When selecting
what proofing paper is ideal for your photo printing project, the
reflective surface properties (sheen) of the final printed image are
a chief consideration. Through our relationships with major
manufacturers, Canvas and Paper Warehouse is able to offer all of the
top paper choices covering the range of reflective surfaces. In
graduated order of reflective surface, these choices run Satin, Semi-Matte, Semi-Gloss and Glossy. One way to look at evaluating that
scale for your needs is whether you or your customer would prefer a
softer, less edgy image or one with more vibrant colors and contrast.
A second consideration is the personal preference of the
individual(s) receiving the print, would they expect or prefer one
sheen or another? While these go hand-in-hand, they are separate
considerations.
Satin
proofing
paper has some sheen to it, making it more reflective than Matte but
less reflective than Semimatte. As less ink is absorbed, color
definition becomes sharper though the image may be less rich as it is
less saturated.
Semi-Matte, the most popular proofing paper has a higher reflective surface than Satin, moving closer to
the high color and contrast images of Gloss. Calling this surface, Semi-Matte was an unfortunate mistake, because it's so close to Semi-Gloss, it can easily be mistaken.
Semi-gloss proofing paper sits between Semi-Matte and Gloss finish. What more can we say?
Glossy
proofing
paper has the highest reflective qualities and is excellent for color
definition and high contrast photographic printing.
In
addition to the glossy surface, or lack thereof, manufacturers also
grade their paper offerings according to brightness, whiteness,
thickness, weight, and opacity. Each of these conditions are rated or
measured according to industry standards.
Within the
manufacturer specifications given for each of the Proofing Papers,
referring to certain standards also helps you determine your ideal
photo printing solution.
ISO 2471
(International Organization for Standardization) specifies the method
used to determine the opacity of white paper, containing fluorescent
whitening agents.
Brightness can be determined by TAPPI 452
(Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry) and ISO 2470.
The brightness of white, near white, and naturally colored paper is
measured by the method contained in these standards.
GRACol
Certified (General Requirements and Applications for Commercial
Offset Lithography) IDEAlliance, provides the stamp of approval from
an organization that has created general guidelines and
recommendations for quality color printing across the industry.
SWOP
(Specifications for Web Offset Publications) is a set of
specifications for publication printing that ensures measurable,
consistent results at each step in the printing process. SWOP
guidelines address quality-of-material issues in pre-press and
proofing as well as on-press challenges of color matching, dot gain
and different paper stocks.
ASTM D523 (ASTM International,
formerly the American Society for Testing and Materials) is a
standard that measures the Gloss rating found on paper.
The initial
choice between Matte, Satin, Semi-Matte, Semi-Gloss and Glossy will be the main
factor in selecting the right photo paper for your prints, but the
other specifications referenced can help further guide you to the
perfect printing solution for your project needs.