Digital BW, The Print

I now have OPM working pretty well, and I must say I'm impressed.
I'm using an Epson 2200 with stock UltraChrome inks to print on
Epson Enhanced Matte and Semi-Gloss papers.  The results look very
nice on the EEM and ok (except for some bronzing) on the ESG.

I tried Kamar Varnish on the ESG and it still looks kinda weird
(kinda "crackled").

So I'm thinking of going with Ilford Smooth Pearl, which is
recommended (here) as working very nicely with the Kamar Varnish.

But I'm also tempted by Paul Roark's reports of coating EEM
with PUR Hydrocote and a Mayer wire-wound rod.

Any recommendations as to the pro's and con's of these two 
approaches, or suggested alternatives (given that I want to
stick with OPM/IJC and UltraChromes, at least for now) ?

Thanks, John

On 6/16/03 4:30 PM, "johngeyles" <jge@...> wrote:

> I now have OPM working pretty well, and I must say I'm impressed.
> I'm using an Epson 2200 with stock UltraChrome inks to print on
> Epson Enhanced Matte and Semi-Gloss papers.  The results look very
> nice on the EEM and ok (except for some bronzing) on the ESG.
> 
> I tried Kamar Varnish on the ESG and it still looks kinda weird
> (kinda "crackled").

It does this somewhat on the Ilford paper as well.

> So I'm thinking of going with Ilford Smooth Pearl, which is
> recommended (here) as working very nicely with the Kamar Varnish.


Try the Krylon 1305 UV Resistant spray.  This gives a better finish than the
Kamar on the RC papers.

> But I'm also tempted by Paul Roark's reports of coating EEM
> with PUR Hydrocote and a Mayer wire-wound rod.
> 
> Any recommendations as to the pro's and con's of these two
> approaches, or suggested alternatives (given that I want to
> stick with OPM/IJC and UltraChromes, at least for now) ?
> 
Ultimately the best looking print is one on rag paper coated with a Mayer
rod with a coating like Hydrocote.  You definitely should not use EAM/EEM
however, it is much too light weight for this.  You will get much better
results with a paper like Eclipse Satine or Photo Rag...just shoot for
something 300gm or thicker.  This will also likely be a better option with
respect to longevity as well. This technique will be progressively harder
for large sizes...but provided you stick with 13x19 paper, coating shouldn't
be a problem.

All of this may change when the Oriental Fiber-Based inkjet paper comes
out...but it is still likely to need a spray coating.

Robert

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Thanks for the answers !

> Try the Krylon 1305 UV Resistant spray.  

Gack, ok, I just tracked down some of the other stuff ...

> > But I'm also tempted by Paul Roark's reports of coating EEM
> > with PUR Hydrocote and a Mayer wire-wound rod.
> You will get much better
> results with a paper like Eclipse Satine or Photo Rag...

Inkjetart sez the Eclipse papers are "permanently unavailable".
The Hahnemuhle Photo Rag looks good (VERY expensive, but hey,
you gotta pay to play).   In Paul Roark's article he talks only
about EEM and the Eclipse Satine.  I wonder which rod  (#30 or
#15) is recommended for the Photo Rag ?

> but provided you stick with 13x19 paper, coating shouldn't
> be a problem

I've just got a 2200, so I'm stuck with 13x19 for now.

Thanks again, John

On 6/16/03 5:23 PM, "johngeyles" <jge@...> wrote:

>Inkjetart sez the Eclipse papers are "permanently unavailable".

Yeap that's really weird.  I just bought a bunch of it from inkjet mall last
week and there was someone else on the list also selling it within the last
week or two.  Inkjetart was supposed to be manufacturing it after Brightcube
went under.  Not sure what is going on...it was definitely the best value in
a premium paper.  You might also look into Crane Museo or some of the Hawk
Mountain coated papers (e.g., Merlin coats nicely).  These aren't a good
performing uncoated as the photorag...but they tend to be cheaper and look
just as good once coated.


> The Hahnemuhle Photo Rag looks good (VERY expensive, but hey,
> you gotta pay to play).   In Paul Roark's article he talks only
> about EEM and the Eclipse Satine.  I wonder which rod  (#30 or
> #15) is recommended for the Photo Rag ?

#30.  Paul loves EEM...but it causes a lot of problems with coating (which
has talked about) because it is so light weight.  You will pay more for the
heavier papers initially...but will have a much higher success rate.
> 
>> but provided you stick with 13x19 paper, coating shouldn't
>> be a problem
> 
> I've just got a 2200, so I'm stuck with 13x19 for now.
> 
Didn't know whether you were doing panoramics.  I've coated things up to 36"
long...but it takes some practice.

Robert

If you liked Eclipse Satine, you will like our newest paper, Condor BriteWhite. 300GSM, 100% cotton, coated both sides.
Each side with slightly different texture. Available in 13x19 sheets and 24", 36", and 44" wide rolls in 50' lengths on
3" cores. Expecting delivery from our first production run to arrive from the converting facility tomorrow AM.
Swatchbooks and samplers available. I will have the website updated tomorrow AM early with the pricing.

Diana York mailto:diana@...
Hawk Mountain Art Papers toll free 888-807-2248
http://www.hawkmtnartpapers.com

----- Original Message ----- 

From: "johngeyles" <jge@...>
> Inkjetart sez the Eclipse papers are "permanently unavailable".
> The Hahnemuhle Photo Rag looks good (VERY expensive, but hey,
> you gotta pay to play).   In Paul Roark's article he talks only
> about EEM and the Eclipse Satine.  I wonder which rod  (#30 or
> #15) is recommended for the Photo Rag ?