matte paper recommendations

<p>Hi all - getting back into printing BW on an Epson R1800 converted with the UT-BO inkset. Any recommendations on affordable, quality matte paper that comes in sizes up to 13x19? </p>

<p>I don't mean cheap - I'm not asking to get cheap, quality paper. I just mean something that isn't going to set me back a ton per sheet. Thanks.</p>

<p>how about Ultra Prem. Presentation Matte or the next step up is the Hot Press (which is really really nice for a smooth matte).</p>

<p>I used PremierArt Hot Press before, now that I think of it. Is that similar to the Epson Hot Press? I liked that quite a bit...</p>

<p>I dont know as I've never used it.<br>

Epson HPB (Hot Press Bright) is basically my go-to matte if I dont want a lot of texture. Their 'Natural' is too warm for me in general.<br>

<br />You may want to pick up a matte 'sample pack' or 2 from a some mfgr's.</p>

<p>Thanks. I'll look for a matte sample pack. For any others - any recommendations for papers without OBAs that aren't so warm? </p>

<p>I'll keep looking. I used to buy from Inkjet Art. Any suggestions for good vendors these days?</p>

<p>Wow, I'm really out of practice...</p>

<p>You'd really have to check the various mfgr websites. They almost always indicate whether a certain paper does/does not contain OBA's.<br /> I usually get my papers from BH. It's one day shipping, no tax, no shipping, prices as good or better than most others.<br>

<br /> Don't bother w/ the Harman papers. All of them (except Gloss Baryta) as scheduled to go out of production this year.<br>

I think lexjet or itsupplies has OEM and their own sample packs. Hahnemule probably has the widest range but they are probably more $$ than you want to spend. Canson Rag Photographique is awesome too.</p>

<p>I'm not a fan of OBAs myself and discovered that not every manufacturer is completely truthful about whether their papers contain OBAs. I got tired of guessing and so bought a UV light on Amazon for about $10. It proved to be a worthwhile investment as I caught a few "inaccuracies."</p>

<p>I'm not familiar with "inexpensive," but high quality, matte papers, I just look for what I like. I have two favorites, one hot pressed matte and one heavily textured watercolor paper, their use depending on the image. The hot pressed matte is Canson's Rag Photographique, and the watercolor paper is Canon's Infinity Aquarelle. Unfortunately, neither one is particularly inexpensive, but they are very nice. </p>

 

<p>Epson Hot Press Natural and never look back.<br>

-O</p>

<p>Have to chime in for Epson's Hot Press Natural, even if it is warm (which I prefer). It's heavy and luscious.</p>

<p>if you look for 'spectrumviz.jar', it's a spectral database of 700+ papers and you can get a feel for what their base color (a & b near zero) and if they have OBAs (a noticeable bump down in the blue region of the spectrum).</p>

<p>Hahnemühle Photo Rag Ultra Smooth 100% cotton, 305g/m2.</p>

<p>I've used Moab Entrada Natural 190 for years. It's slightly warm, can be printed on both sides for work prints and is quite lovely. Not too expensive either. For an even warmer tone, Hahnemuhle Bamboo is wonderful paper.</p>

<p>thanks everyone. I've used Entrada before so I might go that route out of familiarity. The Canson papers are intriguing, and of course many agree that the Epson Hot Press is a wonderful paper. I will weigh my choices. But thanks a bunch.</p>

<p>Another vote for Moab Entrada Natural 190.<br>

<br />ME</p>

<p>I love the canson photo rag. Gives me great results but is not cheap.</p>