This is interesting, and somewhat confusing as well. Now the fact that I am easily confused is probably obvious, but I digress. The confusing part of this thread, for me at least, is the seemingly overlapping use of the term "proof", and or "proofing paper". This thread started with a comparison of the differences between an Epson "Proofing Paper" and another Epson Paper on which the final print would be produced. As the thread progressed it touched on the difference between "Pre-Press" proofing and proofing for InkJet Printing. Since I have no need for Pre-Press proofing I will concentrate of the posts that referred to the procedure of what I will call "InkJet Print Proofing", since that would seem to be what it is. Perhaps I'm reading these posts incorrectly, it is early morning and my java hasn't kicked in yet. However, I do believe I have more or less nailed it, and it seems to me that the word "Proofing" here in some instances does directly apply to InkJet Printing. In other words, one would create a "proof" print on a particular paper, view that print(proof) under proper lighting conditions, and then decide whether or not it is ready to go to a final print on another paper, or perhaps the same paper. Now, if I have indeed not grasped the basic premise of the original post, as well as various others, please set me straight. However, if I have "nailed it", on any level, that "proof print" could easily fall under the umbrella of what has been called "hard proofing", or that much maligned word, "testing". Otherwise, what is the reason for a "Proof Print" when referring to "in house" inkjet printing? I mention this only because I have, on several occasions, made reference to my workflow, which includes a small test of a particular area of an image, to make sure that what I am seeing on my display will transfer properly to the final printed image. And on many occasions I have been reminded that if my display is properly calibrated and profiled, along with a colour managed workflow, there should be no need for a test strip. Therefore, the following question. What is the difference between a test strip and a "proof print". The only difference I can determine is size. My test strip is of a small, but critical section of the image, whereas the "proof print" is the full image. And I also, to some extent, test(proof) on a paper other than the one on which I will produce a final print. Case in point - when printing on Breathing Color Canvas(Chromata White Matte) I test on Epson Enhanced Matte paper. The latest iteration of that paper is a dead match for the canvas, at least to my eye, and a much more economical method of testing. However, if I'm not totally certain, I will run a section of the image on a 17" roll before committing to a final print. The previous versions of EnhMatte were not as close as the latest one, so I had an adjustment action for them. And by the way, that's the only use I have for EnhMatte.
Once again, please let me know if and how I have misinterpreted the OP, and or other replies. But not until
your morning java has kicked in
Gary