Home Printing

Portlawslim

After getting a decent photo printer over the Christmas I was wondering if anyone else on here prints at home and would they like to share their preferences(papers) and experiences?
After just getting the printer and getting a loan of a Spyder 5 Pro to calibrate my screen it's very satisfying to print your images just after processing. Lots to experiment with i.e papers

Adrian.Sadlier

Hi George

I use an Epson Sure Color P800 for all my printing. I have never had a photo printed "professionally" so can't make a comparison. However, I haven't had a single complaint or criticism of print quality in the last few years so I must be doing something right.

One of the main reasons I print myself is that I have total control of how the finished image looks - size, paper, etc. And I believe it works out cheaper as I print quite a bit (200-300 A3 images per annum).

As long as I use genuine ink (never "compatibles") and good quality paper its reliable and predictable.

As for papers, I most use PermaJet and the odd bit of Canson. I buy nearly all of it in Gunne's of Camden Street.

As to what type of paper, it depends on the image. I save the more expensive paper (around €3 per A3 sheet) for prints I sell or serious competition. Otherwise I tend to use PermaJet Oyster.

I'd use more Ultra Matt paper if it wasn't for the fact that the Epson's tend to swap black inks when I use them. This can be quite wastefull.

As for the screen calibration I find the Spyder Pro 5 to be great - I just don't use it enough (I should do it every month).

One thing I found out quickly is that I need to brighten images before I print them, usually by 30 in Photoshop.

Make sure that "Photoshop Manages Colour" is selected when printing and that you always use the correct ICC profiles for the paper/ink/printer combination.

And watch out for paper misfeeds when using heavier paper - you usually cannot use the sheet feeder for this.

Adrian

Portlawslim

Adrian.Sadlier wrote: »

Hi George

I use an Epson Sure Color P800 for all my printing. I have never had a photo printed "professionally" so can't make a comparison. However, I haven't had a single complaint or criticism of print quality in the last few years so I must be doing something right.

One of the main reasons I print myself is that I have total control of how the finished image looks - size, paper, etc. And I believe it works out cheaper as I print quite a bit (200-300 A3 images per annum).

As long as I use genuine ink (never "compatibles") and good quality paper its reliable and predictable.

As for papers, I most use PermaJet and the odd bit of Canson. I buy nearly all of it in Gunne's of Camden Street.

As to what type of paper, it depends on the image. I save the more expensive paper (around €3 per A3 sheet) for prints I sell or serious competition. Otherwise I tend to use PermaJet Oyster.

I'd use more Ultra Matt paper if it wasn't for the fact that the Epson's tend to swap black inks when I use them. This can be quite wastefull.

As for the screen calibration I find the Spyder Pro 5 to be great - I just don't use it enough (I should do it every month).

One thing I found out quickly is that I need to brighten images before I print them, usually by 30 in Photoshop.

Make sure that "Photoshop Manages Colour" is selected when printing and that you always use the correct ICC profiles for the paper/ink/printer combination.

And watch out for paper misfeeds when using heavier paper - you usually cannot use the sheet feeder for this.

Adrian

Hi Adrian,
Thanks for replying with such in-depth answer much appreciated, It's a steep learning curve but enjoyable.

George