Print Paper Type Satin, Pearl, and Matte

alapin · May 5, 2011

For all you wet developer. I am about to buy some printing paper (more likely MGIV VC RC) and I am wondering what the different between them. I have used only glossy and I know what it's like, but don't know what satin, pearl, and matte are like. So any help on what they are like will be appreciate. I looking for how they print. If you use any of them do you like the results you get? I will be developing in Ethol LPD Paper Developer.

jerl · May 5, 2011

Depending on where you get your paper from, you might be able to look at a comparison of of papers. The different papers generally have a different look to them ranging from slightly less shiny than glossy to matte. Also some of the papers might be a bit warm toned (I can't recall which ones off the top of my head).

Of course, one of the main differences is in the look of the blacks- a glossy paper can have darker blacks since it will reflect less of the ambient light, but will show more reflections of the environment.

alapin · May 5, 2011

Thanks jeri. I agree with you on glossy having darker blacks. I just don't know what the black would look like on these others. I been using glossy so long, that I think its time to look at some others. Which one is the question.

brian steinberger · May 5, 2011

Ilford's RC pearl finish is wonderful. Much nicer in my opinion than the glossy. Dilute your LPD 1:3 or 1:4 and develop for 1 minute. I usually then tone in selenium 1:9 for a few minutes. Very nice.

Gerald C Koch · May 5, 2011

If you should change from Ilford you should know that the appearence of the various surfaces is not standard across the difference manufactures.

MattKing · May 5, 2011

You should consider messaging Simon R Galley (of Ilford/Harman) directly. He may be able to help you with this question

alapin · May 5, 2011

brian steinberger

Ilford's RC pearl finish is wonderful. Much nicer in my opinion than the glossy. Dilute your LPD 1:3 or 1:4 and develop for 1 minute. I usually then tone in selenium 1:9 for a few minutes. Very nice.

Thanks Brian. I will try the 1:3 or 1:4 and look into the toning in selenium, have not really try must of it lately.

Gerald C Koch

If you should change from Ilford you should know that the appearence of the various surfaces is not standard across the difference manufactures.

Thanks Gerald. That is something I had not taken into consideration. So maybe if others have used several difference manufactures papers they will mention the different.

alapin · May 5, 2011

Mattking, thanks. I plan on seeking their input, but really I need to know how the customer see them and their input to me weights more.

Simon R Galley · May 6, 2011

The surfaces for ILFORD RC paper are indeed Gloss / Pearl and Satin : The popularity of each surface depends on which market, but worldwide pearl is the most popular, my own favourite is actually satin.

The replies are correct in that gloss 'appears' to give the deepect blacks 'D. max' in actuality they are the same emulsion.

If you are just starting out printing, pm me your home address and I will send you the Multigrade printing manual.

Simon. ILFORD Photo / HARMAN technology Limited :

Print Paper Type Satin, Pearl, and Matte

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