Posted by Zack Schnepf on October 6, 2007 at 7:00 PM
Hey Folks, I know this has been covered to some extent in previous topics, but I haven't seen any thing lately. I've been getting more print orders lately, and want to start branching out. I'm going to be replacing my Epson 2200 with either a 4800, or 7800.
1. My first question is what is you favorite paper for printing landscape images on, especially high contrast images? I've been pretty happy with my prints made on enhanced matte paper, but disappointed by the results on high contrast images. I'd like to do some extensive testing on different types of images to see which paper will suite which image.
2. The other question I have is where is the best place to buy these papers?
Thanks all.
Posted by James Hersey on October 6, 2007 at 10:06 PM
I think my new overall favorite is Hahnemühle Fine Art Pearl
Without any doubt Hahnemühle Fine Art Pearl. New Photorag pearl is also very nice.
Posted by Rick Dunn on October 7, 2007 at 11:15 AM
Zack - my favorite by far is the original Hahnemühle Photo Rag, for all images. It handles high contrast images very nicely. For a few extra bucks, I like the feel of the heavier weight 308 as opposed to the 188, but if you're selling the prints already mounted and framed, there's little reason to spend the extra $$. Once I get settled in my new location, I'm planning to pick up some of the Fine Art Pearl and Photo Rag Satin.
With the exception of periodic sales from one site or another, the most consistently low prices that I've found for these papers is at Digital Art Supplies.
Posted by Mike Moats on October 7, 2007 at 5:38 PM
Hey Zack, I've found the best prices for paper and inks at, www.atlex.com
Posted by Mel Ladewig on October 8, 2007 at 4:40 PM
I haven't printed on my Hahneuhle fine art pearl samples yet. I have found in general that the RC type papers get very dark looking at times. While the paper does allow for separation of color at very high densities, I usually feel like the prints are just too dark overall. There are several other things that I dislike about RC papers, but one of the biggest dislikes is the reflections between glass and print with framed pieces. Its not to say that I don't have RC type papers, I just use them for specific purposes.
I know what you mean about the Epson enhanced matte with high contrast. In particular, the blacks just seem to block up. I recently had a print with exactly this problem.
Epson Velvet Fine Art does much better at resisting the black blocking that you've probably seen in the e-matte. It is a reliable matte fine art paper, though it is only available up to 13X19 from what I've seen.
Otherwise, Hahnemuhle has an excellent offering of papers. Photo Rag is popular and available in several weights and two brightness options in every size I'd ever want. I personally like the parchment surfaced Torchon 285. I've been busy and taken a little time away from my paper testing, but I'll get back to it this fall. I'll probably reach the end of my Velvet Fine Art stock around the 1st of the year, so I'm looking at what to get next.
I've ordered alot of stuff from Atlex. They might not be cheapest on every item, but across an entire order, they are the cheapest.
Discussion
5 replies1. My first question is what is you favorite paper for printing landscape images on, especially high contrast images? I've been pretty happy with my prints made on enhanced matte paper, but disappointed by the results on high contrast images. I'd like to do some extensive testing on different types of images to see which paper will suite which image.
2. The other question I have is where is the best place to buy these papers?
Thanks all.
Between B&H and http://www.inkjetart.com
You can get samples and try out several kinds before making a large purchase
With the exception of periodic sales from one site or another, the most consistently low prices that I've found for these papers is at Digital Art Supplies.
I know what you mean about the Epson enhanced matte with high contrast. In particular, the blacks just seem to block up. I recently had a print with exactly this problem.
Epson Velvet Fine Art does much better at resisting the black blocking that you've probably seen in the e-matte. It is a reliable matte fine art paper, though it is only available up to 13X19 from what I've seen.
Otherwise, Hahnemuhle has an excellent offering of papers. Photo Rag is popular and available in several weights and two brightness options in every size I'd ever want. I personally like the parchment surfaced Torchon 285. I've been busy and taken a little time away from my paper testing, but I'll get back to it this fall. I'll probably reach the end of my Velvet Fine Art stock around the 1st of the year, so I'm looking at what to get next.
I've ordered alot of stuff from Atlex. They might not be cheapest on every item, but across an entire order, they are the cheapest.
Mel-