Anyone using this paper or evaluated it?
Just received a few samples. My observations and questions.
1. What is the archival nature of this paper? As advertized it is alpha cellulose based, lignin and acid free, no OBAs and archival. Several reviewers here and elsewhere have maybe detected OBAs in scans. This is one of the more important considerations to me, and the disparity between the advertising and the commentary give me pause.
2. All barytas are just about the same in terms of white/black/DMAX and color rendition. This one seems so too. Only slight differences that machines can comment on better than my eyes at the moment.
3. When cutting baryta coated papers, they flake. Baryta coated papers tend to split in two top to bottom. It's the nature of the beast. Skill and unfortold manufacturing can overcome it, but hey now, let's get real.
4. The flaking bit is really quite important and dependent on the underlying paper structure and texture. Cotton fiber baryta coated paper, especially Canson's thick and textured Platine, is difficult to cut well with clean edges that you'd want to revel, rejoice and bathe yourself in. Wood based fibers seem better suited for the job in my experience. Innova's cuts about as well as any from my samples.
5. The surface of Innova's paper is smoother than most barytas and, presumably, more susceptible of detail.
6. This paper is reputedly titanium free. I'm unsure what to make of that.
I've always gone with the big brands, but I do suspect this new/old paper might be a bit different and worthy.
Other thoughts welcome.
