Digital BW, The Print

Several years ago based on Paul's recommendation, I started using
PrimierArt Hot Press fine arts paper (205gsm) on my Epson 4800 w
Ultrachrome inks for B&W printing.  My eye definitely prefers the
off-white (aka "natural", no optical brighteners).  I am using 17"
wide rolls and 8.5 x 11 sheets.  The packaging, product #, description
have varied, but about 8 months ago I got several 8.5 x 11 boxes that
were not off-white: it appears identical to the "bright white"
version.  This is not a subtle difference.  The Rolls were still
"natural".  I obviously want consistency, and I'm bummed because I
really love this paper (great price too).  I haven't ordered recently,
so I don't know how this issue has played out.  It appears that Epson
does not offer their USFAP (very similar) in this size.  I wanted to
post before reordering just to maybe find out.  Any knowledge on this
issue, advice on similar products??  Thanks, Kip- Deep Silver.....

Do you have a black light to test if the paper is brightened?  I'm 
wondering if there was a packaging error.  The PA Smooth BW is the 
version of that paper that has OBAs in it.

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com 


--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "kipduff" 
<kip.duff@...> wrote:

>
> Several years ago based on Paul's recommendation, I started using
> PrimierArt Hot Press fine arts paper (205gsm) on my Epson 4800 w
> Ultrachrome inks for B&W printing.  My eye definitely prefers the
> off-white (aka "natural", no optical brighteners).  I am using 17"
> wide rolls and 8.5 x 11 sheets.  The packaging, product #, description
> have varied, but about 8 months ago I got several 8.5 x 11 boxes that
> were not off-white: it appears identical to the "bright white"
> version.  This is not a subtle difference.  The Rolls were still
> "natural".  I obviously want consistency, and I'm bummed because I
> really love this paper (great price too).  I haven't ordered recently,
> so I don't know how this issue has played out.  It appears that Epson
> does not offer their USFAP (very similar) in this size.  I wanted to
> post before reordering just to maybe find out.  Any knowledge on this
> issue, advice on similar products??  Thanks, Kip- Deep Silver.....
>

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "pr_roark"
<pr_roark@...> wrote:
>
> Do you have a black light to test if the paper is brightened?  I'm 
> wondering if there was a packaging error.  The PA Smooth BW is the 
> version of that paper that has OBAs in it.
> 
> Paul
> www.PaulRoark.com 
> 
> Paul:
I don't have a black light, but the difference is obvious.  Is the
black light something that will show if OB's are used?  I have just
spoken with Premier, and I have UPS'd 2 boxes back to them with a
sample print on some earlier "natural" paper.  Possible that they were
mislabeled.  They are going to replace the paper with the proper ones-
I hope it's a simple fix and that they still have the "natural" paper.
 I will post results.  Wonder if anyone else saw this problem?  Thanks
alot..

>...Is the black light something that will show if OB's are used?

Yes.  It's fun to see how much some of these papers glow.

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com

I contacted PremierArt directly- they asked me to send the batches. 
They were very concerned and quickly replaced with the proper paper,
including extra paper to cover my postage.  I'm happy to say this was
clearly only a packaging error- the "natural", off-white paper is
still available and still the same.  Kip...