So What Kind of Printing Papers Are People Using?

I've got a Canon PP9500MKII now with pigment ink (had been printing on a dye printer all this time) and my intention is 13x19 prints to sell. I like the idea of these different textured papers like Moab's Somerset Velvet (which makes wedding portraits look crazy good),but how do those work for high detail shots, like shooting into Bryce Canyon, etc? Does the image pop or lose detail? Are there better papers that are coated to handle detail but not look like cheap drug store images?

Any suggestions would be great. Yes, I did order some samples, but I'm definitely interested in what my peers use... for one thing, it'll save me $30 million in ink costs to not have to print every paper sample on earth, lol! It's all maddening, and I love it.

I use Moab Entrada Bright Rag 190 and love it. I'm not a fan of glossy papers and this matte paper is just beautiful. The colors aren't quite as saturated as in a glossy or semi-gloss paper but I like the somewhat subdued colors. It's lightly textured and details are nice and crisp. It's not a cheap paper but it's fantastic.

I've seen Moab's Entrada 190 mentioned more than once, that'll definitely be the first one I try. I have a Hahnemuhle sample pack to test also, but that Entrada I'm quite interested in. It's in the price range I was expecting so that's no problem. Thanks Bret!

BTW, do you use any kind of protection spray after you print?

I don't but I know some people swear by it. Moab makes their own but I've never tried it.

I am currently using Red River Polar Matte. I have compared to many fine art papers and found it quite comparable. Of course it has almost no texture which may be a show-stopper for some. Since I primarily print 16x24, I purchase the 17x100ft rolls at an unbelievably low cost. This may not be the paper folks would consider a fine art paper, but if cost vs quality is a concern, it is worth getting a sample pack from RR.

I agree with Bret - love Moab Entrada (either bright or normal). Also, Hahnemühle Photo Rag is very nice. (I'm addicted to matte papers too: I really struggle with any type of gloss. However, I'm sure that's just a question of personal preference.)

I also use Moab Entrada for my personal portfolio but would be interested in hearing what people use when they make plaq mounts. Personally I have been using Epson Premium Luster and Glossy papers. What are other people using for their plaq mounts?

I use Red River Ultra Pro Satin and Ilford Galerie Smooth Gloss, Smooth Pearl, and Gold Fibre Silk. For plaq mounts I use the aforementioned RR UPS.

Excellent info gang, thanks!

For images with not a lot of deep shadows, I use Epson Velvet Fine Art. Deep shadows tend to look a bit muddy with this paper; otherwise the watercolor like texture of this paper is beautiful. For images with deep shadows, or to print 16x24 I use Epson Exhibition Fine Art Paper, cut from a roll. It's a bit of a pain because the paper is so thick that the curling often produces head strikes, so you have to actually cut the paper longer (the strikes occur at the edges). It is a luster like paper with incredibly bright, sharp colors. I'm about to try Red River Luster because they make 17x25 paper.

I used to use the Moab Entrada, but have switched over to the Red River Aurora Fine Art White. Very nice. I also use the Fine Art Natural for some prints when I want a warm tone. They just came out with San Gabriel Semigloss Fiber; I just received a box to try. It's got a nice surface. Their sample box is pretty inexpensive, think about trying it.

Dan,
Since I am a RR fan, I will most curious as to your experience with San Gabriel Fiber.

I use Hahnemuhle and really like it. But I have been wanting to experiment with Moab as well. I have had some prints done using Silver Rag that i have loved as well.

Good topic. Ive been using Epson Ultrasmooth Cotton Rag. I use a local respected printer and from the beginning that’s what he recommended. I love the results for many reasons. Since I have zero printing experience I've just sort of gone along with his Ultrasmooth recommendation however I have not tried other rag papers.

Has anyone else here tried Epson Ultrasmooth? And what do you think about it compared to other similar rag papers?

Kane

Just for kicks, I did try a comparison between Moab Entrada 190 Bright and Red River Polar Matte. At least on the image I was using, the two were virtually the same. It is interesting to me that Red River papers don't seem to get the same press for fine art printing as many of the "other" major players such as Moab or Canson. Yet, they are so much cheaper, partciularly by the roll. Really starting to wonder if Red River is producing paper for some of the other companies, specifically Legion paper.

Just for kicks, I did try a comparison between Moab Entrada 190 Bright and Red River Polar Matte. At least on the image I was using, the two were virtually the same. It is interesting to me that Red River papers don't seem to get the same press for fine art printing as many of the "other" major players such as Moab or Canson. Yet, they are so much cheaper, partciularly by the roll. Really starting to wonder if Red River is producing paper for some of the other companies, specifically Legion paper.

Excellent info Ken, thanks for posting this. I have a pack of sample paper from Red River, I'm going to run it through the mill. Well, a Canon 9500 anyway.

I would be interested in your experience after using Red River paper. Frankly their Aurora Natural and White did not impress me as much as Polar Matte for those interested in a matte finish. The metallic is really cool as one holds in a hand. But step back like viewing a photo hanging on a wall and magically the matte looks better, to me anyway. I really believe most of Red River papers are very high quality, but offer cheaper cost due to wholesale direct purchasing I suppose.

Dang, looks like I'm one of the only glossy fans out there. I've used SuperGloss for landscapes with reflections and I've always loved the results, and they look the best when doing acrylic mounts. I definitely want to try some Moab or RR papers though, I'm wanting a client to order some black & white prints so I can use some more silver rag!

Ryan, for certain shots I'm a huge glossy fan. The Canon Platinum Pro paper is crazy wet when finished and man, does it ever pop color. I did a sunrise at Bryce on that paper on my Pixma Pro-100 (dye-based printer) and it looks backlit and wet, really nice in a mat with no glass. Platinum Pro doesn't do so well in the 9500 Mark II, it tends to look a bit dull and cloudy. Still nice but not like in the dye-based printer. Dye inks are way better now, so having both types in-house has been the answer, for me anyway. Don't get me wrong, I love my pigment 9500 printer too, in fact, I just did a still life on the pigment printer with Somerset Velvet and it's like a painting. So they both have their place IMO.