Inkjet News

Friday, January 05, 2007

Print Quality

The last in our series of Inkjet Printer Ink Technology review, we would be amiss if we were not to mention one of the most critical elements in the quality reproduction of photographic prints.

Paper

The true determining factor in print reproduction is to be able to represent the smallest possible color elements on the printed surface without distortion. Part of this is obviously to use less ink to create a smaller area required for ink deposition. This works fine but if your ink droplet is being absorbed by the “paper medium” it will dull in brilliance, and spread out the same way an absorbent paper towel works.

Contrast

Another key factor is contrast. We are all familiar with these features on our television sets, but what is contrast? Well, our eyes perceive abrupt changes in “Color” better than gradual changes. This means if we can sharpen the lines between color variance we will perceive a clearer picture overall. We have all seen some of the tricks the eyes can play with colors, and by simply placing 2 colors adjacent to each other they will either blend with each other or enhance their contrasting elements depending on their color.

Bright White is Best

Many of you may have noticed that when you purchase printer paper it comes with an identifying rating for whiteness. This is a key factor in the process of improving the quality of your inkjet printer printouts. By selecting the highest possible brightness of the paper is will greatly enhance the resulting color presentation. Note: This whiteness rating in many instances is a measure of the “Smoothness” of the paper. By presenting the flattest possible surface area (Smooth) it provides for a uniform reflecting surface for light there bye providing the “Brightest” possible output. (Makes sense doesn’t it) It also is influenced by the actual color of the paper, which is in many instances “bleached” to provide for a higher brightness level.

Coated Paper

To avoid the pitfalls of ink being absorbed into the print medium many paper (injet) manufacturers are starting to add a surface coating to the paper to prevent the absorption of the ink into the paper. This allow them to use smaller quantities of ink, increase resolution, and prevent the reduction of brilliance.

This is becoming such a key factor in enhancing print output that some higher end printers are incorporating “liquids” that are sprayed onto the paper surface to create a coating prior to the application of the inkjet ink. Think of it like painting your house. You first apply a base coat which seals the surface, and this allows you to apply less paint to the surface (Less Coats) to give a uniform result.

Paper Thickness

A key for the highest level of reproduction to ensure that you maintain the brilliance of the paper, it is important that it be thick enough not to allow light from the back to affect its appearance. This is most evident when using double sided printing and you can see what is printed on the opposite side. You’ll note that Photographic Paper is always like ‘Cardboard’ to ensure the maximum effect to reducing rear light scatter.

Thick, White, Coated Paper

Its a lot easier to say I want photo paper, but keep in mind in many instances when you are not printing photographs you paper needs/quality can be reduced.

1) Always buy the brightest paper available at the most reasonable price.
2) Ensure it is thicker if you intend to do double sided printing.
(Hold you hand behind a piece a sheet and see if you can see through the paper)
3) Coated is mandatory for photographic reproduction. (Note: Not all coated paper provides a suitable surface to allow ink to dry yet adhere to the surface properly. Beware of $1 Store photo paper)

Filed under: FAQ, Inkjet Info | Tagged: brightness, brightness and permeability, brilliance, coated paper, Contrast, distortion, ink droplet, paper, quality reproduction photographic prints, Thick paper, whiteness | Leave a comment »