What paper type for this image

[russellsnr]

Hi, Anyone like to suggest the paper best suited to print this image. It was shot with a electric lightbox rated to natural daylight from the back for illumination that's why so much white in the image.
Use an Epson R1900 and will be printing A3 or A3+. I have a Satin like paper, Epson Gloss and semi gloss papers.
Any other paper make up I should be looking at? Please note as I live in Europe RedRiver paper is not an option.
Thanks,
Russ.

[DanK]

It's all a matter of taste, of course. I generally print flowers on luster paper. My default is Moab Exhibition Luster 300, but I don't know whether it is available in Europe. It preserves detail almost as well as a smooth paper but looks much nicer and doesn't have the glare of a glossy paper.

An obvious alternative would be a matte paper. However, matte papers lose detail, and IMHO, they lose a lot of their value when they are put behind glass (unless you use a nonreflective glass).

Again, just taste.

[Manfred M]

+1 to Dan's reply. His analysis on the advantages and disadvantages of different paper finishes is in line with my experience.

A flower image is all about fine detail, so a paper finish that minimizes ink spread is going to give you the highest level of detail, so that tends towards a glossy finish. The downside is that too much reflection is going to counteract the level of detail, so a good compromise is a lustre finish; limited ink spread, but also limited reflection. Luster paper is one of the most common papers available, so all the paper makers do offer this:. I tend to stick with Epson Luster paper on my Epson printer.

If you are looking for a specific brand, I use Hahnemühle matte papers in my portraiture. They do offer a "luster" finish. I've looked at the Harman papers as well are also quite nice. This company was set up by former senior managers from Ilford.

[rpcrowe]

I agree with both Dan and Manfred. Additionally, if this were my image, I might just think about getting it printed on a metallic paper. I would also look into getting the Hahnemuhle and Ilford sample sets. That's a cheap way of experimenting with various types of paper.

https://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&ke...l_56zswfvrw8_b

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_n...d+sample+paper

I am sure that you can get these sample sets direct from the manufacturers or from dealers in your area...

[James G]

Russell, I would echo both Dan and Manfreds' comments. That said, I print quite a lot and I favour a number of papers for 'different' purposes.
For your image I would probably use a lustr/satin. I use Harman Crystaljet Elite Lustre and Satin for 'everyday' images.

Some images though, fall into the 'on the Wall' category, and I would use Canson papers, (more expensive), I would suggest Platine Fibre Rag, 313gsm . Moving away from the lustre/satin option I think I would also consider a textured 'heavy' paper like Canson Arches Aquarelle rag. You might lose some detail since it is a matte paper, but if is a fine art paper delivering excellent whites.

[russellsnr]

Hi, Thankyou for the suggestions.
Maybe shot myself in the foot but as it was on a special offer I bought 50 sheets of A3+ SIZE: Marrutt 300gsm Ultra Pearlescent Hi-White. Normal price £56.94 per 50 sheets but I got 50 for £43.08 delivered to me here in Greece.
Part of the hype 'Heavy photographic weight, with an improved sheen level and pronounced pearl texture finish.
Ultra white base for clean whites with excellent Dmax.
Scratch resistant resin coat surface.
Compatible with dye/pigment inks - eliminates bronzing and exhibits excellent tonality in colour and monochrome to the highest professional standards.'
One of my biggest problems is getting stuff sent here to Greece!! The postal costs are really OTT on many things so £7 for delivery sold me. Again I thankyou for the advice. Russ