Need some direction on when to print photo black versus matte black on the epson 9900 and what papers must take the photo black. For example, can matte black be used when printing on glossy photo paper?
new printer owner question
- Thread starter Julie Walsh
- Start date
framah
SPFG, Supreme Picture Framing God
If I remember.. the machine won't let you do that because both inks are in the printer and if you tell it you have loaded glossy photo paper, it will automatically switch over to the other ink.
This will take forever and waste alot of ink in the process and then when you decide to print on other paper, it will reverse the process and waste more ink.
You need to tell it what paper you have loaded so the profiles will match.
Personally, this is a BIG flaw in this machine!! They could have dedicated an ink line for both inks rather than flushing one ink out and refilling with the other ink.
I solved this little dilemma by just not offering any of the papers that require me to switch over to photo black.
The only other choice is to have another machine for that ink/paper combo.
This will take forever and waste alot of ink in the process and then when you decide to print on other paper, it will reverse the process and waste more ink.
You need to tell it what paper you have loaded so the profiles will match.
Personally, this is a BIG flaw in this machine!! They could have dedicated an ink line for both inks rather than flushing one ink out and refilling with the other ink.
I solved this little dilemma by just not offering any of the papers that require me to switch over to photo black.
The only other choice is to have another machine for that ink/paper combo.
Jeff Rodier
SPFG, Supreme Picture Framing God
Matte Black does not dry properly on glossy papers. I do not print on glossy papers ever. Your glass determines the finish of the print so why print on them. You will also notice on glossy paper that the ink stacks and looks like an aplique like a vinyl on top of the paper.
echavez123
MGF, Master Grumble Framer
Epson has a list of what papers to use with matte black and what papers to use with photo black. I think they are listed in your user manual and on their website.
ernesto
echavez123
MGF, Master Grumble Framer
I am really surprised Epson has not properly solved the ink switch-over problem. I have two machines, one with photo black , the other with matte black. However, about 90% of my jobs call for photo black. I guess this is another reason for me to postpone an upgrade to a newer machine.
ernesto
echavez123
MGF, Master Grumble Framer
Jeff, what papers are you printing on with matte black ink? I have stayed away from glossy papers until recently. I discovered a new glossy paper which resembles the look of Kodak metallic paper. The paper is a bit pricey but the 5 tests I printed looked really good. I use photo black for 90% of the jobs. The other 10% are done with matte black, especially for printing for watercolor artists. I used to print exclusively with matte black for my work as well, then when the 9800 was introduced, I switched over to photo black because the dmax was better, according to Bill Atkinson. Now there seems to be a trend to print with matte black.
ernesto
We have always exclusively used glossy black with ours. That's what folks want, as we do a lot of digital photo restoration and store signage with it. (even on matte paper)
We have a full matte cartridge but have never even opened the package. It costs too much with the older units to switch back and forth (a good percentage of the cart in wasted ink) I think the newest machines (9900, etc) solve this issue by having an extra ink slot to hold both at the same time.
Mike
We have a full matte cartridge but have never even opened the package. It costs too much with the older units to switch back and forth (a good percentage of the cart in wasted ink) I think the newest machines (9900, etc) solve this issue by having an extra ink slot to hold both at the same time.
Mike
FrameMakers
PFG, Picture Framing God
Photo paper - Photo Black Ink
Enhanced Matte Paper - Matte Black Ink, but in a pinch will use the Photo Black
Lyve Canvas - Matte Black
Hahn Photo Rag - Matte Black
These are the 4 papers that I use and the ink type that I use with them. I try to gang jobs to minimize ink switches.
Ernesto, I am very interested in the metalic like paper, can you post a link?
Enhanced Matte Paper - Matte Black Ink, but in a pinch will use the Photo Black
Lyve Canvas - Matte Black
Hahn Photo Rag - Matte Black
These are the 4 papers that I use and the ink type that I use with them. I try to gang jobs to minimize ink switches.
Ernesto, I am very interested in the metalic like paper, can you post a link?
Jeff Rodier
SPFG, Supreme Picture Framing God
90% of our printing is done on Epson Enhanced Matte. The fine art papers I use are Somerset Velvet, Ultra Smooth Fine Art and Textured Fine Art. Canvas is all Epson Piezzo Pro Matte.
echavez123
MGF, Master Grumble Framer
Altex.com
CP24100 Chrome Pearlescent Metallic Inkjet Paper 24x100 Roll
(800)327-2822
If you try it, let me know what you think about the paper.
Also, I tried to facemount one of the pearlescent metallic photos on plexi. I was not successful due to air bubbles showing up, but man it sure did make the photo pop! It looks awesome - I just need to work on perfecting the technique.
Ernesto
Modigity
CGF II, Certified Grumble Framer Level 2
I really like the new hot press and cold press fine art papers from Epson and I sometimes end up using photo black on them and they turn out great.
echavez123
MGF, Master Grumble Framer
Are the hot and cold press papers resin coated? I've never used them, so what other paper would you compare them to? What do you like about them. Do you use them to print photos, paintings both? Do you buy them in a roll or by the sheet? Do the curl or stay flat? Are they sensitive to touch - do they scratch easily?
ernesto
ernesto