Hahnemuhle FAP

[MarcHoward]

Lexjet got 6 rolls of Hahnemuhle Fine Art Pearl last week and I happened to call in time to order one. So far it's only available in the 24" x 39' size. I tested it on the Epson 7800 with the ImagePrint RIP.

I made a 20x24 print of a nice black and white portrait with a velvet background (very black) The print is beautiful with one small glitch. There was some gloss variation (bronzing, some call it). HOWEVER, PremierArt spray fixed it.

I immediately compared it to a Hahnemuhle bright white rag print of the same pic and it stood up well. Obviously the black is not as deep as the matte black. But it is every bit as black. I am prejudiced to the infinite looking depth of matte black.

The best news is the lack of sensitivity of the surface. Matte black prints show every touch of the solid black surface. This paper is impervious. Obviously the photo black ink is much sturdier.

The outstanding issue is Optical Brighteners. They say this paper uses a lot of them. And some say they will weaken over time, making the whites less white. Perhaps Wilhelm will test it.

Bottom line. FAP is a great addition to the paper arsenal.

But I'd rather have a fine art matte paper that doesn't show a mark every time you touch it!

[Martin_Kristiansen]

I am using a epson 4800 with imageprint on bright white rag. I have ordered FAP and am quite excited about it. I agree with your sentiments regards the matt paper completely, pros and cons. The thing is I love the matt paper for B&W but it doesnt do it for me with colour hence my interest in FAP. I have a few questions regards FAP. Does it use the MK or PK cartridge? What is the maximum dpi you can print at? Thanks a bunch for the info.

Martin

[Jamie_Roberts]

Marc,

I'm using a 4000 and ImagePrint; I can't wait to try both the FAP and Crane Silver Rag, neither of which are available around here yet.

Any other comments you have on these papers, say compared with Epson Smooth Fine Art, would be appreciated (though I also use Photo Rag, so I know what that's like).

One other quick question--I assume that ImagePrint already has profiles for the paper? Or were you using a custom profile? Or were you using a similar paper profile?

[MarcHoward]

FAP uses photo ink which is why it doesn't mark when you touch it. The print looks much closer to Epson Luster than Enhanced matte. It is a little less shiny than luster.

ImagePrint is, as usual, ahead of the game. They have profiles for both FAP and the Crane Silver Rag.

I have not yet made any color prints with FAP.

[MarcHoward]

Martin,

I forgot to add; ImagePrint defaults with this paper to 1440 DPI. That is the same for most ImagePrint profiles. And I stay with their defaults.

Marc

[Martin_Kristiansen]

Thanks Marc

I look foreward to trying the paper myself. I would also go with imageprint defaults. Imageprint was money very well spent for me.

Martin

[MarcHoward]

I finally made a color print. Wonderful! Less shiny than Luster. Sharp detail and brilliant colors. I don't know if the print needs 24 hours under a sheet of paper to prevent outgassing. But it looks great!

If I had to pick one paper, it would still be Hahnemuhle Rag. But this is a nice improvement over Epson Luster. And it should be more archival.

I eagerly await Wilhelm's tests.