Digital BW, The Print

Just to add a couple of thoughts based on very limited testing ...

Dirk wrote, in part:


> ... summary of my experiences with Crane Silver Rag
> using the MIS Ultratone inkset, PKN (not PK or Eboni), and an Epson 4000:
> 
> the closest approximation to a glossy
> fiber-based black and white darkroom paper that I have seen. (I really
> like it for this reason).

Maybe.  I can see where some think it's texture is a bit much.  Still, I
think many are going to really like this paper.

I must say, however, that while I initially thought the silver print had the
greatest surface look, I now prefer matte inkjet papers due to their total
lack of reflections.


> 3) The surface is very durable and highly scratch resistant.


I hope it holds up for postcards.  This is by far the best glossy paper I've
found for that use.  Printing looks good on the reverse side, although it
does need to dry a bit; it will smear when first out of the printer.  The
stiff paper base also seems good for postcards. 


> 4) The base white is slightly on the yellow side, though not
> excessively so. ... essentially identical to the "bright white" version
> of Westminster matboard that is sold by Light Impressions ...

Silver Rag appears to have no OBAs when viewed under a UV light.  Compared
to the no-OBA matte papers, it's more neutral.  The Lab readings of the
paper white are 97, -.30, 1.9.  For comparison, Premier Art Hot Press, one
of my favorite papers and one that uses a coating essentially identical to
Epson UltraSmooth, has readings of 97, -0.36, 2.1).

> 
> 9) Now, alas, the potentially bad news. Silver Rag will work
> wonderfully with any image using the MIS Ultratones that is either
> warm-toned or dead neutral. However, going anywhere in the cool
> direction could be problematic, depending on your tastes. I print just
> slightly cooler than neutral. Unfortunately, the slightly yellow base
> of the paper responds with the cooler (blue) inks to create a slightly
> green cast. It is not extreme, but it is noticeable nonetheless...

With UT7 I made a curve that gave me a neutral middle gray on Silver Rag.
This is the Lab reading: 56.8, -0.2, 0.00).  So, there is a bit of green
there, but less than that paper base itself.

With EZ-N in a C86 I get a midtone Lab reading of 60, -0.7, -1.1.  Again,
some green, but more bluish than greenish.  I increasingly prefer an ink
tone that matches the paper tone.  So, with the C86 I'd probably put a warm
ink in the Y position.


Paul
www.PaulRoark.com