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Buyer's Guides Printers, Inks And Papers Buyers Guide Buyer's Guide 2024: Inkjet Papers
Buyer's Guides Printers, Inks And Papers Buyers Guide Buyer's Guide 2024: Inkjet Papers
Buyer's Guide 2024: Inkjet PapersChoosing wisely will enhance the look and longevity of your prints |
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Page 2 of 2  ConsiderationsThere are four key characteristics to consider when choosing a paper for a particular image. These elements make a huge difference in the final look and durability of your photograph. Weight. Weight reflects a paper’s thickness. A heavier paper is more durable and can withstand greater handling. Many photographers will prefer a heavier weight paper that compares to those used in traditional printing. It’s important to make sure that the thickness of the paper doesn’t exceed the maximum allowable by your printer, however. Top-loading printers that use a straight paper path generally can accept heavier papers than front-loading models, which pass the paper over a roller in the printing process.  Whiteness. The
whiteness of a paper has a dramatic effect on the color balance of your
print, as well as the neutrality of black-and-white prints. Compare two
different papers of the same surface type, and you’ll notice a
difference in the color of the paper. Although some papers are rated
for whiteness, photographers often must depend on direct comparisons to
decide which paper best suits their needs. If achieving a neutral cast
to your color or monochrome printing is important to you, it’s best to
choose as white a paper as possible. Surface. The surface of the paper has a direct impact on how the ink reacts to the paper. Papers that are specifically intended for use with inkjet printers are designed to handle the native qualities of the inks, including their absorption characteristics. Matte surfaces absorb more ink than do glossy papers, and the final look of the image is impacted as a result. Because of its smooth, uniform surface, glossy paper provides strong colors and contrast. Archival. The latest generation of inks offer decades of fade-resistance, but that duration is dependent on the paper used to print the photograph. Increasingly, more and more papers are sold that promise archival quality, but there’s no industry-accepted standard for measuring this. Although paper from the printer manufacturers likely will deliver the promised longevity when used with compatible inks, this may not be the case with some third-party papers. If fade-resistance is important, we suggest visiting Wilhelm Imaging Research (www.wilhelm-research.com), an in-dependent organization that tests inks and papers for lightfastness, and posts results on its Website.   |
