Just Got Paper Sample... Help Please With Names And Choices?

I don't think that question can really be accurately answered with out knowing the manufactures names.Then someone would have to be an expert on the different papers.

They may all have different names for the same papers. Like those fist four sound like HP photo papers.

This is way above my pay grade. Sorry.

I have an Epson Artisan 13x19 Printer. It's not a high end machine but does print very in high quality. I use only Epson archival inks and have tried a variety of papers from both Epson and HP over the years - from matte to glossy to metallic to luster. I (personally) like the matte for "some" subjects but my favorite, over all, is the Premium Luster from HP. YMMV


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~ Bill
~ US Pictures .com

Just to be clear - I think Charles is asking about this:

http://fineartamerica.com/samplekits.html

He's trying to match up the names of the papers as shown on the sample kit he ordered with the names of the paper as shown when you go to order a paper print here on FAA.

And unfortunately as I've never gotten the sample kit all I can say is your reasoning on which matches to which seems sound.

Thank you for that link, Mark. I was wondering where to order the samples. That's what I assumed Charles meant, too. It seems very confusing to have the names on the papers they send differing from the names on the site. Hopefully someone from that end of the process will weigh in on it.

Yes, sorry for the confusion, this is the kit FAA sells. I think I have matched the names up, but wanted to check.

What I am most interested in, though, is opinions especially from photographers about which papers they use for most of their prints (if they order themselves) or what they think looks best / gets ordered most.

Thanks.

I have the sample kit too..while it is helpful to acutally see and feel the paper, the names have me more confused than before buying the kit. I am not sure how to order something on one of the sample papers i like because i dont know what it is...still learning....

Charles, in the old days (before joining PODs) I did all my own printing, so the sample kit was the first order I placed here.

Yes, you've matched up the names correctly -- no, I have no clue why they're different in the first place. And I definitely agree that the same image should be printed on each sample -- it's nearly impossible to compare them, otherwise. In fact, I think I'll add that idea to the FAA Weekly Suggestions thread while I'm thinking about it. (Though I'm certain I've suggested it before, to no avail.)

Refer to Mark's link, above. While the thumbnail images on that page are not accurate (the papers all appear identical), the descriptions are a much more realistic guide.

In a perfect world, all my work would be ordered as Acrylic or Metal prints. But until then, the papers --

The default papers here are either 'Luster' (if you choose 'photograph' as the medium) or 'Archival Matte' (if you choose any kind of 'painting' or 'digital art').

Unfortunately, most buyers either don't understand that there is a choice, or they can't be bothered to choose. Look through the 'Recently Sold' announcements and you'll see that most buyers who choose paper (instead of metal, acrylic, canvas) stick with whichever paper is the default. Even when, in my own case, I make a specific suggestion in nearly every description of my images.

Archival matte and Luster just happen to be my two least favorite papers for photographs, digital work, or everyday use:

Archival matte can appear dull, because it has no light-reflecting properties. (I do like it for vintage-y or muted-color images.)
Luster paper has a slight texture I don't care for.

I much prefer the smooth, soft, sheen (but definitely NOT glossy) finish of the Semi-matte paper.

IMO, Semi-matte is the 'go to' paper choice here; it shows color and brightness extremely well, and just seems to have a greater dynamic range (contrast) than Archival Matte. That's important to me, as I work with a LOT of color.

I also really like the richness of Somerset Velvet, but it is a 'softer' finish, and is not for every image.

So, to directly answer your questions --

I think Semi-matte looks better for photographs, overall. But, I think the FAA default paper choices (Matte, Luster) get ordered most, though I don't have actual statistics on that.

Canvas is very popular here, too; but I really dislike having my work printed on canvas. Customer's choice, though.

I doubt you'll get a consensus here on what looks best. Artists are so opinionated! ;-)


* Try a Google search for - 'inkjet photo paper comparison' for some expert opinions and information on the various paper types.

Extremely useful response. Thanks Wendy.

I am finding it very hard to get any sales here under any circmstances. I recently "scored" a wall on a local bakery and am having some small prints made that I am going to frame myself, hang there, and see what happens. If nothing else, at least people will get to enjoy them.

I had considered going to metal prints, but the cost is high even without framing. And well, I'm still not confident anyone will buy my work "in the real world".

As my wife reminded me, I have a bias towards matte papers (going back to my analog days!) But the archival matte is indeed "very matte" and the semi-matte a good compromise to start with.

I do like the look of Picture Rag but it too is "very matte".

Appreciate any further opinions. I know some people prefer the Velvet and Watercolor papers, but maybe more for paintings and other media.

Wendy, based on a rough look at my portfolio, do you think metal prints would be worth trying?

I am tempted, if only to not have to worry about framing hassles. But especially for the fall foliage stuff I am printing new, it seems to have a less "classical" feel.

Thanks.

Wendy, thank you for your paper analysis! I took notes. When I first joined FAA I bought the sample paper pack to see if I would make recommendations to my buyers. I was amazed, confused and shocked that they didn't use the same image for comparison over the variety of paper. How could I tell if the paper did the image justice if I couldn't compare it across the board? Fortunately no buyer has asked for my opinion. But reading your preference and looking at my paper, I agree with your findings. Thanks!

Hi, Charles and Carlin; glad to know you guys found my pre-dawn ramble useful! :-)

@Charles -- Metal prints are always eye-catching and would be spectacular with many of your images! But, unless money is no object, I'm not sure I'd invest in them for a venue like a bakery. If the bakery caters to upscale clients (disposable income!), and those clients sit and eat in the actual bakery where your prints will be shown, that's a different story.

Also, metal prints are very glossy, so can be difficult to hang in public spaces because of windows and placement of lights.

I've shown my art in a variety of alternative venues -- restaurants, coffeehouses, salons, spas, community centers, a martini bar, etc. The best sales usually happen where people have time to sit and 'absorb' the art over the space of an hour or so. (Wine with dinner is also a helpful sales tool!)

I'd keep things simple and affordable for a bakery. Your idea of smallish, framed prints (similar frames and white mats is a classic, gallery look) is a good one -- and will result in a much more affordable end product, which seems appropriate for the venue.

It's awesome to know your gorgeous photographs will be seen! If, for whatever reasons, they don't sell, there are other options for them after your bakery exhibit. :-)


@Carlin -- You're welcome! Feel free to add your suggestions about improving the Sample Paper Kit to this week's suggestion thread.

http://fineartamerica.com/showmessages.php?messageid=2709770

Or, you could hold it for next week, since I've already mentioned it in the current thread. :-)

Because I've done my own printing, and ordered prints from many different sources, I was already familiar with most of the papers. But many people -- both artists and buyers -- are NOT. I bought the sample kit to show to local buyers, but they're more comfortable with my input than with the confusing swatches, so I don't use them. Ordering samples of our own work would be the best thing. Too bad we can't buy super-low-cost 4x6 samples of our own images on the various papers and canvas.

Thanks so much for all your help, Wendy.

all those papers are epson papers. epson has changed the name of its papers over the years, and this might be adding to the confusion. e.g. the matte paper has changed names 3 or 4 times over the last 10 or so years.
i print my own and prefer the baryta papers - e.g. ilford gold fiber silk, canson baryta. it would be nice if fas could offer one of these papers, esp for b&w.

cool tone picture rag ,my favorite wonderful tone and texture .you will not be disappointed looks stunning on the walls.