What papers to start with for printing B+W newbie with high aspirations

Yes - it's true I'm getting a 3800 at last! Hoorah

BUT

I have no idea which papers to start with for my lofty aspirations at printing world class fine art archival B+W prints that wil be snapped up by collectors the world over

Oh yes - world fame and domination here I come!

But before that I need to start somewhere....somewhere that won''t cost an arm and a leg and where I can get to grips with B+W

So assuming I don't want glossy, do I want matt, semi- matt or any of the other permutations that I only half know about, and which is the best brand and type to get started with to make lots and lots of mistakes on??

Reveal all to me ye printing masters who's wisdom knows no bounds, no leaps and no boings

I Simonius wrote in post #5884555
I have no idea which papers to start with...

Why don't you start with the package of Epson Premium Luster that will come with your printer? Assuming that Epson includes the same stuff with yours that they did with mine. I've never used any of it, but I'm assuming it would be suitable for B & W, but you know what they say about assumptions!

BillyR wrote in post #5884633
Why don't you start with the package of Epson Premium Luster that will come with your printer? Assuming that Epson includes the same stuff with yours that they did with mine. I've never used any of it, but I'm assuming it would be suitable for B & W, but you know what they say about assumptions!

I didnt realise they actually send paper with the printer- aha!

I can't find that premium luster on the warehoueexpress website....?

I quite like Hahnemühle papers. (PhotoRag and some others).

I've also seen some very nice prints done on Ilford Fibre (?) and Innova Art on the last PhotoKina.

Here is another link

If possible, try to get some sample packs from different manufacturers; it very much comes down to personal taste.

René Damkot wrote in post #5884674
I quite like Hahnemühle papers. (PhotoRag and some others).

I've also seen some very nice prints done on Ilford Fibre (?) and Innova Art on the last PhotoKina.

Here is another link

If possible, try to get some sample packs from different manufacturers; it very much comes down to personal taste.

are those what you started on?

I Simonius wrote in post #5884716
are those what you started on?

I was about to say anything from Hahnemuhle as well, but you're right -- it is pricey to start on. I'd say it is worth it, but that is up to you. Buy it in bulk after you buy the sampler and find your preferred stock. I like their Photo Rag Pearl, Fine Art Pearl, and Baryta.

The Ilford papers are also very good and I believe they are cheaper.

Now my local store has some good deals on "Harman" papers -- turns out they are a manufacturer for... Ilford. I've tried some of their packs and they were excellent, so that may be a starting point.

I Simonius wrote in post #5884716
are those what you started on?

The (free) sample packs; yes

The (online) shop I get my papers has (had?) a free sample pack with 2 sheets each of a number of papers they sell.
Also, at seminars, trade fairs and the like, it's also possible to see a bunch of different papers, and often there also are sample packs.

If you have a dedicated store nearby, they might have some example images printed on different types of paper. That might help narrow down the list.
Also; quite a few reviews online. I think I saw one at LL a while back for instance.

Edit: More then one:
1
2
3
4
5

While not as good as seeing the paper "in person", it might help. And it's an interesting read


If I print an image, I want it to come out good.
Also, the only way to try a paper is to try it... You cannot make a "test print" on ordinary paper, and expect to get results anywhere near photo paper.

TheHoff wrote in post #5884767
I was about to say anything from Hahnemuhle as well, but you're right -- it is pricey to start on. I'd say it is worth it, but that is up to you. Buy it in bulk after you buy the sampler and find your preferred stock. I like their Photo Rag Pearl, Fine Art Pearl, and Baryta.

The Ilford papers are also very good and I believe they are cheaper.

Now my local store has some good deals on "Harman" papers -- turns out they are a manufacturer for... Ilford. I've tried some of their packs and they were excellent, so that may be a starting point.

René Damkot wrote in post #5884806
The (free) sample packs; yes

The (online) shop I get my papers has (had?) a free sample pack with 2 sheets each of a number of papers they sell.
Also, at seminars, trade fairs and the like, it's also possible to see a bunch of different papers, and often there also are sample packs.

If you have a dedicated store nearby, they might have some example images printed on different types of paper. That might help narrow down the list.
Also; quite a few reviews online. I think I saw one at LL a while back for instance.

Edit: More then one:
1
2
3
4
5

While not as good as seeing the paper "in person", it might help. And it's an interesting read


If I print an image, I want it to come out good.
Also, the only way to try a paper is to try it... You cannot make a "test print" on ordinary paper, and expect to get results anywhere near photo paper.

thanks guys - I have seen some of thse reviews already so hahnemule seesm to be getting a high vote - better get a test pack

Where are you located?

Az2Africa wrote in post #5884962
Where are you located?

in the UK

I Simonius wrote in post #5884965
in the UK

Aah. I'll leave it to guys guys on that side of the pond then. I use a lot of paper made by MagicLee, but I don't know if you can get them there. Their Siena 250L makes amazingly crisp B&W prints.

Az2Africa wrote in post #5885019
Aah. I'll leave it to guys guys on that side of the pond then. I use a lot of paper made by MagicLee, but I don't know if you can get them there. Their Siena 250L makes amazingly crisp B&W prints.

Sounds great but I haven't heard of that one yet - but then there's a lot I haven't heard of yet!

gonna get at least a hahnemule test pack