Inexpensive high quality matte paper

[JRSmit]

That is the paper that changed its name over time when it became more and more clear that the paper white shifted color due to the OBA content.  Is it actually still called Enhanced Matte? I thought Epson dropped that label too. Aardenburg-Imaging has a test file on it AFAIK.

190 grams.  I see in the different replies quite a diversity of weights, qualities and corresponding prices.

My choice for years now is the Innova IFA24 210 grams, most likely a Felix Schoeller product and 200 grams. 10 grams difference to the true weight is quite common. Dual coated exists too in sheet sizes.

SpectrumViz screengrab added. The brown plot showing OBA content is the Epson paper. Red pike is showing what a heavy OBA only effect would be.


Met vriendelijke groet, Ernst

www.pigment-print.com/spectralplots/spectrumviz_1.htm
March 2017 update, 750+ inkjet media white spectral plots

Agree with IF24, a very high printquality.

[deanwork]

It’s cooler and bluer because it has cheap oba in the coating, not in the paper base, which when exposed to uv light turns gray. This isn’t my opinion, thousands of people have experienced this for over 20/years. When we all complained in a big way 20 years ago when we saw it changing in our studios, Epson changed the name to “enhanced matte”  and abandoned the term archival matte. The problem was Wilhelm had incorrect fade data published on it because the white point darkening was not taken into consideration ( that is an ongoing issue with his tests, like the rc Epson media. ) I would never dream of selling anything made on this paper.  Anytime you see a paper that has a bluish cast, look out. Put that stuff under a black light and watch it glow like crazy.

John

I've made some use of that paper over the past 15 years or so, and I've never seen any of the problems that John described.  It's a good quality cheaper paper that I have used for less serious things.  Sometimes as a proofing paper, although it's cooler and brighter than rag papers that I'd use for final prints.

[Ferp]

It’s cooler and bluer because it has cheap oba in the coating, not in the paper base, which when exposed to uv light turns gray. .... I would never dream of selling anything made on this paper.

Its OBA content is well-known.  No, I wouldn't dream of selling anything on it either.  It's probably not an option for the client in your OP, unless the prints are only for short-term use.  But I haven't seen it turn gray, and as an inexpensive paper for non-critical and non-commercial uses, it's a viable option.

[Richard.Wills]

Just noticed that IFA24 is almost a dead ringer for Canson Rag Photographique, according to Ernst's Spectrum Viz (having a client in tomorrow to do a lot of proofing for a show that'll likely be on CRP, so will run initial tests with both to confirm on reference images.

[deanwork]

Very interesting Schoeller coats that also?  Could be pigment brightners in it too. That could be exactly what I’m looking for.

Innova is calling it Museum Quality with no oba.

https://innovaart.com/product/decor-smooth-art-210gsm-ifa-24/

When Innova started making fine papers to challenge Hahnemuehle about 18 years ago several of us used their smooth matte papers because Enhanced Matte was not lasting, but had a lot of really bad problems with ink absorption, especially large areas of black would produce mottling.  But if Felix Schoeller is doing the coating now that would be great. I’m going to try it . It sounds like exactly what I’m looking for.

John

Just noticed that IFA24 is almost a dead ringer for Canson Rag Photographique, according to Ernst's Spectrum Viz (having a client in tomorrow to do a lot of proofing for a show that'll likely be on CRP, so will run initial tests with both to confirm on reference images.

[Richard.Wills]

Did a show that went up at Cop26, lots of industrial landscapes. Hand rolled profiles on an 8400, great shadow definition, zero cockling. Profile was based on Canon's lowest ink level, all on IFA24. Chose that paper as it had the lowest carbon profile I could find.

Still use plenty of EEM, as for short term usage, it's a great paper.

[dgberg]

I called it economy paper for a reason. It is really inexpensive and we get a lot of customers that want decent/nice prints but don't want to spend much money.
We do quite a few posters and at .30 a sq. ft. it is as cheap as it gets. Really, really good for many uses, commercial exhibitions or art shows maybe not.

[mearussi]

I called it economy paper for a reason. It is really inexpensive and we get a lot of customers that want decent/nice prints but don't want to spend much money.
We do quite a few posters and at .30 a sq. ft. it is as cheap as it gets. Really, really good for many uses, commercial exhibitions or art shows maybe not.

Where are you getting IFA24 at $0.30/sq ft? itsupplies has it at $0.89.

[JRSmit]

Can only concur. Beautiful print quality at a very nice pricepoint.
 

[dgberg]

Where are you getting IFA24 at $0.30/sq ft? itsupplies has it at $0.89.

I was referencing Epson Enhanced Matt 24" x 100 ft. $62 with free shipping from Lexjet.
I purchased a 44" roll about 3 years ago and it was about $90 delivered.
Only $105 today.

[JudyKonopka]

Hi,

I just started using Canon heavy-weight coated matte paper from B&H in New York (not sure where you're located).  I like it a lot. Matte paper is tricky because it scuffs easily and I found this more scuff resistant while still having a nice matte finish.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/488222-REG/Canon_0849V342_Heavyweight_Matte_Coated_Paper.html

Hope that helps.

[deanwork]

Thank you. I’ve never tried it. Is it bluish or less brightners? It’s hard to fine one that is neither warm or bluish cold with too much brighteners.

Hi,

I just started using Canon heavy-weight coated matte paper from B&H in New York (not sure where you're located).  I like it a lot. Matte paper is tricky because it scuffs easily and I found this more scuff resistant while still having a nice matte finish.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/488222-REG/Canon_0849V342_Heavyweight_Matte_Coated_Paper.html

Hope that helps.