What's the best paper for your ink-jet printer to use to print photographs?
Dec 11, 2017 02:44:48 #
toxdoc42 wrote:
It depends upon what you plan to do with the prints. For my use, family photos in frames in the home, rotated out as new photos are made, in my personal opinion, Costco sells a very inexpensive Photo Glossy, can't beat it!
Problem with Costco, Toxdoc ... is that annual subscription fee they require you to pay ... does not balance out with their supposed "savings" ....
It's a rip-off!!! .... And, it's a real hassle to shop, there, too ... no, thanks!!!
You can find better deals on-line!
And you don't have to fight people to the check-out counters, either!!!!
Dec 11, 2017 02:50:08 #
speters wrote:
It all depends on the images one wants to print, and what you prefer for that certain image. Do you want some texture, do you want the blacks to show in a certain way, luster, gloss, or matte, etc., etc? The list goes on and on. There is no best paper for all, there is only the best paper for a particular picture!
Oh, okay, then, S ... I guess I'll just have to stock up on a ream of every paper I can find, then, huh?
Whatever happened to those cartons of 10 you could pick up for $14.95?
Dec 11, 2017 06:03:54 #
As already mentioned, get a sample pack from a paper manufacturer. I bought a MIXED MEDIA pack of 30 sheets (8 varieties) from PERMA JET (U.K.). I don't do a lot of printing but find gloss does detail best.
A judge at a recent club competition recently remarked that she 'wished authors would not use gloss for landscapes and recommended trying a matt paper'.
Try this link for info, but not sure if Perma Jet is available in the U.S. I'm sure other manufacturers will offer something similar though.
http://www.permajet.com/Products/PermaJet-Test-Packs
A judge at a recent club competition recently remarked that she 'wished authors would not use gloss for landscapes and recommended trying a matt paper'.
Try this link for info, but not sure if Perma Jet is available in the U.S. I'm sure other manufacturers will offer something similar though.
http://www.permajet.com/Products/PermaJet-Test-Packs
Dec 11, 2017 07:04:41 #
Chris T wrote:
Some are coated ... others are flat ... which kind offers the best detail and contrast?
For best detail and contrast, and color, I use Mitsubishu Pictrico Glossy White Film. I think it has the best performance of any inkjet printable media. After printing, I cold laminate with a polyester (not vinyl) UV protective film (from Drytac). The result is an extreme high gloss, dimensionally stable, and brilliant print that needs no protective glazing when framed.
Dec 11, 2017 07:26:07 #
Have a look at permajet Oyster if you like satin rather than gloss or matte. I use it as my go-to general purpose paper on an Epson R3000. Nice weight, colour and texture.
But picking up on other comments above, for best results more easily, the manufacturer's own papers are a good start as colour and brightness rendition from screen to print is a potentially disappointing minefield! I finally paid to have 4 papers I use professionally profiled. Also profiled the monitor and for prints that don't look too dark you might need to reduce monitor brightness. Then only necessary to ensure using same colour space where relevant (probably best for sRGB thoughout as only the very expensive monitors get anywhere near Adobe RGB)
Have a look here for some good advise if your prints don't look like they do on screen
http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/why-are-my-prints-too-dark/ and here for excellent overview
http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/color-management-printing.htm
But picking up on other comments above, for best results more easily, the manufacturer's own papers are a good start as colour and brightness rendition from screen to print is a potentially disappointing minefield! I finally paid to have 4 papers I use professionally profiled. Also profiled the monitor and for prints that don't look too dark you might need to reduce monitor brightness. Then only necessary to ensure using same colour space where relevant (probably best for sRGB thoughout as only the very expensive monitors get anywhere near Adobe RGB)
Have a look here for some good advise if your prints don't look like they do on screen
http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/why-are-my-prints-too-dark/ and here for excellent overview
http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/color-management-printing.htm
Dec 11, 2017 07:27:25 #
Have used Red River for years now. Only paper I will use.
Excellent results.
Printer ICMs available from them for all their paper and most printers.
Excellent results.
Printer ICMs available from them for all their paper and most printers.
Dec 11, 2017 07:49:46 #
We buy so many other things than printer paper. I would not suggest a membership if that is all you buy. For example we just bought kitchen paper towels. The Kirkland brand, except quality, were $12.99 for the same number of rolls, but each roll was 20 larger than the Bounty sold for $19.99 there, $20.99 at ShopRite. Their Napa Valley Cabernet Blend at $12.99 is amazing, the 2014 is better than the 2015 if you Costco happens to have it. I could go on for ever comparing Costco's prices. Yes, not everything will be cheaper than a grocery store offering things on sale. This is not m$easnt as an advertisement for Costco, just giving a suggestion. I wonder if anyone printing for home use can really tell one paper from another.
Dec 11, 2017 07:49:57 #
I agree with Wanda, that is depends on your image. Some papers can also change slightly with each order. Having said all that, I use more of the Epson Exhibition paper
than any other. I get it from Atlex.
Mike
than any other. I get it from Atlex.
Mike
Dec 11, 2017 07:56:52 #
I have used a variety of papers (Glossy, Matte and Canvas), mostly from Red River and have found the results quite satisfactory. I have also used Epson, HP and Kodak paper, again with satisfactory results. I like the suggestion of trying sample packs from various manufacturers to see if any one better suits your particular needs or wants. My experience has been that any of the major suppliers produce a product that works well with either my Epson (Artisan 1430) or HP (Office Jet Pro 8100).
Dec 11, 2017 07:57:29 #
cytafex
Loc: Clarksburg MA
Lots of papers available today. I prefer cotton based with no optical brighteners for longevity. Hahnnemule PrhotoRag Baryta is a favorite, with Canson Platine a close second. I'm using more Canson these days as it's not as expensive Hahnnemule and very similar results. Both are a satin finish and with pigment inks the images look rich and will last.
Dec 11, 2017 08:08:08 #
cytafex - if you like Platine give Red River Palo Duro SoftGloss Rag a try.
Dec 11, 2017 08:13:05 #
Chris T wrote:
Some are coated ... others are flat ... which kind offers the best detail and contrast?
High gloss, coated for your brand of ink. The glossy coating sharply holds each dot out on the surface.
Matte and uncoated papers are “toothy.” They absorb the ink into and along the paper fibers.
The harder and smoother the coating, the sharper and more color accurate the image.
Dec 11, 2017 08:17:33 #
I agree burkphoto. A landscape print on Canon Photo Paper Pro Platinum is stunning in my opinion. Sharp and colorful. I was surprised at the comment by the judge listed above about landscape images and matte paper.
Dec 11, 2017 08:38:12 #
Chris T wrote:
Some are coated ... others are flat ... which kind offers the best detail and contrast?
I really like Canon Glossy, I've used a lot of BJ's glossy, Red River has nice surfaces and textures but I print mostly glossy, in fact if I have to replace my printer I will consider using something like Walgreens or CVS for printing as I print a lot less since I've retired. Bob.
Dec 11, 2017 08:56:29 #
Chris T wrote:
Some are coated ... others are flat ... which kind offers the best detail and contrast?
I have Cannon printer, and have used Cannon, HP, and Kodak paper, all high gloss and prefer the Kodak paper.
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