So what does Epson Matte Black Ink on NON-matte paper look like?

[nathanm]

I know what Photo Black Ink looks like on matte paper; a bit washed out and charcoal-y but then I wondered what would Matte Black Ink would look like on gloss or semi-gloss papers? Anyone tried this? Does it go the opposite way with the blacks being TOO dark\plugged up? If that was the case perhaps there'd be bandwidth enough to split the difference in the digital file. Or does it not work at all and pool up or something? Yes, I know I'm being half-assed and that it's not a real solution, but I ask as mere technical curiosity!

[Greg Lockrey]

Flat and chalkey. You can get away with it somewhat on canvas though if you spray over it. My gloss solution prior to getting the Epson 3800 was to use Epson Enhanced Matte paper and if I needed a glossy surface I would simply use a glossy laminate.

[mrladewig]

Ash.

Like Greg says, not good.

[Walter Foscari]

Never tried myself but for what I heard is it's not a problem of not looking good. Matte Black on glossy/semigloss paper supposedly does not stick well enough. Even after it's dried, passing your finger over it should rub it right off.

[eric black]

It gets a bronzed-like metallic look to it due to the lack of penetration into the papers coating I believe. The effect is especially profound if you look at it at an angle.

[Ted Harris]

However, if you use a full RIP, one that is capable of varying the amount of ink you lay down by color you can come close to or virtually equal the same look you would get with matt black ink. I used to do it with the Colorburst RIP.

[nathanm]

Thanks for the replies. I kind of expected it wouldn't quite work. Perhaps I will have to just commit to a 'matte period' for awhile.

[mrladewig]

I have printed it (accidentally) on my R1800. Like I said, it looks like you applied ash to the paper. It doesn't stick and doesn't penetrate the coating. You can wipe it off with your finger.