PAPER

Not all inkjet papers are created the same. In fact, contrary to claims, some inkjet papers hardly work at all on some printers.

For example, I put Kodak PREMIUM Photo paper in my Canon S900 printer and was entirely unable to get satisfactory prints from it in regard to accurate color and details, no matter how I adjusted the printer. It was, in a word, HORRIBLE. (I've heard its horrible in both Epson printers as well. I then put the cheapest Epson Photo Paper (about 20 cents for an entire 8 1/2 X 11 sheet, COSTCO, 100 pack costs $19.95) in the same printer with the same settings, and the print came out MAGNIFICENT. 

And to make makes more confusing, Kodak ULTIMA Photo Paper has been seen to be one of the BEST quality and fade resistant papers for Epson and presumably similar Canon inks. Go figure.

In general, matte (non-shiny finish) photo papers will keep their color the longest, up to four times longer than glossy paper. Epson Heavyweight Matte Photo paper is outstanding, and regarded by many as the best deal in matte paper. Put a matte print or photo under glass or plastic and it will last forever and look fantastic.

HERE IS THE BEST DEAL ON PHOTO PAPER ON THE PLANET:

Kirkland Photo Paper at Costco- $19.95 for 120 heavy weight, smooth, super glossy sheets.

Followed by:
Plain old cheap Epson Photo Paper (Glossy) gives absolutely gorgeous excellent results, its good and heavy weight, (some reviewers give it the highest rating among glossy paper), it won't fade like many others, though it's surface is not as perfectly flat smooth as some of the other papers. Hey, who cares, unless you're concentrating on the shiny part and not the image. It also reproduces nice accurate colors. It can be found at COSTCO for $19.95 for 120 sheets. 

The newest version of Epson PREMIUM Glossy Photo Paper, on the other hand, had the worst reputation, then better after they changed the formula, then Epson recalled it again, now its coming out again-- but still not as good as the cheap stuff. Okey dokey.

Ilford Heavyweight glossy Photo paper is a champ in terms of long lasting color and nice finish, and can be found with some searching on the net (try Calumet Photo or others) for less than 40 cents a sheet in quantity. More money than Epson, but apparently good for really permanent items, and even mounting unframed or unprotected on walls without problems. See the paper review web page below for details.

ONE CUSTOMER REPORTS FINDING ILFORD Gallery Glossy PAPER at Sams Club for $23 for 100 sheets- this is EXCELLENT, Ilford paper is OUTSTANDING.

You can also use plain smooth brilliant white card stock for printing graphics (and okay photos), which is the least expensive option at about 250 sheets for around $10 (Office Depot). It will give you good color and decent detail, but will lack the total vivid reproduction and saturation (especially in large dark areas) that you will see from good matte or glossy stock. No news on how long it goes before fading in any situation. Give it a try and see. 

Don't be fooled into thinking the most expensive papers are the best. The Canon Photo Pro costing a zillion dollars a sheet (well, almost-compared to Epson Photo Paper) gives really amazing EXACTLY LOOKING LIKE A PHOTO results- at first- but is prone to fading after time. And, the color is not even as accurate as the cheapo Epson paper.

 For an almost complete review of all inkjet papers please see this site- you will be amazed at the difference. Each paper has its own detailed test, plus a long term fade test (click on the little colored test squares at the top of each review. A really excellent report-  Paper Reviews

Smooth, shiny, silky, BRAIN

Click link for SUPERIOR Brain Gloss

And remember, even after all of this--- its your BRAIN that will make you happy. Not stuff.

www.brainradar.com The AMAZING BRAIN ADVENTURE 

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