mrjcall Loc: Woodfin, NC

Now that I've got all my basic supplies/equipment in place to start some marketing of my pix, I am in a bit of a quandary regarding paper 'finish'. I originally purchased a supply of Canon's Photo Pro Luster which is a very nice satin/semi-gloss finish. However, when I started buying extra ink, Canon sent a free supply of their Glossy Plus II paper which I really like. Blacker blacks and slightly brighter colors with, of course, the downside of the reflective issues. I don't think I've ever seen gloss finish paper prints being used/marketed at art shows. Is this because of the reflective issues or something else? Is there a standard or 'normal' in this regard? When I put 2 finished prints side by side, I invariably pick the gloss finish over the luster or stain finish. Ease of handling might also come into play I suppose and if you're selling in 'temporary' matts expecting the purchaser to remount and frame, then fingerprints and such could be an issue.... Thoughts?

geclevel Loc: Springville, Utah

I don't like the reflective finish of the gloss. I know the end customer will be the deciding factor. Maybe print off a using each type of paper and let the customer choose.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Mr, like you, I prefer gloss and metallics for a lot of stuff. But, like rental houses and apartments, most of what I'm going to sell I print on a pearl type paper. I use a Canon paper that I really like, but can't remember what it's called. I'll let you know when I get home tonite.
As you have already mentioned, the really smooth papers show up even the slightest imperfection.
Get yourself a sample pack of Red River and go through it. You might find a good paper you like in it.
Good luck. SS

mrjcall Loc: Woodfin, NC

I think the paper you might be taking about from Canon is their Pro Platinum which gets high marks from most. Not quite glossy, but close with great saturation. Haven't tried it, but will soon.

Also, Red River seems to be an excellent site and have learned much from it. I haven't tried their papers yet or inks for that matter, but if I have any demand at all, might start thinking about their products. Can anyone compare their papers/inks to Canon's?

jdubu Loc: San Jose, CA

Canon USa has a sale right now on some papers. Buy one pack and get 4 free!

This is limited time only

http://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/free-gift-paper-and-scrapbooking-kit-promo

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Mr, that's not it, but I'll check that out also.
I have used RR metallic and polar pearl. Both are nice. I have not used them with the the RR profiles and they seem to print very true regardless.
Thanks for the info. SS

CliqueOfOne Loc: Atlanta

Take a look at the matte print under glass and see how it compares with the straight glossy, then. You might be surprised!

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

Too often we so-called "photographers" get all hung up in details, to that I plead guilty and I will not be lonely.

Perception is a great fooler, the side by side comparison of cameras, lenses, and in this case papers may be valid, but in two rooms with a pause for coffee and JQPublic will never note the difference. (Never? Sure, I know, but usually). Remember we do not view photos with a 10x lope in our right eye! Minimum of 2" and usually 3' plus. The "cone of vision" viewing angle for home theaters is 15* So using tan calculation the minimum (comfortable, long term) viewing distance for a 10" print is 37". For a wall of our best we stand back 6'. Point being the fine points of excellent paper and on the negative side image flaws do or start to disappear. And yes, I love the close look of special prints like metallic; I too am addicted to that dash of image spice that special papers give (up close and to us fanatics).
*http://www.hometheatrebasics.com/home-theatre-tools/vertical-viewing-angle/

Personally, not based on price, I have discovered that Kodak low cost thin, 45#, paper works very well with my Epson NX-305 4 color, after all, the image is viewed not tested for strength. In reality the print is backed or framed in final product so there is no light to show thru (yes, in theory there is).

Shine? CliqueOfOne, me too, I love mat for most of my images. However gloss seems to be very popular, gloss has its universal bright color appeal (perhaps,,, for me, CliqueOfOne, it depends on my mood).

I hung several mounted on stretched canvas prints on the screened porch... with pride. Ooops, humidity here in Florida, paper gained moisture and expanded, canvas did not, Ouch, de-lamination of print from canvas back and warping of the print. Both gloss and mat were a disaster, by nature I think all papers will go crazy in the Florida swamp like humidity.

Solution? (teted successfully) For the Kodak Gloss only, I waxed the surface with two layers of Turtle Wax (solid) to give it that new car shine, really really very high gloss. Repells water well did not warp - - solvent based glue on one side, wax on the other.

Caveat: Allow the print to harden at least overnight. Also pre-mount the print on the primed canvas using 3M General Purpose 45 photo save spray on print and canvas. Elbow grease is needed to defog.

Tried my thick HP gloss paper and it was a disaster, well aged ink came off? Ink did not soak in?

So while you are trying different papers take a junk gloss print and try waxing it to water proof (water beads and rolls off). To test tape the edges to a flat surface.

I have a RedRiver paper free test pack and based on this post, you have peaked my interest to give the spread a good try. Thank you mrjcall for the stimulus and to all for the sharing of experience.... truly the correct spirit of UHH.

wilikioti Loc: Deep South, USA

As usual, well said. :thumbup: