ICC paper (and other surfaces) profiles for Epson Stylus pro (3880)

[lukaswerth]

I would like to do a few experiments with my printer, and I could not find any decent description of how to make an ICC profile for a printing substrate. Is this so difficult that it is best left to professionals, or is there a way to do this?

I am thinking of trying to print on gesso on aluminum, or aluminum with some coating on it. The coating is where the experimenting comes in. Has anybody experience in this regard? Anyone tried this?

Lukas

[Shadowman]

I would like to do a few experiments with my printer, and I could not find any decent description of how to make an ICC profile for a printing substrate. Is this so difficult that it is best left to professionals, or is there a way to do this?

I am thinking of trying to print on gesso on aluminum, or aluminum with some coating on it. The coating is where the experimenting comes in. Has anybody experience in this regard? Anyone tried this?

Lukas

Have you tried downloading the profile from the paper manufacturer?

[James G]

Lukas,
I've dabbled a bit in this area, but it is quite frankly, frustrating, I found myself moving into graphic design/fine art areas where my aspirations exceed my ability. That said I have enjoyed the frustrations.

I was interested in making non photographic papers, art papers etc usable.

I would suggest you check out techniques developed by an American artist Bonnie Peirce Lhotka. She has done an enormous amount of development and experimentation in this area.

http://www.bonnylhotka.com/newspublications/

The above link is to her web pages. I would recommend her book Digital Alchemy which covers techniques she has developed for substrates on paper, metal, glass etc.

As regards icc profiling, I would speculate that provided you can feed your prepared medium through your printer, you could use the standard market offerings to prepare a home generated profile. I use Spyder Print, but there are other systems available...
http://spyder.datacolor.com/portfolio-view/spyderprint/

Good luck with your experiments...

[IzzieK]

Thanks for the links, James...very helpful.

[Manfred M]

Some of the more specialized colorimeter solutions let you develop icc profiles for your computer screen and your printer. I suspect this might be what you are after. I believe this is probably the least expensive solution.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...anagement.html

[russellsnr]

http://www.ddisoftware.com/prism/

[lukaswerth]

Thank you all, this was quite helpful. I know now where to look further.

James,
Actually, I have Lhodka's book, it is quite helpful and informative - the problem is that in the section on direct printing it advises the use of branded products (primers, coating agents) available in the USA, if you live elsewhere you have to find substitutes/other solutions. Still, it shows the direction.

Lukas

[mastamak]

Thanks, James for the link to Bonnie Lhotka's site. I am inspired to give some of her methods a try.
Grant