Digital Prints

major manufacturer/distributor websites (see some in Table 7.3) and research the features
and specs of an entire product line. You can also go to the bottom of the food chain—
retailers and dealers—and see what they have to offer and for how much.
Because media are so personal, it’s always best to sample them yourself before deciding
on a larger order. One of the best ways to try out different media is to order sample packs;
most major brands offer them. If, however, the goal is to evaluate different brand samples,
then go to the dealers that carry more than one brand. For example, Digital Art
Supplies has “A Bit of (Almost) Everything Multipack” with paper samples from various
brands and mills all in one box. They also have themed multipacks like “Dual-Sided
Multipack” and “Photographer’s Multipack.” It’s a great way to touch, feel, and try out
different inkjet papers.
Matching Ink to Media
If there is one lesson to take away from this chapter, it’s this: You must carefully match
your inks and media to get the best and the most permanent inkjet output. Think of it as
a system; everything has to work together. Some points to remember:
■ If you want to print on uncoated fine-art paper, use dye-based inks; pigments will look
muddier (Epson DuraBrites an exception). But, be aware that the dye inks may fade
more quickly.
■ Use pigment inks on coated papers; use dyes on both coated and uncoated papers. Check
the paper specifications carefully for compatibility.
■ In general, use pigment inks if you require maximum print permanence, or use a dyeink/media
combination that specifically offers greater permanence.
■ If you want to use pigment inks on glossy or semi-glossy papers, carefully check for
ink/paper compatibility. You may need a protective coating or spray.
■ Although dye inks can usually produce brighter colors, pigments on carefully matched
media can come very close to dyes in terms of color gamut.
■ Pigments, in general, tend to exhibit more metamerism, although newer pigment inks
have reduced the problem. Other strategies, like using certain RIPs, can also minimize
metamerism.
■ Try to use matching ink/media systems when possible. These can come from OEMs or
from third-party suppliers.
As soon as the ink hits the paper, a chain of events takes place, and you want to understand
and control the resulting physical and chemical interactions as much as possible.
You may have a better chance of achieving this goal with the consumables recommended
by the printer manufacturer. As I’ve already said, companies like Canon, Epson, and HP
have spent a great deal of time and money to come up with a complete system of inks,
media, and printers that optimize print quality.
Chapter 7 ■ Choosing Your Consumables 245