Digital BW, The Print

In a message dated 11/27/06 2:31:35 PM, paul.roark@... writes:


> > Assuming that $$$ is not the reason, why would one ever choose
> > to print on matte paper?
> 
> Lack of reflections is one reason.  Sometimes people talk about being able
> to "see into" a matte print.  (What I like to see in a good B&W print is a
> window to a B&W reality, not a piece of paper.)  I think this translates
> into lack of reflections that distract from the image. (Of course, if one
> uses glass, that introduces reflections there also. 
> 

Which is one reason I am moving more and more to matte canvas instead of 
matte art paper: it doesn't require glazing. This reduces reflection issues, but 
also makes larger sizes more practical, since an image can be stretched to 
size, without inflation for the mat size, and glazing with its issues of breakage 
(glass) or scratching and high cost (plexi). Plus frames can be much lighter, 
if used at all, on canvasses. This wasn't of interest to me as long as canvas 
was a slick, artificial surface with limited longevity. But the new matte 
canvasses are longlived, beautifully textured, and offer d-max and detail that 
nearly matches art paper; PLUS: they look great with B&W images, which slick 
canvasses do NOT.

So even if my matte art paper prints are a bit nicer to hold, once finished, 
they are lost behind glass and matte, while the canvas prints are... still the 
canvas. Kind of like a piece of furniture with an oil finish, where the wood 
is still at the surface, versus one with a Urethane finish, where the wood is 
some distance back from the clear coat at the surface.

Lower costs, easier hanging, lighter shipping, freedom from breakage and 
scratching issues, more immediacy of the image... and no reflection issues.

C. David Tobie
Product Technology Manager
ColorVision Business Unit
Datacolor Inc.
CDTobie@...
www.colorvision.com


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