Fine Art paper for Digital prints

[pixelhero]

Hi,

I'm just about to buy a printer and wondered if anyone could help on papers.

The printer will be mainly used for printing Pigment inks onto Archival paper to produce Giclee prints. Looking for A3 and A4 sizes.

The prints will be digital artworks, not photographs.

Can anyone recommend a few papers that are good, and what paper would you suggest for 'trial' prints - obviously don't want to waste 10 £2 sheets if I can help it, but copy paper also won't be much help.

Thanks

 

[The Hat]

http://www.printerknowledge.com/threads/pigment-printers-for-giclee-printing.11264/#post-94788
And copy paper will do just fine, in fact its excellent...

 

[Taksmon]

Actually depending on the artwork you are printing, you might want to try traditional watercolor paper. I use various watercolor papers with my P600 (MK), and it looks quite good. And traditional watercolor paper is time tested - who knows what inkjet coated paper will be like in many years time!

For deep blacks you can't beat coated papers though, and there are loads to choose from based on your needs. My current favorites for digital art are Epson Velvet Fine Art and funnily enough, Canon Pro Platinum (using gloss differential to artistic effect).

 

[The Hat]

When your starting out and want to test these expensive papers to get the best results, either reduce your print or crop a section of it and print to a smaller size like A6 or 4 x 6, that way you can get 4 to 8 prints on one single large sheet...

 

[Taksmon]

@The Hat since you recommend some Fujifilm paper in the other thread, I'll have to give them another shot

 

[The Hat]

@The Hat since you recommend some Fujifilm paper in the other thread, I'll have to give them another shot

@Taksmon, these papers are very good and should please just about most guys, but best to stick to one or two, they are not cheap...

 

[pixelhero]

Thanks guys very useful

 

[pixelhero]

@The Hat would you use the Photo Rag for non-photo prints too? It's all digital art, not photos we will print.

Considering Innova is about 40% cheaper per sheet, would that be good to start with maybe, or is there better cheaper alternatives to start with while we get used to the printer?

 

[The Hat]

@pixelhero, to get started why don’t you use a ream of 100gm copy paper, that way you can print to your hearts content knowing it won’t cost you a fortune to do so, it is true that the most expensive part of quality printing is the paper and not the ink, it pays to be very wise and frugal.

I have never purchased any of these expensive quality papers, I've had a few free samples, but could never afford to buy a full pack, instead I extensively use trade digital photo paper in varying weights and finishes...

Unfortunately, only by trial and error will you get the look and finish you desire with your prints and the best way to start is with some trail packs direct from paper distributors’ or from on line...

 

[pixelhero]

Thanks guys, is there any special considerations to make with Gloss paper and the inks on a P800? I assume most decent ones are fine, but what about cheaper glossy paper for home printing of photos?