I currently print on an Epson 4800 using Moab Entrada Natural. I love the printer and the paper. However, the paper renders some images way too warm and I have had trouble properly correcting it in Photoshop in a way that makes me happy with the results. I use Epson Enhanced Matte as my proofing paper and those warm images look fine. Any recommendations for a high end archival paper to use on those occasions where the Entrada Natural is too warm (emphasis on archival paper)? I assume I will need a paper with optical brightners??
Harley, this sounds like more of a profile issue than a paper issue. You may want to invest in a custom profile if you like the paper otherwise and plan to use it for much of your work.
Harley, I was having the exact same issue with Entrada. The Moab profiles didn't provide any help at all. I finally ended up getting a custom profile through Chromix ($99). That solved my problem - in addition Chromix was very helpful and easy to deal with. They do guarantee their profiles as well, so if you're not satisfied they will work with you until you are. I use the Epson R2400.
Harley: Moab Entrada and Hahnemuhle Photorag (my paper of choice) are both warm papers, even if the Photorag has OBA's. A profile will go some distance, but you might also need a more neutrally white paper (hold Epson Enh. Matte and your Entrada paper side by side and you'll immediately notice the distance). Moreover, Epson's black inks are also a little on the warm side. I run MIS's Eboni black in place of the Epson black for this reason. It's a very marginal improvement, but a more neutral black also gives the visual impression of deeper dmax.
Harley, are you avoiding Entrada Bright because of archival issues?
I know it doesn't have the longevity of their Natural, but I don't know the difference in years rated.
I have avoided the Bright due to longevity concerns. I was hoping to avoid papers with brightners unless that turns out to be the only solution. I talked to Chromix. They will do a custom profile for me and it is guaranteed. If it doesn't solve the problem or I am not happy with it, they will refund my $.
Do you use the Bright? The Natural? If you do, what do you think of them?
Yes, Harley, I use both, depending on the image - with Moab profiles.
In most cases I prefer the Bright.
Since I don't sell my images, the archival specs are not that critical.
My biggest issue with both papers is their tendency to flake.
I wipe the surfaces with lint-free tissue prior to printing (Epson 2200).
This helps, but does not eliminate the problem entirely.
Have you encountered this?
Harley: OBA's do not necessarily reduce the life of the print. The possibility exists for minor yellowing over time, which I have yet to hear anyone report occuring. Minor yellowing on a warm paper might not even be noticeable.
I have had almost no issues with flaking. I use roll paper exclusively. I am not sure if that makes any difference, but I think I have only had to toss 1 print due to flaking. From what I read, that is a serious problem with the Hahnemuhle Photorag .
Michael,
Thanks for the input. I think I will try the Chromix profile. If that does not do the trick, then I will try some of the Bright on the images giving me problems.
I am not sure if that makes any difference, but I think I have only had to toss 1 print due to flaking. From what I read, that is a serious problem with the Hahnemuhle Photorag.
I'm not sure how these stories get propagated. I've been using Photorag exclusively (as my matte paper) for 4+ years (in 188gsm, 308gsm, and Satin) and flaking has NOT been an issue. I do unroll as many inches as I'll need for a print, dust it with my anti-static brush, and then roll it back up. I have never even seen flakes in the box or bag (in roll form). I cannot say the same about Moab Entrada (althought I did only test a box of cut sheets).
I have read about the flaking in several different paper reviews. For example, here is a article reviewing all different kinds of papers. In his review, he states that H-Rag has definite flaking issues. He recommends wiping it, blowing it off and states it still flakes a little.
I cannot dispute what Clayton says, although he's a prodigious and notorious sampler of papers, so I'm not sure he's ever used any one paper long enough to really know it's characteristics. I can only reiterate that it has NEVER been an issue for me. Perhaps I am doing something right??
Another thought: I'm pretty sure Clayton prints only on desktop printers, and cut sheets (regardless of brand) will always be more prone to flaking if not well treated.
Discussion
13 repliesGuy
I know it doesn't have the longevity of their Natural, but I don't know the difference in years rated.
I have avoided the Bright due to longevity concerns. I was hoping to avoid papers with brightners unless that turns out to be the only solution. I talked to Chromix. They will do a custom profile for me and it is guaranteed. If it doesn't solve the problem or I am not happy with it, they will refund my $.
Do you use the Bright? The Natural? If you do, what do you think of them?
In most cases I prefer the Bright.
Since I don't sell my images, the archival specs are not that critical.
My biggest issue with both papers is their tendency to flake.
I wipe the surfaces with lint-free tissue prior to printing (Epson 2200).
This helps, but does not eliminate the problem entirely.
Have you encountered this?
Let us know how you like the Chromix profile.
I have had almost no issues with flaking. I use roll paper exclusively. I am not sure if that makes any difference, but I think I have only had to toss 1 print due to flaking. From what I read, that is a serious problem with the Hahnemuhle Photorag .
Michael,
Thanks for the input. I think I will try the Chromix profile. If that does not do the trick, then I will try some of the Bright on the images giving me problems.
I'm not sure how these stories get propagated. I've been using Photorag exclusively (as my matte paper) for 4+ years (in 188gsm, 308gsm, and Satin) and flaking has NOT been an issue. I do unroll as many inches as I'll need for a print, dust it with my anti-static brush, and then roll it back up. I have never even seen flakes in the box or bag (in roll form). I cannot say the same about Moab Entrada (althought I did only test a box of cut sheets).
I have read about the flaking in several different paper reviews. For example, here is a article reviewing all different kinds of papers. In his review, he states that H-Rag has definite flaking issues. He recommends wiping it, blowing it off and states it still flakes a little.
http://www.cjcom.net/articles/digiprn5.htm
Another thought: I'm pretty sure Clayton prints only on desktop printers, and cut sheets (regardless of brand) will always be more prone to flaking if not well treated.