Large Prints - Glossy or Matte?

roteague · Jul 7, 2005

Question: Which is preferable for large prints, glossy or matte? Or does it matter.

Yesterday, I dropped a 30x40 Fuji Crystal Archive glossy print off at the framer. He told me that he couldn't guarantee the mounting since I had it printed as glossy. He says matte is preferable for such a size. What is the problems associated with mounting and framing a print of this size? This is the first print I have done of this size.

Thanks,

Dave Wooten · Jul 7, 2005

Robert maybe it is the heat...sometimes it bubbles and blisters more on the glossy?

Just dont dry mount it, hang in with the acid free tape and mat over?

roteague · Jul 7, 2005

Dave Wooten said:
Robert maybe it is the heat...sometimes it bubbles and blisters more on the glossy?

Just dont dry mount it, hang in with the acid free tape and mat over?

That is a possibility. Heat here isn't too high, rarely hits 90F. Mostly humid. My framer mounts everything with tape, and hinges. No dry mounting. All acid-free boards, UV glass.

David A. Goldfarb · Jul 7, 2005

I have a glossy 16x20" Crystal Archive print hinge mounted with linen tape that's been hanging for at least a year or maybe two with no problems. I don't see why glossy would be a problem, as long as it is handled carefully, other than preference for one or the other.

Claire Senft · Jul 7, 2005

I would imagine the biggest difference is their attention to detail and working carefully. I have not mounted any glossy Crystal Archive prints this large. I have mounted a few glossy prints that needed done in sections because they were too big for my platen. Calls for very close attention to detail that is not as critical with a matte surface.

Dave Wooten · Jul 7, 2005

Robert I had incorrectly assumed you were having them drymounted to back board etc.....I dont know what would be the problem with the tape method

jon koss · Jul 7, 2005

roteague said:
Question: Which is preferable for large prints, glossy or matte? Or does it matter. Yesterday, I dropped a 30x40 Fuji Crystal Archive glossy print off at the framer. He told me that he couldn't guarantee the mounting since I had it printed as glossy. He says matte is preferable for such a size. What is the problems associated with mounting and framing a print of this size?

I am guessing that over such a large area the issue is ripple. It will be hard to keep a large print totally flat, which may cause specular distortions/reflections on the surface when viewing. The ripple will still be there with matte but there will not be any reflections.

Just an idea - not speaking from experience, though.

j

Gerald Koch · Jul 7, 2005

roteague said:
Yesterday, I dropped a 30x40 Fuji Crystal Archive glossy print off at the framer. He told me that he couldn't guarantee the mounting since I had it printed as glossy. He says matte is preferable for such a size.

Robert,

Why not ask the framer. I'm sure everyone would be interested in his reasons rather than speculation.

Bob Carnie · Jul 7, 2005

Being glossy should not be a problem for your framer, I am framing 30x40 high gloss cibachromes all the time as well as very large fujiflex prints. I think he may be intimidated by the size of print and his working methods.

Large Prints - Glossy or Matte?

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