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New to Digital Printing and the Terminology? Read our Glossary of Useful Terms...

Wendy Thompson • Sep 25, 2019
Alpha Cellulose Paper
These matt papers consist of high-grade wood pulp, which is refined to remove unwanted compounds such as acid and lignin. Alpha cellulose papers are typically less expensive then cotton fibre papers.

Archival Paper
Archival paper is acid free or neutral paper that includes a minimum of 2% calcium carbonate to increase the longevity of the print. When prints are stored appropriately, this can exceed a lifespan of 70 years. 

Baryta Paper
Baryta is a special barium sulphate coating that is traditionally applied to a fibre photographic paper base prior to coating with the emulsion layers. The technical benefits of the Baryta layer include greater detail and definition, extended tonal range and excellent archival properties.

Colour Gamut
Colour gamut is the colour palette that a given technology or process is capable of reproducing. The colour gamut depends on the quality of the ICC profile, ink set, printer and paper used. Inkjet pigment prints exhibit greater contrast, smoother colour gradations, deeper blacks (D-Max), and finer shadow details than chemical dye prints.

Colour Management
The term ‘colour management’ simply refers to controlled conversions between the colour representations of devices such as image scanners, digital cameras, monitors, computer printers. It is this process of controlling the output of all devices in a production chain which helps to ensure that regarding the colour reproduction, the final printing results are reliable and repeatable.

Cotton Fibre
These are the most expensive but highest grade of fine art matt papers. Long fibres of cotton give the paper strength, a natural, lasting whiteness and the ultimate fine art quality.

D-Max
The D-Max is a measure of the deepest black tone a display or printer/ink/paper combination can reproduce. It is an extremely important quality factor as images with poor D-Max can look pale and weak. High D-Max is therefore synonymous with the accolade of 'good blacks', allowing better definition in a print. 

ICC Profiles
In colour management, an ICC profile is a set of data that characterise a colour input or output device, according to standards published by the International Colour Consortium. Profiles describe the colour attributes of a particular device or viewing requirement by defining a mapping between the device source and a profile connection space.

Lustre Surface
A lustre surface on printing papers is a finish is which is intermediate between glossy and semi-matt.

OBA Free
Optical Brightening Agents (OBAs) are chemical compounds that absorb light and are widely used in paper and canvas coatings to increase the perceived “whiteness”. However, these chemical compounds can pose a threat to the longevity and discolouration of a fine art print. OBA free paper provides a better guarantee for archival prints and those which may be more exposed to sunlight.

Microporous Coating
Microporous paper is normally instant dry and water resistant. The microporous coating will provide a better colour definition with a deeper, more solid black. The main benefit of this base paper is enhanced stability of the final print. 

By Wendy Thompson 06 Oct, 2022
Baryta paper refers to a paper with a barium sulphate layer that is applied to a fibre photo paper before the ink receiving layer is applied, just like a traditional darkroom paper. All Baryta papers will have some sheen and the level of this will vary from one manufacturer or paper type to another. They will typically have a higher DMAX allowing for printing deeper blacks and giving more detail in dark shadows and bright highlights which is a reason that it’s commonly used in black and white prints. That being said, it’s also very popular for producing colour prints as it has a wide colour gamut and the bright white undertones typically associated with a paper of this type can really bring colours to life. Being fibre based, Baryta papers have a good weight and thickness with a slight texture and so are a good choice for photographers wanting a fine art result. We offer a number of Baryta paper’s, the range can be seen on by clicking here . Baryta papers not only look great but when used with pigment inks ensure long lasting archival prints that can last hundreds of years. One of our most popular products is Fotospeed Platinum Baryta Signature Paper which at 300gsm isn’t the heaviest Baryta paper around but feels weighty. It has a subtle sheen that resists finger marks well but also limits reflections and has a warm tone. Printed results using the paper exhibit a high DMAX for deep blacks and a great tonal range as well as fine detail. Approved by the Fine Art Trade Guild, it has a guaranteed print life in excess of 85 years when used with pigment based inks. Explore the paper here .
By Wendy Thompson 07 Apr, 2021
This new addition to the Canson Infinity portfolio has been produced in the iconic Arches paper mill, where ARCHES® master papermakers have been producing superbly high-quality fine art papers since 1492. Today, ARCHES® is the only paper mill in France using a traditional cylinder mould process for all its papers. The papers below are available in all paper sizes and rolls. ARCHES® Discovery packs are also available allowing you to sample this new, quality paper. For more information follow the links below: Canson Infinity Arches 88 310gsm Canson Infinity Arches Aquarelle 310gsm Canson Infinity BFK Rives White 310gsm Canson Infinity BFK Rives Pure White 310gsm
By Wendy Thompson 03 Oct, 2020
Hahnemühle Bamboo is the world’s first FineArt inkjet paper made from 90% bamboo fibres and 10% cotton, for a natural look and environmentally friendly paper production. The natural white, warm-toned bamboo paper is OBA free, and stands out thanks to its soft, lightly textured felt structure and sensual feel. Hahnemühle Hemp uses one of the oldest and most diverse natural fibres and is made of 60% hemp fibre. Thanks to the bright white natural tone of the hemp fibres, no optical brighteners are required. The lightly textured surface gives the paper a pleasing, silky feel. Hahnemühle Agave is a FineArt inkjet paper that is produced using agave fibres. 70% of this unique, environmentally friendly FineArt inkjet paper is made from sisal fibres. The base material stands out with its bright white natural tone and does not contain optical brighteners. The rough, yet delicately defined surface texture gives the subject a sense of depth and impresses with a pleasing, soft feel. Each of the papers in The Natural Range has the option of a Portfolio Box too! Click here for further information and pricing ...
By Wendy Thompson 23 Jun, 2020
Hahnemühle Photo Range now available from Photopaper.co.uk
Fotospeed Platinum Baryta 300
By Wendy Thompson 26 Feb, 2020
Fotospeed announce the release of their new and improved Platinum Baryta 300 paper.
By Wendy Thompson 20 Jan, 2020
Situated in the ancient Cathedral City of Wells in the southwest of England, St Cuthberts Mill has been making paper since the 1700's, taking advantage of the pure waters of the River Axe. St Cuthberts Mill manufacture smooth and textured fine art inkjet papers of exceptional quality. From the beautiful Bockingford Inkjet paper, allowing the reprouction of fantastic prints to the Somerset Photo and Somerset Enhanced range designed as a fine art inkjet paper with superb colour rendition. Now available from https://www.photopaper.co.uk/st-cuthberts-mill-paper
Camera Club Exclusive Offers
By Wendy Thompson 21 May, 2019
Camera Club Exclusive Offers
Digital Photo Papers Explained
By Wendy Thompson 13 Mar, 2019
A summary of the most popular photo paper finishes (glossy, matt, satin, lustre and pearl).
Fotospeed Legacy Gloss
By Wendy Thompson 04 Mar, 2019
New product launch - 100% cotton, OBA free and unglazed fine art inkjet paper.
Brand new website
By Wendy Thompson 01 Mar, 2019
photopaper.co.uk launch the new website.
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