Digital BW, The Print

"keesindy@..." <restorephoto@...> wrote:
>
> ...interested in ... an alternative to HPR ...
> 
>... Nearly all of my work is of a historical nature. I've recently had two local historical societies ask about making less expensive color prints that they would sell for fund raising purposes.
> 
> The reason I asked about the Premier Art Matte BW is because of comments here indicating that it's a good paper and fairly scuff resistant. ...
> 
> ... I'd prefer to use something that's not loaded with OBAs, ...
> I'd prefer to use a paper that's got good archival qualities ...

Aside from the high dmax, I don't see the Matte BW papers of either Premier Art or Red River as being close to HPR.  They are loaded with OBAs.  I've never tested the relative quality of OBAs, but they are all dyes that fade fast as far as I can tell. 

Aside from the lower dmax, I think Epson Premier Art Scrapbook paper might be a good choice.  It's said to be the most archival, it's relatively scuff resistant, and it's cheap at Atlex.com.  Larger sizes are available as Premier Art Smooth (Hot Press) Fine Art 205.  I've used it and the 325 version for my historical photo printing for the local museum.  I give them a light spray with Premier Art Print Shield for even more scuff resistance.

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com