What are some good non-Epson digital papers for my Epson R1900?
December 5, 2009 2:12 PM Subscribe
What are some good non-Epson digital papers for my Epson R1900?
What are some good non-Epson digital papers for my Epson R1900? I am a graphic design student in my last year of school and I have recently purchased the above mentioned printer after researching and comparing other printers.
Because I do more with the printer than just plain photos and I don't want to pay for Epson's markup with their papers, what are some good alternatives?
I've been experimenting with its settings and different papers. I unfortunately bought a ream of offset semi-gloss coated paper; and although it looks fine with lighter colors, any dark colors (especially large areas of dark color) look spotty and horrible, even after using the "plain paper" (or non-photo paper setting). When I lowered the draft quality the colors were too washed out. I was told that I got the results I did, because I bought offset paper. Live and learn I guess.
I usually go get paper from a specialty supplier where I live (Anchor Paper in the Twin Cities) and I need 11 x 17 or 12 x 18 and I want some type of coating with a gloss or dull finish. But what are some brands of digital paper I can buy? And for those who live in the area and know, any other stores besides Anchor that are also good?
What are some good non-Epson digital papers for my Epson R1900? I am a graphic design student in my last year of school and I have recently purchased the above mentioned printer after researching and comparing other printers.
Because I do more with the printer than just plain photos and I don't want to pay for Epson's markup with their papers, what are some good alternatives?
I've been experimenting with its settings and different papers. I unfortunately bought a ream of offset semi-gloss coated paper; and although it looks fine with lighter colors, any dark colors (especially large areas of dark color) look spotty and horrible, even after using the "plain paper" (or non-photo paper setting). When I lowered the draft quality the colors were too washed out. I was told that I got the results I did, because I bought offset paper. Live and learn I guess.
I usually go get paper from a specialty supplier where I live (Anchor Paper in the Twin Cities) and I need 11 x 17 or 12 x 18 and I want some type of coating with a gloss or dull finish. But what are some brands of digital paper I can buy? And for those who live in the area and know, any other stores besides Anchor that are also good?
canson infinity is a new line of digital papers that come from the canson and arches mills, known for their fine art papers. (disclaimer: the store i am a partner in doesn't carry it yet, but probably will in the next few months.)
posted by jimw at 2:55 PM on December 5, 2009
posted by jimw at 2:55 PM on December 5, 2009
If you're going for rag/matte paper, I think Hahnemuhle papers are often considered favorites. That's what I'd use anyway!
posted by actionpact at 3:14 PM on December 5, 2009
posted by actionpact at 3:14 PM on December 5, 2009
I print the photos that I really like on Ilford Galerie Smooth Pearl. Ilford provides ICC profiles for the R1900 (I just snagged one for $150 and 5 sets of OEM non-refilled ink for $190).
posted by Brian Puccio at 3:51 PM on December 5, 2009
posted by Brian Puccio at 3:51 PM on December 5, 2009
You need to find paper that has profiles for your printer. You can't just dump any paper in and get good results.
Epson paper is pretty reasonably priced in my opinion. I like their Premium Presentation Paper, which is a matte paper that's not too expensive.
Epson Watercolor is really good too...a little more expensive and has a definitely unique look but I really liked it when I used it.
But the thing is...printing is really complicated, maybe a lot more than you think. The basic thing is: you need a profile for the paper you use that goes with the printer you use. No profile=no good results. So that limits your search some.
I'd start here (no snark).
posted by sully75 at 4:07 PM on December 5, 2009
Epson paper is pretty reasonably priced in my opinion. I like their Premium Presentation Paper, which is a matte paper that's not too expensive.
Epson Watercolor is really good too...a little more expensive and has a definitely unique look but I really liked it when I used it.
But the thing is...printing is really complicated, maybe a lot more than you think. The basic thing is: you need a profile for the paper you use that goes with the printer you use. No profile=no good results. So that limits your search some.
I'd start here (no snark).
posted by sully75 at 4:07 PM on December 5, 2009
My wife makes art prints on the side with an Epson R1900 and R3800. Yesterday she had me pick up a box of Moab Somerset Enhanced Velvet in 13x19.
posted by infinitewindow at 4:07 PM on December 5, 2009
posted by infinitewindow at 4:07 PM on December 5, 2009
I'm infinitewindow's aforementioned wife. The Moab paper is one of the nicest papers I've tried. I mainly use it for giclee prints of client artwork, but it looks (and feels) just as good with actual photographs.
I am also quite fond of Hahnemuhle's Sugar Cane and German Etching papers of mine. Both reproduce color quite well, considering matte papers are not known for their vividness. They also have a nice textured surface (but still non-glossy) that is to die for. I have used them for promo pieces and have gotten great feedback.
posted by arishaun at 6:44 PM on December 5, 2009
I am also quite fond of Hahnemuhle's Sugar Cane and German Etching papers of mine. Both reproduce color quite well, considering matte papers are not known for their vividness. They also have a nice textured surface (but still non-glossy) that is to die for. I have used them for promo pieces and have gotten great feedback.
posted by arishaun at 6:44 PM on December 5, 2009
Forgot to add, getting pre-cut 11x17 in Hahnemuhle and Moab should be no problem. 12x18 might be a little more difficult. You'll most likely have to trim down 13x19 sheets.
Here's a link to the Somerset Enhanced Velvet mentioned above. Their Moenkopi range is also quite interesting, if you want to experiment with handmade textures.
Of course, you can also always order a sample box or two.
posted by arishaun at 6:57 PM on December 5, 2009
Here's a link to the Somerset Enhanced Velvet mentioned above. Their Moenkopi range is also quite interesting, if you want to experiment with handmade textures.
Of course, you can also always order a sample box or two.
posted by arishaun at 6:57 PM on December 5, 2009
I use PermaJet papers on an epson r265. Good range, and they will make .icc colour profiles (which you will need to get anything like decent results) for free if you buy their papers. I like Oyster 271 as a semi-gloss paper.
posted by primer_dimer at 3:03 AM on December 7, 2009
posted by primer_dimer at 3:03 AM on December 7, 2009
I'd highly recommend the papers at Red River Paper. They have great service, a wide range of papers, AND ICC profiles for many of their papers for that particular epson printer.
I use em for all my papers for my epson r1800
posted by finitejest at 7:51 AM on December 7, 2009
I use em for all my papers for my epson r1800
posted by finitejest at 7:51 AM on December 7, 2009
Response by poster: Thanks for the suggestions, I shall look into them. Another thing I probably should've mentioned-I often print out brochures and booklets. Do any of these papers deal with folding well?
posted by deinemutti at 10:08 AM on December 7, 2009
posted by deinemutti at 10:08 AM on December 7, 2009
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Are you interested in gloss or semi gloss? those are best for high-detail photos and graphic arts. I've always liked the Ilford Galerie series
On the other hand, if you're looking to be more "arty" stuff, you want matte. Rag papers, along with ( i know you wanted to get away from Epson, but their paper is pretty damn good, esp on gloss paper) Epson Watercolor paper.
posted by notsnot at 2:50 PM on December 5, 2009