Digital BW, The Print

Hello Michael,

>EEM seems to be a highly regarded paper for workprints with more or 
>less neutral tonality...

EEM is not neutral (meaning black is black, not brown).  Eboni on EEM
will make a moderately warm print.

>...and it's inexpensive. I understand it's not archival due to its 
>acidity.  But I'm wondering what other papers might be recommended 
>that offer neutral to slightly warm tonality, archival
>characteristics, work with Eboni, and are not exhorbitantly priced.

Kayenta by Moab is less expensive, archival, 2-sided, and looks great
with Eboni BO.  It is the closest to a truly neutral print tone
(neutral meaning black is black, not brown).  It is a bright white
paper (please see article #5 about papers at the link below for more
details).


>a) What sort of print quality results from using the supplied Epson 
>UC/PK ink on matte papers? 

The PK on matte paper will have very poor dmax and considerably warmer
than Eboni.  PK is meant for glossy papers.  MK is for matte papers.


>b) If I have the Epson UC inks loaded in the printer, does it have to 
>run through a complete purge/cleaning cycle if just the black ink is 
>switched out? 

Yes.  Swap any cart and it will run a cleaning cycle.

Can the black be purged by itself?

No.

 
>c) If Eboni is installed with the UC inks, can I print a color image 
>without the PK ink? On matte paper? Or does Eboni with color not >work?

Eboni will make good color prints on matte paper, not glossy paper. 
Eboni is a substitute for the MK.  It will not work on glossy paper
(rubs off).

 
>d) And how about a few paper recommendations beyond EEM, papers that 
> are neutral to slightly warm, have minimal flaking, are possibly 
> double sided, and have good archival characteristics? Oh, and don't 
> cost and arm and a leg...

Try Kayenta by Moab, as described above.  Also Condor BW by Hawk Mtn
(please see article #5)

Have fun!


Regards,
Clayton


Info on black and white digital printing at    
http://www.cjcom.net/digiprnarts.htm