Best paper for prints?

[Former_Member]

I am considering doing prints of my paintings and can get the best return if I print them myself.
Thinking about 8x10 and 11x14 size.

I am wondering what paper people would recommend?
Is there any benefits to a textured paper over smooth, or will you get better color results with smooth?
I have read that certain Epson printers only like to take Epson paper, and I don't really want to be pigeonholed like that...

[naturegirl22]

Jennifer, I'd like to do the same thing, and will be interested in what folks recommend. :)

[Former_Member]

You could always have a company print them for you. I hear good things about iprintfromhome.com Their prices seem very reasonable.

ETA sorry, I didn't read the bit where you said you'd get the best return printing them yourself.

[Former_Member]

I've done a decent bit of research and even buying a new printer, I estimate about $3.05 in supplies per print and haven't found less than $15/print via a company.

[Former_Member]

Jennifer,
Giving this a bump for you. I'm sure there are many artists out there with great info for you.

[SlightlySprightly]

While I'm not reproducing original pieces, from a digital print perspective, I use a Canon Pixma printer paired with Epson's Ultra Premium Presentation Paper Matte. The colors come out so velvety and rich! I did a lot of research and testing before deciding on paper and I think some of it is just trial and error in finding a good paper to match your printer.

I've also heard many people rave about Red River Paper (http://www.redrivercatalog.com/). They offer sample packs for you to test their selection of textures and colors to find a good fit. In your case, this might be a good option to help discover your preference!

Good luck!

[Former_Member]

Hi Jennifer :)

I print my ACEOs and prints on to Epson Archival Matt Paper, and I use a Kodak ESP 3 Printer which uses archival inks. Personally I find it very satisfactory, if perhaps not up to the standards of a professional printers. But I work on a VERY small print run so it makes more economical sense for me to print from home :)

Hope this helps!

[diarysketches]

I print my prints myself. I use international sized paper because here in Israel thats what they sell, A5, A4...The paper I use is actually art paper that is of high quality....I know I could just sell on cheaper paper but when you print your work onto the actual paper you drew it on, or similar art paper it looks amazing and very "original" .

lots of luck
laura

[Former_Member]

Hi Jennifer,
I've been printing photos for many years, including in a wet darkroom. With inkjet prints that you will be selling you want you have an archival printer. Pigment inks are longer lasting than dye based ink. Some dye based inkjet prints colors will begin to fade right away. You should be able to find the information on the print life from the manufactures site. One of the other things to be aware of is that the paper/ink combination also determines the life of the print. So if you are using a dye based printer that has a 20 print life it may only be when you use a certain paper. If you are new to printing it might be easier to stay with a paper from the printer manufacture because they have profiled that paper to give you the best colors. I have used mostly Epson printers for my photos and I choose the paper based on the image. If the image has texture that I want to bring out, then I'll use an art or water color mat paper. If I want to bring out the color or details than I go with a glossy or metallic paper. I still use WHCC for my metallic prints and sometimes my luster images. Inkjet isn't always the least expensive alternative.

[Former_Member]

Also, Jennifer, you cat illustrations are adorable.

[Former_Member]

Thanks for all the replies!

And thanks, Susan - it's easy to make animals cute when they are yours :)

[Former_Member]

Hi Jennifer - I haven't sold prints as yet (exceot through print-on-demand services online), but I did some research because I eventually want to make prints of my paintings at home.

I'm not speaking from experience (so you can take this with a grain of salt), but I've heard very high praise for Epson printers like the R2000, and as someone posted above, Red River Paper is a popular choice.

Good luck with your efforts. I'd be interested to know what you eventually decide to do, and how it works out.