I'm finally making the jump into the fine art inkjet world and I've been doing some research on papers that interest me. Basically I'm looking at Matte "watercolor" papers. I was looking at Moab Entrada and found that there are two versions, one with optical brighteners and one without (labeled as natural). Any thoughts regarding longevity issues with OB's? Do you also find that the papers looks overly white when OB's are used? I plan on getting a sample pack, but it would be interesting to hear your thoughts.
Also, if by chance you have a matte paper recommendation, any input would be appreciated. I'm also looking at Hahnemuhle Photo Rag, which I liked based on a couple tests I did through West Coast Imaging. I'll probably try and find a couple of different papers that I can choose from depending on the image that I'm printing.
As far as I understand it, the OBAs evaporate over time, leaving the paper's base color visible so in effect the bright version will end up looking like the natural version over time.
Entrada is a great paper, as is Photo Rag. For a different look you may also want to look at the Hahnemuhle Fine Art Pearl which has a nice silvery finish.
Hmm, interesting question. The thing that would concern me, is if the fading effect were even
or not. I've only seen OBAs on lower grade papers, LWC magazine type paper, and the OBA's appeared in a sprayed pattern on these when looking at them with a UV lamp ( blacklight) . I also wonder if the OBAs would fade if protected from UV light , as in a coating or glass? Tim
I wouldn't get too hung up about OBA's, Joel. They've been used in traditional papers long before inkjet paper came around. Guy' is right about what happens when the OBA's break down.
For my taste, nothing beats the performance and look of Hahnmemuhle Photorag (it's been my primary matte paper for 5+ years). I often wish it had slightly less texture, but it holds unmatchable tone, contrast, and sharpness.
Discussion
4 repliesI'm finally making the jump into the fine art inkjet world and I've been doing some research on papers that interest me. Basically I'm looking at Matte "watercolor" papers. I was looking at Moab Entrada and found that there are two versions, one with optical brighteners and one without (labeled as natural). Any thoughts regarding longevity issues with OB's? Do you also find that the papers looks overly white when OB's are used? I plan on getting a sample pack, but it would be interesting to hear your thoughts.
Also, if by chance you have a matte paper recommendation, any input would be appreciated. I'm also looking at Hahnemuhle Photo Rag, which I liked based on a couple tests I did through West Coast Imaging. I'll probably try and find a couple of different papers that I can choose from depending on the image that I'm printing.
Thanks for your time.
As far as I understand it, the OBAs evaporate over time, leaving the paper's base color visible so in effect the bright version will end up looking like the natural version over time.
Entrada is a great paper, as is Photo Rag. For a different look you may also want to look at the Hahnemuhle Fine Art Pearl which has a nice silvery finish.
Guy
or not. I've only seen OBAs on lower grade papers, LWC magazine type paper, and the OBA's appeared in a sprayed pattern on these when looking at them with a UV lamp ( blacklight) . I also wonder if the OBAs would fade if protected from UV light , as in a coating or glass? Tim
For my taste, nothing beats the performance and look of Hahnmemuhle Photorag (it's been my primary matte paper for 5+ years). I often wish it had slightly less texture, but it holds unmatchable tone, contrast, and sharpness.