Digital BW, The Print

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, David Kachel <david@...> wrote:
>
> 
> On Apr 8, 2010, at 9:30 AM, piezobw wrote:
> 
> > Roark is correct in wanting to use papers that do not have inkjet coatings if his concern is to print on papers that will last as long as possible.
> 
> 
> Where can I find a reference source that expands on this? ...

I had started a PDF on the issue, but have not put too much in it.  See http://www.paulroark.com/BW-Info/Arches.pdf  

Basically, the trick in profiling is to use very low midtone ink limits and a very high K limit.  You can see the QTR settings in the PDF.

Arches Hot Press and Cold Press give the best dmax by far for non-coated watercolor papers.  I did a project with a Guggenheim award-winning artist the involved testing a lot of watercolor papers with carbon inks, and the Arches came out on top.  So, start there in your experimenting.

Dick Blick seems to be the best place to buy it.  Use 140 lb.  The 300 lb. will not feed.

Full sheets are 22x30.  I just cut them down.

The dmax I'm getting on the 7800 is mid to high 1.50's.  The 1400 and some other printers can get into the low 160's with Eboni.

I like the texture and look of the Hot Press paper.  Some prefer the more pronounced texture of the Cold Press.  The print and profile essentially the same.

I'm not going to use if for everything, but it's an interesting option.


> On a semi-related topic: I have seen "Wilhelm years" mentioned here several times and could use a reference to an explanation. ...

I'm not going to attempt to answer this, but I'd recommend you go to Aardenburg Imaging and Archives' fade test page at http://www.aardenburg-imaging.com/cgi-bin/mrk/_4346c2hvd19kb2NfbGlzdC80 and pull up any of the test results.  On page 4 of these there is a chart that makes some comparisons.  There are some explanatory notes there also.

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com