Gary, the fundamental problem I have with all this is that if the Media Type in the driver and in the Profile both correspond with each other and with the paper being used, the printer should be applying ink in a manner that does not cause the problems you encountered. So singling out the paper as being the problem leaves me in a quandary. I think it would be worthwhile giving Epson tech support a call for a discussion about this. I wouldn't rule out the possibility that there could be a problem with your printer, but I would have no way of knowing that.
Hi Mark,
I assume you might have read some of the posts on the link I sent along concerning this issue, so the only response I can offer here is that I know all of my settings were correct. Media Type and profile as required. Although, since this is indeed a canned profile, the media type was already set at EnhMatte. The other side of this is the tests I described on both sheet and roll EnhMatte paper. Also the "fact" that apparently Epson new there was a problem and fixed it. Again, all of my tests were done with the proper media type and profile for EnhMatte, and the 24" roll, which was the most recent one I had purchased, was the only paper that produced the black as it should be. The difference was very obvious as soon as it exited the printer. No further drying time needed, the black was smooth throughout the black patch(5x8"). I realize it might seem unusual that this would or could be a paper issue alone, but I think we all know it wouldn't be the first time problems with paper consistency have emerged. As far as the issue I bumped into with the Cold Press Natural Roll is concerned, I will be testing that again within the next couple of days and I will also report my findings. And in that case I tried three different Media Types in the driver, all exhibiting the same results, mottling in the pure black areas. And again, the same area did not show the effect on sheet CPN(with the proper Media Type and Profile). The fact that this does not show on any of the luster paper sizes seems to rule out the possibility of a printer issue, but of course I will not necessarily rule it out. I had a new print head installed in February and the tech did an overall check of the machine at that time as well. Of course this issue was there before the print head change and it still is, but not with the newer version of EnhMatte.
Conclusion: Since all of the printer settings were correct(checked and rechecked each time) and the only variable was the 24" roll of EnhMatte, that would seem to point directly to the paper difference, not the
printer. I have ruled out the mechanics and I am now left with the paper as the culprit. When I get in touch with you again perhaps we can carry on this conversation Mark. And by the way, if my
next set of tests with the Cold Press natural still exhibit the mottling in pure black on the roll stock, I will definitely be in touch with Epson Tech.
Gary