Digital BW, The Print

"acevbolt" <acevbolt@...> wrote:
>
> ... I'm using an Epson r280 with UT-RC (glossy black)inks and Kirkland paper. I noticed recently that deep blacks(maybe "pure" blacks) look odd when the print is viewed at an angle.  Kind of a reflection or like something is on top of the paper.

It sounds like they could be overloaded.  I'm curious if when you print a 90-100% test strip -- like this one: http://www.paulroark.com/BW-Info/90-100.jpg -- if the dmax is reached at other than the 100% patch.  It may be hard to tell without a spectro or flatbed scanner.  If you have a flatbed, use black paper around the test strip to reduce flare.

Looking at my curves for the 260 and 1400, it appears that they were not topping out too soon.


> Prior to this setup I used an Epson R220 with UT-R2(glossy) and the same paper, but never had this problem. ...

The 220 is a different printer with different characteristics.  In fact, for that one I came up with a special PK to optimize it.

In general, I do sometimes see a 100% black that is just too shiny relative to the 95% patch.  Using gloss optimizer or a spray can take care of it, but that is a nuisance.  See on the 90-100 test strip one of the patches below 100% looks better and still has a sufficient depth of black.  If so, it's easy to make a curve that will take care of the problem.

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com