QTR-Quadtone RIP

Before the digital era, I printed only B/W and usually on Oriental Seagull paper.  RIch blacks and the price was right.  I always bought glossy but never ferrotyped the prints, just drying them on screens or sometimes in a blotter book.

I have spent days reading over posts in this group and it seems if you like the matte look you're good to go, but if you want the "Seagull" look with a glossy look it is tough.  Or do I have this wrong?

Do you get used to a matte print and then spray it for glossy as needed?  

I have read Mr. Roark's pages concerning using the HP pigments or the Claria dyes which made me very interested but then I saw the price!  I am quite reluctant to spend the money for the 2 Claria dyes as a starter, or has someone figured out how to get these materials in smaller quantity at an affordable price?

Thanks so much in advance.

Cordially-  Dan