Digital BW, The Print

Friends, I print both color and B&W on an Epson 7800. I have been 
using Crane Silver Rag since I got the printer. My Epson 2400 
favorites were Velvet and Ultrasmooth. I have been reading recent 
threads which describe Art Shield and other finishes as the final 
touch. I am not familiar with this process. Why is this done, is it 
effective for both color and B&W. Are there particular images where it 
would be most effective, ie: more blacks or "bald" highlights. Thanks

HI Roleiman,



What the Print Shield spay does is even out the surface reflections of the
paper and print.  Gloss differential is more apparent in the highlights of
the print where there is more of the paper surface showing through the
image (i.e., less ink).  There are no “white” inks in the 2400/7800/9800
Epson inksets – the highlights are mainly the base paper showing.  The
gloss differential comes from the inks and paper not having the same
reflectivity.



An added benefit is that the spray seems to give the shadows a “richer”
look with a greater apparent dmax.  This is similar to viewing a wet
silver gelatin print compared to a dry one.  Another benefit is that the
print surface is now more impervious to stains and soiling and atmospheric
pollutants,  Wilhelm  also give prints treated with Premier Print Spray a
little greater fade resistance, probably due to the spay coating blocking
the UV radiation in light from striking the print image and reacting with
the inks.



I can’t speak to color as I only do black and white prints, but I think it
would act the same as the same inks and paper are used.



Cheers,



TK



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