Eau de Semi-Gloss Problem

July 10, 2009 3:03 PM

Help me work out a solution to the reek of my semi-gloss paper. It's stinking up my small bachelor apartment.

I do occasional design work from home and just recently needed to buy some 13" by 19" Premium Epson Semi-Gloss for my Epson Photo 1400 printer.

Some combination of the ink and the paper produces an awful burnt flesh sort of odour that, because of the size of my apartment, is so strong it's making me feel sick. I have to have the prints on the wall so I can see them, at least for the next two weeks.

Is there an alternative type of semi-gloss paper that won't produce this effect? Or, is there some way to treat the paper once it's printed that will reduce/eliminate the smell?


I've already tried hanging each print with a piece of trace paper (not helping). And I bought some of those science display boards from high school to mount everything on so I could fold it up at night...but the smell remains strong. Windows are open, fan is on.

Also, when I print on matte paper, there is also a strong smell but different so it must be the semi-gloss.

Any help most graciously appreciated.

posted by OlivesAndTurkishCoffee to computers & internet (3 comments total)

You could have them laminated.
posted by torquemaniac at 3:06 PM on July 10

put the prints in an airtight box with lots of active charcoal. a large tupperware would work best.
posted by Infernarl at 6:07 PM on July 10

Take the images to Costco, Sams Club, or Walmart on a memory stick and have enlargements made there to replace the stinkers.
posted by Nonce at 1:31 PM on July 11