Ilford semi-matte

[blevblev]

I think I know what semi-gloss is, and pearl, which is similar to semi-gloss, but the Ilford designation of semi-matte is confusing me. It may be a glass half full / half empty or partly cloudy / partly sunny type thing - is semi-matte the same as semi-gloss or what?

[Jon Shiu]

It is a matte surface, ie not shiny.

Jon

[blevblev]

If semi-matte is matte, then what's matte, sandpaper? If it's matte, why is it called "semi" matte? Sounds like somewhere between shiny and not shiny to me. I'm curious because I want to buy some Ilford Warmtone, but I don't really cotton to glossy paper. "Pearl" or "Luster" (or similar) is the surface I like. Does that mean that Ilford doesn't have something for me in warmtone?

[domenico Foschi]

If semi-matte is matte, then what's matte, sandpaper? If it's matte, why is it called "semi" matte? Sounds like somewhere between shiny and not shiny to me. I'm curious because I want to buy some Ilford Warmtone, but I don't really cotton to glossy paper. "Pearl" or "Luster" (or similar) is the surface I like. Does that mean that Ilford doesn't have something for me in warmtone?

It is a matt surface, but if you look at it at an angle it will have a faint shine.
Persoanlly I am growing frustrated with Ilford prices. I have already switched to Arista edu ultra for film and now I see myself forced to give up Ilford warmtone.
I just came back from Freestyle and I refuse to pay $ 209.00 + tax for a box of 50 sheets of 16x20. Two are the options: putting myself out of business by keeping buying it, or contributing to put them out of business.
I do not give a damn if they are committed to silver, their prices are not justifiable, if they think they are irreplaceable they are wrong.
Beautiful paper, but....

[Glenn Thoreson]

I use Ilford warm tone semi matte fiber paper. I really like this paper for a lot of things. Semi matte is not a totally dull surface. It's a smooth the the touch surface with just the very slightest hint of sheen. Thought I haven't used matte paper, the examples I've seen (old) had a surface more like that of writing paper. When I'm out of Ilford, I doubt I'll buy any more. Just too pricey. The only chance is finding a real deal like this batch was, at 8 bucks per 25 pack, 8X10. Sadly, I'll be looking more closely at other brands.

[Jon Shiu]

If semi-matte is matte, then what's matte, sandpaper? If it's matte, why is it called "semi" matte? Sounds like somewhere between shiny and not shiny to me. I'm curious because I want to buy some Ilford Warmtone, but I don't really cotton to glossy paper. "Pearl" or "Luster" (or similar) is the surface I like. Does that mean that Ilford doesn't have something for me in warmtone?

Hello, if you want something like that you can get Pearl in Warmtone RC. There is nothing like that in the Warmtone fiber. If you want a semi-matte sample, let me know. ( I don't care for it myself, too dull looking).

Jon