High Gloss Inkjet Paper

[Daniel Fuchs]

Hi. Does anyone know a high gloss inkjet paper that has the looks and feels of a "real" print from the colour lab?
I've been trying out different papers on my Epson 4800 (UltraChrome K3 pigment ink). The best I've found so far is the Epson Ultra Glossy - which is only available in small sheets. On most other papers white fades out, means: bright white spots are not glossy on glossy paper (with pigment ink) as you can see when you hold the print against a light source. And many of them are simply too light.

Does anyone have a suggestion? Thanks!
Daniel

P.S. For larger prints I'd go for the Hahnemühle FineArt Pearl. Wonderful, almost like a faber base print. But some people want high gloss prints...

[Helen Bach]

Daniel,

My solution to that little problem is to overcoat with Krystal Topkote. (http://www.image-specialists.com/specialty.htm) This puts an even layer of gloss over the whole image, and deepens the darkest areas of the image, increasing shadow separation in the process. You don't have to dedicate another printer to it, but you do need a spare slot in a suitable printer. I use it in a 2200 that has a partial K3 ink set in it for B&W printing, so it has a spare slot. It isn't a really high gloss finish like glossy C-Prints. If you aren't in a hurry, I could send you a sample or two.

I use it with Epson Premium Glossy (or whatever it is called now), InkjetArt Microceramic Plus, Innova F-Type Gloss (aka DaVinci), Innova Fiba Print Ultra Smooth Gloss (new?), Crane MSR and Hahnemuhle Pearl.

Best,
Helen