Luminous Landscape Forum

Raw & Post Processing, Printing => Printing: Printers, Papers and Inks => Topic started by: skibum187 on July 11, 2006, 01:39:33 pm

Title: Dust on fine art paper?
Post by: skibum187 on July 11, 2006, 01:39:33 pm

I've been having some issues with dust on my new Moab Entrada rolls pre-print... what are some of the methods have people found effective for removing dust before printing?

Title: Dust on fine art paper?
Post by: Geoff Wittig on July 11, 2006, 10:10:44 pm

I have read posts recommending the use of an anti-static brush or a vacuum cleaner (!?!) on the paper before printing to avoid white defects when dust or paper debris flakes off after the ink is applied. I've had good results simply tapping the edge of sheet paper- even 24x36" sheets- on the desk to dislodge any debris before printing. Wiping down the printer (an Epson 7600) periodically and keeping the paper covered between jobs seems to work for the Epson roll papers I have used.
I suspect that this problem is related to ambient humidity and static. Here in the soggy Northeast, I have only encountered rare flaking in winter when (heated) indoor air gets very dry. This time of year it's a non-issue. It may be worth trying to humidify the air if you live in a dry locale. Just my 2 cents; I don't know if anyone has actually studied this scientifically.

Title: Dust on fine art paper?
Post by: Gordon Buck on July 11, 2006, 10:28:12 pm

I've had the dust problem with Entrada Bright White but much less so with Entrada Natural.  In fact, I've decided not to use the Bright White variation.

Title: Dust on fine art paper?
Post by: dlashier on July 12, 2006, 12:04:35 am

Brushing the paper with a drafting brush eliminated any problems I was having.

- DL

Title: Dust on fine art paper?
Post by: Jack Flesher on July 12, 2006, 01:08:16 am

I use canned air and blow off all my art papers before printing -- this seems to eliminate the missing ink where the dust was issues.   (Like when cleaning a sensor, I am very careful to not allow any of the propellant fluid to escape while blowing the paper.)

Title: Dust on fine art paper?
Post by: capecodfish on July 14, 2006, 01:32:41 pm

Quote from: dlashier,Jul 12 2006, 12:04 AM

Brushing the paper with a drafting brush eliminated any problems I was having.

i second the drafting brush solution.  very inexpensive and no downside