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Which paper do you use for printing your digital files?


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I thought it would be interesting to share thoughts on how to print digital files. Many pictures only shine when printed properly on the right paper in an appropriate size!

 

I have the feeling that in the age of digital photography many people forget to print their pictures on actual paper. With ink-jet printers reaching reasonable prices, nowadays high quality fine-art prints can be made at home.

 

So it might be a good idea to post what kind of paper you are using for what kind of image.

 

Well, here I go:

Im currently printing on an Epson 3880 printer. Im super happy with the quality of the prints. However, i had some trouble finding the ideal paper for my BW prints.

After having tried several expensive and cheap papers, I found the Canson Baryta paper:

Canson Infinity - Baryta Photographique 310

When the first print came out my thought was: WOW! It has the look and feel of traditional baryta paper with a beautiful texture and depth. I find it especially great for BW photos, but also think it is a great paper for color-photos, where you want that extra punch in the finish.

 

What is your favorite paper?

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I, too, like the Canson IBP. For photos that call for a progressively less white base, I use Hahnemuhle Photo Rag Baryta, then Hahnemuhle Photo Rag Pearl for an even warmer tone.

 

I do recommend custom profiles for the best results. A friend recently re-profiled my papers using more passes with updated software and there were additional improvements from my already great results.

 

I also like Ilford Gold Fibre Silk (now Prestige) for color work, although the Canson IBP is a good alternative.

 

Jeff

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Thanks for your input!

 

Somehow i could never befriend myself with the Hahnemühle papers. Dont get me wrong, they are very nice papers, but the finish/feel never matched what i wanted from a photo. I guess i really should revisit the Hahnemühle Baryta…

 

What size do you usually print?

Usually my size is A3.

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  • 2 months later...
Guest Neal1

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I am using Art Card for print out the photographs and i prefer to this paper for print out because this is good and have a good result of your photos i am a professional photographer and using this card for print out the photo....

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I came across a suggestion that a color laser printer can do well with color photos. I thought that was surprising... any experiences to share? And what paper(s) might be good in this application?

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I use a paper called Somerset velvet.. Lovely texture but great resolution and dmax

 

Other than that how about a fibre gloss? Which prints with glossy inks but has a texture...

 

A

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  • 2 weeks later...

When appropriate for the subject, I love the matt papers. Hahnemühle Bamboo and PermaJet Museum are my choices; however, they have too much texture for many.

 

I'm not a big fan of gloss; however, some semi-gloss and "oyster" papers look good, but I've not found one I have not found one that has really taken me yet.

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Since apparently (and rather abruptly) we are no longer able to source Epson's Velvet Fine Art in Australia (discontinued, with no explanation forthcoming from Epson) I am now using

Canson Infinity Photographique/Rag 310gsm/A3+......and like it better anyway, it goes fine with my Epson R3000 printer and produces lovely b&w prints.

Edited by platypus
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I came across a suggestion that a color laser printer can do well with color photos. I thought that was surprising... any experiences to share? And what paper(s) might be good in this application?

 

I used several Xerox laser printers in my studio over the years. Mostly they are used to generate cheep ($1.50-$2.50) prints for artists who sell them for $15-$30 to tourists who can not afford an original or a giclee. There are some issues printing on color laser printers. The ones that use power toner tend to drift so profiling them for an exact color match can be a twice daily event. The wax toner lasers hold their color better but the surface of these prints is nothing to rave about.

 

Bottom line: if you need a cheep print then maybe you might be happy with a laser. But if you take pride in your art, go with a good paper and print with at least an Epson 3880.

 

Tom

Kauai's Printmaker

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  • 2 weeks later...
Thank you, Tom; we have a Color LaserJet in the office. Any paper suggestions?

 

Some years ago I enjoyed a stay in your vicinity, at a B&B in Kalaheo. I'll be back!

 

Doug

 

If that B&B was on Puuwai Road, I was nearly next door. My studio is in Lihue though.

 

My old 7700 toner based Xerox laser took nearly every paper I fed it. The Xerox brand 10 pt C1S looks good. My newer 8560 is wax based so I can not feed it glossy papers. I just use the Xerox brand 80 pound cover or 80 # Pegasus when I need an acid free stock.

 

I tend to use my Epsons for photo work though. In fact, I have a 9900 on order and am planning on converting my 9800s to 7 tone B&W printers... one running a neutral ink set and the other a warmer pure carbon ink set. Canson, Hahnemuhle and Illford papers...

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I have recently done a fair bit of experimenting with B&W textured matt papers, colour difficult gamut and spent lots of time A-B ing in different light conditions :o I also sought comparisons from my friend and partner ;)

 

I have come to the conclusion that it is about taste but there was surprising consistency, I'll post my preferences if anyone is interested (using generic icc's) I have custom icc's for my preferred papers and spent some time endeavouring to get the best out of the ABW driver on my epson 3880. I do think the time spent with sample packs is worth it. (Please ignore the colour cast on the iphone 5 shot !)

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Edited by IWC Doppel
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