Help with paper identification...

[Keithw1975]

I have a sample of inkjet paper that I am trying to match for a client, who is extremely picky about it being exactly the same. I thought it looked very close to Epson semi-matte, but there are some key differences that she doesn't like. Her sample has better opacity, the back of it feels rougher, like standard uncoated paper, and the printable side isn't quite as smooth and perfect as the semi-matte, but it definitely isn't pebbly like Epson's Luster paper.

I really feel like we had some of this paper that we used on our Epson 3000 back in the day, but I have no clue what it was. She said that their previous printer simply referred to it as inkjet poster paper.

Any help would be much appreciated.

One more thing, that I forgot to mention, is that the paper needs to be around 10-11 mil., which the 260gsm, semi-matte, is.

[Keithw1975]

Going from a foggy memory, Epson may have had a paper that was simply called Glossy paper, that was similar to what I mentioned. Now all I can find it photo or premium photo.

[hugowolf]

Does it have a brand name on the back? HP had/have several soft gloss papers that sound similar.

It is an inkjet paper, right? Not a wet process paper?

Brian A

[Keithw1975]

It has no name on the back. I am pretty certain that it is an inkjet paper.

[JRSmit]

Can you do a spectral plot of the paper?
If so you can use spectrumvis of ernst dinkla to look up possible papers that match the curve and whitepoint.

[Keithw1975]

I don't know how to do that.

[Ernst Dinkla]

Thought about that when I saw the request, but a UV-enabled spectrometer is not that common. I also use 3 measurements with different table colors beneath the media. The request is also quite vague; Epson Semi Matte and Luster are RC papers, both have (some) gloss, quite different from a poster paper.

Matte inkjet poster papers do not go above 230 gsm and are quite standardized.  For example the Felix Schoeller fabricates are available through Red River in the USA and Arca over here. They have a rough backside (if not dual sided coated), contain a lot of OBA and have a smooth surface, the 230 grams is 0.010 Mil according my samples. If your customer showed an old sample it should be more yellow than a fresh sample, the OBAs deteriorate.

Cut a small strip, 1/4" wide 2" long, split the paper (between the two surfaces) 1/2" deep with a sharp knive, dip that side in hot water, pull at the wetted and warm split ends and see whether there is some plastic foil behavior, scrape the paper lint off with your nail and if you see a transparent foil at the backside and a milky white foil at the front side you have a genuine (inkjet) RC paper. If not but still a glossy surface then there are several cheaper papers that bridge between poster and RC paper. Few I have in my Ordinary Paper>Satin/Gloss maps of SpectrumViz but their weight does not exceed 244 grams.

If this is an older paper there is a chance it is a swellable paper made for dye inks (you referred to the Epson 3000) which will be incompatible with a pigment printer and is no longer easy to get.


--
Met vriendelijke groet, Ernst

http://www.pigment-print.com/spectralplots/spectrumviz_1.htm
April 2014, 600+ inkjet media white spectral plots.

[howardm]

I think you're headed down a time-wasting rat-hole with this.  I'd get a couple of swatch books and attempt to
find something close and tell the customer what's available currently.  They can be as picky as they want, if the paper
isn't made or can't be found, it's time to move on.

[Keithw1975]

I may end up doing just that. I just want to make a reasonable effort before doing so. It would be embarrassing if they went someplace else and found the same paper right off.

[jdoyle1713]

Well you can send me a small strip if you would like and I will try my best to tell you what it is..
I am also an Epson dealer so and own two surecolors the 30760 & 70670 so I don't mind helping you at all

Hey Ernest your giving away all the tricks you sond like a paper guy lol....I haven't done that in a few years and you just made me do it here at home tonight...Thanks for all you do for the community !

Stay at it
Cheers
Jim Doyle
Shades Of Paper
856-787-9200