We need your opinions on paper!

That being said, Diana and I like the Enhanced Matte paper from Epson, its has a lovely hand printed look to it.

I've never been happy with the glossy paper in our printer.

The Semi Gloss could win my over too, especially the Ilford and the Kodak papers. These are my favorite for photographs, and I think we'll have to try a art print run using the semi-gloss.

Good idea, we'll add those to the list

I found Epson's double sided heavy matte paper, which did alright. The photo paper just punched up the colors much better than the matte.
We shall see - thanks!
Eric

When it comes to Ilford paper I'm in love with the Pearl. I use it for all my fantasy or high level prints. It's the best of both worlds being half way between glossy and matte. Great texture, great colour registration and unlike glossy you don't leave very noticable finger prints on the surface every time you touch it.

Personally I detest glossy paper. I wouldn't buy a print made on it. But then I don't buy prints so my opinion is probably moot:) I use the heavy weight Matte paper or Enhanced matte for my furry prints.

All you artists are so alike! ^_^
Thanks for the help, Heather!
Eric

I lean towards the paper not counting as I've seen the prints you previously made and they already look fantastic. But then I've also seen how glossier paper can really bring out the brightness of the colors. So I suppose it can't hurt to use the glossier paper.

Also, congrats on your 5th anniversary!

Warning: Some Lines of Glossy Paper causes prints to change Colors.

I had a whole line of glossy 8.5 x 11 prints for a while. I was printing on an Epson printer and using Kodak Premium Glossy paper. Then I noticed the prints were growing darker with age. I promptly discontinued them! I think it was the Kodak Paper.

The Epson Premium Glossy Paper holds color much better, but I still distrust the glossy finish.
(Strangely, the Epson Premium 11" x 17" glossy paper holds color good and doesn't shift. I never noticed any change. I still use that for my matted Jumbo prints.)

Also, the trouble with Glossy for 8.5" x 11" prints is that when you put them in your print book, the glossy finish tends to 'stick' to the plastic of the protector sheets. :(

I use Epson Heavyweight Matte Single Sided Paper for my prints. It holds it's color perfectly, is nice and heavy, and is all around great. No need for you to waste extra money on the Double-Sided. It's exactly the same as the Single Sided, except that the back is coated for printing. Since you won't be printing on the back, getting this is a useless waste of money and doesn't add any value to the buyers. I only use it for my double-sided printing projects such as Christmas Cards.

Good choice on the Epson too. I love love love my Epson 1280.

Glossy seems to be losing amongst the pros ...

But that's OK - it's why I'm asking! ^_^

The Premium Photo paper that Epson makes seems to be resisting finger printing so far. According to Epson's color fastness tests the 2400 K3 inks on their paper are good for longer than I'll be alive. We've always used the archival sleeves that aren't supposed to stick, although we haven't tried them with this paper yet.


We have a stock of single sided heavyweight matte by Epson, I'll try printing on those too. Whee, it's an adventure!

Thanks Brenda!
Eric

Re: Glossy seems to be losing amongst the pros ...

I know I already sent a message to the Yahoo group, but I see I forgot to mention the stickiness versus plastic sleeves. I'm not a professional by any stretch, but I keep most of my prints in a book, and if I suddenly found they were sticking to the sleeves, I'd be very annoyed.

I personally don't have any paper stock preference, as most things I buy will end up framed and looking nice anyway.

As a side note, as a person who does maintenance to printers professionally, the Epson is a better choice of printer. ... but what are you going to do with the Phaser?

Once we decide we don't want to use the Phaser any longer, I'm guessing we'll offer it up for sale somewhere. I saved the box, but it's still a beast to ship. 65 pounds, or thereabout.

We'll throw in a hernia free of charge! ^_^
Eric

Paper doesn't matter, it's the image that counts! Especially if there's a bat on it!

Im a big fan of matte finished pictures anything with that soft smooth look is nice for prints i think. :) Or something similar to matte. Like a pearl. I would even go as far as semi gloss but not as much as the other ones :)