Inkjet Paper Info

Posted: Sat Oct 25, 2008 10:11 pm

Terminology:

FB: Fiber Based Can be Cotton or Pulp
RC: Resin Coated
CP: Color Papers
OB: Optical Brighteners
AF: Acid Free
IRL: Inkjet Receptive Layer

Paper Classifications:

Thickness: Measurement of the thickness of the paper in Mil or MM. (1 mil = 0.001 inch = 24.5 µm)

Brightness: Generally based on a scale of 1 to 100* (100 being the brightest). Manufacturer's seem to be leaning towards foregoing the Brightness scale in lieu of using more obscure names such as Ultra bright, Polar White, Bright White, etc.

* A quote from Red River Paper.

Quote:

A light source shines a beam of light measuring 457 nanometers onto the paper at a 45 degree angle. Another device measures the amount of reflection from the paper. a scale from 1-100 is set, and the reflected amount will fall within that range. A brighter sheet (higher number) tends to reflect more light from the paper surface thus intensifying the vividness of color. Slight increases at the higher end of the scale change the paper's appearance more dramatically than large changes at the lower end.

Source: http://www.redrivercatalog.com/infocenter/brightness.html

Whiteness: A measurement of how white a paper is perceived to be.

(Note that Brightness and Whiteness are often misperceived as the human eye cannot "see" brightness. For example a paper that is closer to white could appear brighter to the human eye than another paper that has a warmer color. But utilizing measurement devices, one can determine that it is possible that the warmer toned paper could actually be brighter than the closer to white paper.)

Description and Typical Uses:

Plain White Paper (FB): Some general uses are Text, Graphs, coupons, printer setup and maintenance. The thickness of the paper determines the quality of printed graphs/images. Thin paper can cause the ink to spread out (absorb into the paper) prior to drying. This will produce a loss in edge detail and sharpness, often referred to as a "muddy" image.

Glossy (RC): Generally a paper covered with a vinyl or polyester film and has a smooth, shiny (glossy) finish much like that of standard paper used on 4x6 prints you get for a 1 hour photo developer. General uses can be photographs, signs, photo Cards, and proof sets.

Semi Glossy (RC): Similar to Glossy photo paper, but with less apparent gloss, or less sheen.

Satin (RC): Similar to Glossy photo paper, but with less apparent gloss, or less sheen.

Pearl (RC): Similar to Glossy photo paper, but with less apparent gloss, or less sheen.

Matt (FB/IRL): Is generally a Non-coated paper, but often there can be a coating on the surface to allow for ink to dry quickly (inkjet receptive layer or IRL). The surface is often porous even when the an IRL is used.

Metallic (CP and RC):

Gold (CP and RC):

Silver (CP and RC):

Paper Information Resources:

http://www.wilhelm-research.com/

Quote:

Wilhelm Imaging Research, Inc. conducts research on the stability and preservation of traditional and digital color photographs and motion pictures. The company publishes brand name-specific permanence data for desktop and large-format inkjet printers and other digital printing devices. Wilhelm Imaging Research also provides consulting services to museums, archives, and commercial collections on sub-zero cold storage for the very long term preservation of still photographs and motion pictures.

Source:
http://www.wilhelm-research.com/about_us.html

Posted: Wed Nov 19, 2008 11:15 pm

Updated 12-22-2008

Thank you to Carolyn (of NikonGear.com!) for helping a paper novice (me) by taking the time to explain things, answer questions, and provide great links. Wink