martinimages
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Fine Art Papers
When you want to print out your work there are lots of options as regards Media [papers]. Fine art papers will give the the best look and feel, here are a small selection to start with, but first a word of caution
There not cheap, to make mistakes is expensive in paper and ink wastage, you will not be able to produce fine art prints on these papers with out using quality pigment ink printers designed to output grey scale, printers like the Epson R2500, Epson 3800, models from Canon, HP all produce superb output when used correctly and can rival chemical reproduction prints from the wet darkroom.
Heres a few of many FAP that I use for my work and can comment on there performance.
Epson Archival/enhanced matt
This is a great paper to learn with, its not expensive but produces great prints, its around 190gsm matt in finish and has a very slight textured surface, I would suggest that you start with this as wastage is less expensive when experimenting, great to start with.
Harman FB AI
This paper is thick at 320gsm, the base is made of Barta and coated with Alumina to give a look of traditional fibre based photographic paper, it produces extremely sharpe images with exceptional deep blacks and enhanced tonal range,the prints have a soft gloss sheen, prints from this look superb and the archival properties cannot be bettered, highly recommended.
Somerset satin velvet
This is a matt paper, its weight is 225gsm, it produces amazing tonal range with detail kept in both shadow and highlight, it has a textured surface and prints from this paper have a timeless look, blacks take on a velvet appearance and the whites are soft but detailed, highly recommended
Epson/Somerset velvet fine art
Very similar to the Somerset Satin but is thicker and the texture is more pronounced, gives a wide tonal range, the look and feel is exceptional, Highly recommended.
Museo Max,It is claimed that Museo MAX sets the standard by which all past and future fine art papers will be judged. A beautiful texture, great Dmax and tonal range, sharpe images, matt finish
Martin
If anyone would like a sample of the above I can forward to you small test prints that I use before the final print output, there not the finished product but will give a good idea of what to expect from them.
Last edited by martinimages, 12/Sep/09, 9:27 pm
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23/Oct/07, 9:02 pm
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StevenZ
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Re: Fine Art Papers
Great idea, Martin! This could be an invaluable thread, especially for those like me who are spending a small fortune on buying fine art paper for testing and printing.
I wouldn't mind swapping some paper/images with you.
Here are my top choices for paper:
Epson Velvet Fine Art: one of my favorite matte papers with one of the highest dmax values on the market. I hear it's very similar to Somerset Velvet.
Crane Museo Silver Rag: My first choice in lustre/semi-gloss category closely resembling
traditional fiber-based photo paper.
Moab Entrada Rag: There are two varities I've used. Bright white and Natural. Comes in different weights and thickeness. The bright white gives a cool tone while the Natural is much warmer. Very economical too.
Museo Portfolio Rag and MAX: Two fine matte papers very similar and good dmax. Almost identical except MAX has more texture.
Condor Bright White by Hawk Mountain: A very cool matte paper with the look of a cold toned silver print. Great for winter landscape scenes.
Anybody else want to swap samples, send me a private email I'd be happy to do so.
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23/Oct/07, 10:52 pm
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martinimages
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Re: Fine Art Papers
I will send you a sample 7x5 of the Harman fibre base, send me the condor same size, e-mail your address to me please
Martin
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24/Oct/07, 5:35 pm
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I Simonius
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Re: Fine Art Papers
HI guys - a great list of explanations but it would be even better if you also explained when you choose each paper e.g this one best for detailed B+W this one best for misty scenes etc
I know it is sort of mentioned elsewhere but it'd be great to have that info in one place
thanks
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27/May/09, 8:40 pm
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martinimages
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Re: Fine Art Papers
Ok Simon, but hundreds of papers out there so can only express opinion of papers used
Epson velvet fine art
Superb D MAX and tonal range, great all rounder, all subjects
Museo Max
Very similar to Epson VFA, but cheaper for some reason, one of my favs, great all rounder, all subjects
Somerset velvet satin
Another good paper, ideal for portrait or misty shots , gives less D MAX than the above two but softer more delicate in nature.
Epson Archival matt
Cheaper version of fine art papers, not a true Rag paper, but gives great Dmax and tones, this is the paper to experiment when you first start printing your monos.
Harman FB A1
I don't tend to print a lot on gloss fine art papers, but when you want an image that really shows super fine detail such as machinery, macros, this paper will deliver, it has a very smooth surface, if you did not no it was an injet paper, you would think it a wet darkroom paper, feels and smells just like the real thing, very unforgiving, any file misrepresentation will show like mad on these types of papers because of that smoothness, so extra care in editing is required
Hahnemühle Fine Art Baryta
Is more forgiving than Harman, it has a slightly textured finish, more pearl than the advertised gloss, its my choice for absolute DMAX, it looks superb toned, makes images that hit you in the face with deep blacks and pure whites, its an all rounder and good in all respects, if you can live with the slightly shiny texture
Last edited by martinimages, 27/May/09, 9:17 pm
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27/May/09, 9:15 pm
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gettingbetter
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Re: Fine Art Papers
I don't know what papers you can buy in England, but Fuji make a seies of papers called Luminax; one of which is specially made for black and white printing.
Does Ilford still make printing paper and has anybody used it?
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19/Jun/09, 8:15 am
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