Go Gekko Green

[mminegis]

I have been printing on Gekko (=moonlight in Japanese) Green for the last few days, after reading Michael's review. I like this paper very much - my point of comparison being Hahnemuhle FA Baryta. The Gekko has more flat/neutral surface, and it appeals to me with its straight-forward rendering of colours. It costs less than half of HFAB (at least that's the case in Japan, as Gekko is made in Japan).

Well, all went well - until I noticed very tiny 'pizza wheel' marks on the surface - alas. I am sure the first two or three prints didn't have them at all, but after that, couldn't get rid of them, no matter what combo of settings I might try. I read the Eric Chan FAQ site (I am using 3800), and have just tried the front feed - OK, no wheel marks of course, but the surface still gets slight faint small yet VISIBLE scratches here and there, length wise. I was in fact getting these as well as pizza wheel marks. In minor quantity with the front feed but still scratches are there. I am printing exclusively in size A4.

My conclusion: Gekko Green has a super sensitive surface, which demands the most careful handling. Not quite sure if that should be my conclusion  

If anybody else is trying this combo (Gekko Green + 3800), same problem or none at all?

[neil snape]

If that is the  case then this paper should only be used with aspirated platen printers, and not traction wheel types such as the 3800, HP printers etc.

[mminegis]

It's a pity because I like the paper... Today, to my horror, I found out that Photo Rag Baryta has the same problem, with many small scratches (more scratches than pizza wheels). Mostly first half of the paper, so the paper may not have been completely flat, but still a disappointing experience.  I also tried Photo Rag Pearl with no scratches but tiny pizza wheel marks (I used the sheet feeder for both).

Well, at least I am just trying different papers for now and I did my exhibition prints a month ago so not stressing myself out for any particular reason, rather than an obvious dilemma: why do I have to give up on a paper I like (and costs much less!!)