Digital BW, The Print

Paul,

As usual, thanks a lot on sharing the experience and the advice.

- Philip

pr_roark wrote:
>
> Pacific New Media <panmedia@...> wrote:
> >
> > I haven't used this Espon UltraSmooth Fine Art Paper (USFA).
> > ...
> >
> > How good is this paper for B&W or color printing?
>
> > For 100% cotton, natural colored matte paper, are there
> > any better choice?
> >
>
> I used Epson UltraSmooth for a while. My understanding and experience 
> suggests it was the older version of Premier Art Smooth Hot Press. The 
> Epson Premier Art Scrapbook paper was the thinner version (aka Premier 
> art 205). Epson had an exclusive on the UltraSmooth weight, which I 
> felt was about right for my old 7500 with rolls.
>
> For background, my understanding is that when these papers are 
> purchased and re-branded by Epson, as was the case with UltraSmooth, 
> that relationship and branding essentially freeze the formula. The 
> idea is to keep the profiles and thus printing consistent. So, the 
> current Premier Imaging papers have been able to, in my view, go 
> beyond where the older coatings are, specifically with respect to dmax.
>
> The Premier Art Smooth 325 is what I have used most in recent times 
> instead of UltraSmooth. I think it has a better dmax.
>
> See http://www.premierimagingproducts.com/pm_smoothhp.php 
> <http://www.premierimagingproducts.com/pm_smoothhp.php>
>
> The new Premier Art Generations Alise papers are the latest in this 
> line, with, I believe, the highest matte paper dmax I've seen.
>
> See http://www.premierimagingproducts.com/pg_alisefineart.php 
> <http://www.premierimagingproducts.com/pg_alisefineart.php>
>
> There are, of course, so many different factors and preferences 
> relating to paper that it's impossible to say one is best or even 
> necessarily better than another. I, for example, love the impact of a 
> high dmax, high dynamic range B&W, even if it's Claria dye on glossy 
> paper. But, for the wall displays, I, personally, like Arches even 
> with it's modest 1.50's dmax.
>
> Paul
> www.PaulRoark.com
>
>