How many papers and coatings are there?

[paul -]

I use only Epson printers, papers, and inks, but...<p>There have

been references indicating that only a handful of companies make

photo paper for printers, and that some papers packaged and sold

under various names are actually the same.<p>I don't doubt that this

is sometimes true, but does anyone <i>know</i> which papers are

indeed the same product?<p>Even if there are only a few raw papers

made by a few companies, there is the fact that different papers

that give different results with different printers and inks. I

assume this is due to the different coatings.<p>Who coats the paper,

and how many different coatings are there?<p>Just curious...

[kelly_flanigan1]

Paper is made by a handfull. Then many more coat it for inkjet; in BIG long rolls.. Then many "convertors" cut the paper to all the zillion customers weird sizes; each of which they call "their" standard. This cutting; boxing; labeling is the bulk of the paper products cost.<BR><BR> You can have your own brand called "PAUL"; the label cost is cheap. A company like HP or IBM doesnt make their own paper; they have it made for them; to their own specs. The same paper may or may not be sold to XYZ; to the same spec. <BR><BR>Here I buy from about 6 different paper vendors; several thousand pounds each month. Having several different vendors gives one price leverage. Often the paper comes in the same type box; since the convertor might make it for several vendors. The number of combinations is endless; like worrying how many grains of sand are at the beach :)<BR><BR> Buying larger sheets; and cutting down a roll or larger sheet will often save the little guy some money. The packaging can cost more than the paper; in dinky oddball stuff. A nice trimmer and cotton gloves are the tools on needs; plus storage boxes and bags. <BR><BR>When one buys a inkjet from XYZ company; they often will too juggle who makes the product for them. The same part number will vary in quality and appearance; abit; because the vendor was different.

[bill_tuthill]

Although I have not looked at it recently, Epson's website used to be

absolutely terrible for explaining all their paper products.

The <A HREF="http://www.inkjetart.com/1280/">Inkjet Art</A> website

has some good explanations. Matte papers are often recommended on

photo.net because they use rather than abuse inkjet technology.

BTW, Kirkland Glossy Photo paper is about 1/5 the price of Epson

glossy and no worse.

[paul -]

Thanks for the answers! Kelly's first paragraph supports what I believed.<p>Experimentation can be expensive, so I stick with Epson Matte Paper Heavyweight. It has never let me down.