it with a spectro like the ColorVision PrintFixPro or even a flatbed scanner (see link on page 4 of the PDF).  Basically all you do is drag and drop the text file output of the spectro into the Create ICC icon on your desktop.

Third, one can control the print tones by using Photoshop curves.  Basic starting curves are in the Zip file that is linked to the PDF.  These should be close enough to be re-linearized with QTR's Create ICC-RGB.  With this approach you print a 21-step test file using the curve and then drag and drop the curve and text Lab spectro data into the Create ICC-RGB icon at the same time.

These ICCs in combination with the Epson driver make for very good prints.

The final stage for those who really want to get into the details of profiling is to use the QTR rip.  I don't get into that in detail in the PDF, but there are a number of tutorials out there both in the QTR download and on my web page.

In general, simply following this forum is the best way to learn digital B&W printing, particularly with dedicated B&W inksets.   Ask questions and you'll get good advice from a lot of different people.

Enjoy the journey.

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com