What paper are you using for home printing?

GristlyEnd

While at the focus on imaging exhibition yesterday, the one thing I wanted to check out was the different paper types available. After walking around for hours and looking at all the various print examples, I settled on Hahnemühle Photo Rag Pearl which is a 320 g/m 100% Cotton natural while - pearl finish and FineArt Pearl 285 g/m 100% α-Cellulose - pearl finish.

I've just done my first print on the Photo Rag Pearl and the results are stunning (for me anyway). This is my first print since the Peoples Photography last year but I will be doing a lot more. I also picked up the Hahnemühle FineArt Inkjet Photo Album. It has 20 sheets of Natural Art Duo 256 g/m paper printable on both sides. You also get a black hardcover album with it. Just need to decide on some prints for fill it up.

Anyone else using paper other than the norm?

elven

I've been lusting after but haven't yet splashed out on epson somerset velvet. I just love what real matte paper does to my pictures - it brings out so much more detail in the shadows, gives lovely delicate highlights and subtle colours, almost like a watercolour. For the moment it's just cheap ass matte paper i got in one of those cartridge recycling shops, but I really like the finish anyway. Just not sure about the longevity of the prints...

Did you see anything else good there?

Borderfox

I also picked up the Hahnemühle FineArt Inkjet Photo Album. It has 20 sheets of Natural Art Duo 256 g/m paper printable on both sides. You also get a black hardcover album with it. Just need to decide on some prints for fill it up.

Anyone else using paper other than the norm?[/quote]

Whats the verdict on the album Darren? I had seen them advertised and thought it was a good idea.

I usually print on either glossy or semi-gloss Epson paper, nothing out of the ordinary though.

trishw78

Hi Darren I was at the show on sunday and picked up quite a few different samples I haven't ever thought of 'printing' my own shots before untill i was wandering around looking at all the different printers. I decided I needed a decient printer before I could start printing, so with that said I'll be giving some of the samples to kensutz to test out for me.

What was it about the paper that made you decide on it?

GristlyEnd

elven wrote: »

I've been lusting after but haven't yet splashed out on epson somerset velvet. I just love what real matte paper does to my pictures - it brings out so much more detail in the shadows, gives lovely delicate highlights and subtle colours, almost like a watercolour. For the moment it's just cheap ass matte paper i got in one of those cartridge recycling shops, but I really like the finish anyway. Just not sure about the longevity of the prints...

Did you see anything else good there?

Epson didn't have this on display, in fact there stand was very disappointing. Ilford had there paper on display. The Galerie smooth pearl and Galerie fibre silk where two that stood out for me. The fibre silk gave the photo's a real watercolour look like what you mentioned above. Might be worth having a look into that as well.

There was also a stand with paper specifically for making cards (printing directly onto them). I'm racking my brain trying to remember the name of them as there where very nice. I'll get back to you on that.

Loads of mount board cutters on display which is something I want to invest in and maybe even make my own frames after seeing the diy framing stand.

Borderfox wrote: »

Whats the verdict on the album Darren? I had seen them advertised and thought it was a good idea.

I usually print on either glossy or semi-gloss Epson paper, nothing out of the ordinary though.

It's nice for the price I paid (£25). You can get refill packs for them and the paper is high quality. I have an idea of how I want to do the layout for it so will let you know when it's done for you look at.

Borderfox

Thanks Darren

ladgie353

I mainly use Ilford Galerie Classic Pearl.
It is reasonably priced and gives great results with my printer (epson 1270).

I will probably start looking at the permajet papers for a Matt paper.
Ilford's Fine art seem too hard to find in A3 over here.

Stephen

I'm just using cheap Epson glossy 4x6 paper for my own stuff. Looks fine to me!

elven

DarrenG wrote: »

The fibre silk gave the photo's a real watercolour look like what you mentioned above. Might be worth having a look into that as well.

There was also a stand with paper specifically for making cards (printing directly onto them). I'm racking my brain trying to remember the name of them as there where very nice. I'll get back to you on that.

Ooh, I didn't know which Ilford had that finish - must look into it too. See if you can remember the name of the card thingy - is there a list of exhibitors anywhere that would have it?

Covey

Do you manage to get a profile for each different paper you use. If so, how do you go about it?

elven

I think a lot of the manufacturers give you profiles on the website don't they? I think there are also some lovely people out there who make them up and have them available for download too. I've seen a few of my favourite bloggers talking about it I'm sure... they all use mad big printers and have a serious fetish for exactness...

Beef

Thanks for all the info, just ordered some Ilford smooth pearl from 7dayshop to see hpw it goes...

GristlyEnd

Covey wrote: »

Do you manage to get a profile for each different paper you use. If so, how do you go about it?

Hahnemuhle have ICC profiles here and Ilford have them here. You have to register with Ilford first.

elven wrote: »

Ooh, I didn't know which Ilford had that finish - must look into it too. See if you can remember the name of the card thingy - is there a list of exhibitors anywhere that would have it?

There is a list. I'm going to look through it now and get back to you.

GristlyEnd

Found it!

on-line paper

JMcL

Does anybody know an online source for Ilford Galerie Gold Silk (god, what a crap name)? It's supposed to be a cracking paper for the money

stcstc

I just ordered some from 7dayshop

although i am yet to find a supplier for roll version


I often use the ilford smooth pearl paper, i quite like the finish and its actually quite cheap