This blog follows on in the series we are providing of paper blogs. Photo paper is the theme of this blog.

Photo paper fits in the category of inkjet paper. Photo paper is specifically manufactured for the purpose of photographical printing. The highest quality of this paper can produce a photographical printout, which matches or even exceeds the quality of the traditional printing material. For example, Cibachrome for positive transparency colour prints and Fuji Crystal Archive for photo printing from negatives. However, traditional silver based papers are still much better than inkjets papers for monochrome photographs printing.

Typically, photo paper is categorized into glossy, semi matte, and matte finishes. The thickness varies. There is not much difference from office papers for general purpose with the lighter weight photo paper, even though these papers are cheaper and considered as the lowest quality for photo paper.

Special papers for photographical printing are thicker and contain coatings for quick drying properties. Typically, these papers can only be printed on one side, since the special coating is only on one side. There are papers which are suitable for double sided printing but these are limited.

Generally, glossy photo paper is the most popular version for users. It has the highest colour density and the widest colour gamut. The shiny finish coat gives a vivid look to the photo. The shiny side has a smooth surface. Compared to glossy photo paper, matte photo papers are less shiny, and produce prints which give off less glare. Most commonly, this paper is used for superior text results. Although they are different to the touch, the result will look similar when displayed under a glass photo frame. There are papers with the imitation of canvas texture available. These papers are produced in order to increase the resemblance to oil paintings.

Photo papers differ in terms of colour gamut and longevity. Usually, colour profiles are provided by the ink supplier for the ink system, especially when it performs with special papers. Longevity is dependant on the combination of the paper and the ink. Special substrate is required for maximum life. The substrate of the paper will be cotton based, or wood free, or the combination of them.

Although an ideal measuring scale is provided for the papers' glossiness, there is still no official designation of what constitute semi matte or glossy. Hewlett Packard, Epson and Kodak are leading paper manufacturers and they have different terms to describe their papers; Everyday is for HP, Premium High Gloss belongs to Epson and Kodak has Ultima.

Which type of paper do you prefer?

by Mary and Ali