What paper is best with Epson 1280?

We have ordered the Epson 1280 and wondered what paper is best to use and possibly even best place on line to order it form that is a highly reliable company.
Thanks for any input you can give and Happy Holidays to all!
--
Mr & Mrs. Digital Crazy

I may never really 'get it' but at least I'm trying...

DigitalCrazy said:

We have ordered the Epson 1280 and wondered what paper is best to
use and possibly even best place on line to order it form that is a
highly reliable company.

Click to expand...

Mr. Crazy,

With my 1280, my preference is Epson's Heavyweight, a matte finish paper. I've never liked glossy paper. (I've always preferred matte finish papers in my chemical and digital darkrooms.)

I'm sure there are cheaper places, but I like to use IT supplies.com.

The url is:
http://www.itsupplies.com/

Joe

I'd stick with Epson's papers to start with - they are generally of very high quality.

If you like glossy then the best I feel is Epson Premium Glossy Photo Paper - the cheaper glossy photo papers they make are not in the same league.

RW

I'll agree that I prefer Epson Heavyweight Matte. I tend to use it often when I want to mount a photo in a picture frame. I've also used Epson Glossy Photo Paper a lot for photo albums and to give away since I can get a lot of that paper at the local Costco.

As for the Heavyweight Matte, I've gone to http://www.atlex.com/ to purchase the 13x19 size. Their prices are quite nice.

Ray

Before you print too many pictures on PGPP, look into the gas-fading issue.

RyC said:

I'll agree that I prefer Epson Heavyweight Matte. I tend to use it
often when I want to mount a photo in a picture frame. I've also
used Epson Glossy Photo Paper a lot for photo albums and to give
away since I can get a lot of that paper at the local Costco.

As for the Heavyweight Matte, I've gone to http://www.atlex.com/ to
purchase the 13x19 size. Their prices are quite nice.

Ray

Click to expand...

???

Dan wrote:
Before you print too many pictures on PGPP, look into the
gas-fading issue.

Mr & Mrs. Digital Crazy

I may never really 'get it' but at least I'm trying...

DigitalCrazy wrote:
??

DigitalCrazy said:

Dan wrote:
Before you print too many pictures on PGPP, look into the
gas-fading issue.

Click to expand...

Inkjets use yde or pigment inks. Most use dye inks. 1280 uses dye ink.

Pigment inks are less prone to fading under test conditions.

The printers have not been around long enough for real-life corroboration of these estimates - so an ink/paper combination may be rated at 50 years but you'd have to wait to really see if this was true!

Fading occurs mainly due to bleaching effect of light and also due to reaction with gas pollutants in the air.

All the manufacturer's advise prints are stored behing glass or in albums to prolong life and reduce fading. It isn't really surprising that if you leave a print in bright light/exposed to air that it might fade (prints on fridges fade notoriously quickly - ozone?). What is surprising is that ink/paper combinations vary quite widely in fade resistance under test conditions.

Most complaints at present are about fading with Canon inks which can be very rapid (weeks if unprotected turning blacks > browns). A few years ago there were complaints about colour shifts with the 1270 inks.

Epson heavyweight matte is rated as lasting longer than the glossy papers in test conditions.

To be honest I haven't noticed much fading on the Premium Glossy prints in frames or stored loose in box files, one on top of another.

My study is not tidy and I've often got papers all over the floor. I had a tidy up a few weeks ago and some prints I'd left on the floor (both Canon and Epson prints) for several months showed some signs of fading on exposed edges but not where the print was overlapped by another.

If you're storing prints in albums, boxes, behind glass I doubt you'll have much problem, but if you put some 6x4s unprotected on a board in the kitchen or on the fridge they may well fade over time, YMMV.

Some people spray the prints with clear protective spray.

Do a search on fading and Canons and you should fund a lot of discussion of pros and cons of paper types.

RW

Here is a good site explaining the issue.

http://members.cox.net/rmeyer9/epson/

DigitalCrazy said:

???

Dan wrote:
Before you print too many pictures on PGPP, look into the
gas-fading issue.

Mr & Mrs. Digital Crazy

I may never really 'get it' but at least I'm trying...

Click to expand...

Got the 1280 today and just beginning to play with it. Printed a couple photos on both Glossy and the sample Matte. WOW what a difference in the photo on the Matte. Much Much nicer... Do you ue the Matte for smaller size printing like 5 X 7 or for 4 x 6 printing also. Also is there the pre cut 5x7 or 4 x 6 matte paper available? Do you also use the software "Film Factory" when printing?

Thank you for the link to the one site. They have the heavy weight $3.00 less than what I just paid tonight in town at Best Buy.
--
Mr & Mrs. Digital Crazy

I may never really 'get it' but at least I'm trying...

I have had my 1280 for two months. Initially I use all Epson and Kodak papers. I like the Kodak paper better than the Epson. I started experimenting with Red River Papers and now I am using only Red River for my best prints. The two I like best are 68lb UltraPro Gloss and 62lb UltraPro Satin. There is a real difference when you compare. They send the appropriate settings for best prints and they work. Check out http://www.Redriverpaper.com .

Good Luck!

Grady

DigitalCrazy said:

Got the 1280 today and just beginning to play with it. Printed a
couple photos on both Glossy and the sample Matte. WOW what a
difference in the photo on the Matte. Much Much nicer... Do you ue
the Matte for smaller size printing like 5 X 7 or for 4 x 6
printing also. Also is there the pre cut 5x7 or 4 x 6 matte paper
available? Do you also use the software "Film Factory" when
printing?

Thank you for the link to the one site. They have the heavy weight
$3.00 less than what I just paid tonight in town at Best Buy.
--
Mr & Mrs. Digital Crazy

I may never really 'get it' but at least I'm trying...

Click to expand...

G Causey said:

I have had my 1280 for two months. Initially I use all Epson and
Kodak papers. I like the Kodak paper better than the Epson. I
started experimenting with Red River Papers and now I am using only
Red River for my best prints. The two I like best are 68lb
UltraPro Gloss and 62lb UltraPro Satin. There is a real difference
when you compare. They send the appropriate settings for best
prints and they work. Check out http://www.Redriverpaper.com .

Good Luck!

Grady

Click to expand...

I've had a 1280 for several years--but now print primarily with a 2200. However, my 1280 is still going strong. I prefer matte paper--or a nice semigloss (and the Epson Colorlife was supposed to take care of gas fading problems--none of which have I ever had, but I put my prints in archival sleeves or under glass). Red River makes both (the premium matte is very nice in all weights with the 1280). If you are going to buy Epson paper and inks, try atlex.com. I know they are about the cheapest for ink--have been using them for years--and I also found them to be very reasonable for paper.

For a cheap glossy, I use Office Depot Premium Glossy. I often do 'one off' prints for commercial customers on this one with the 1280--and use the premium glossy profile from Epson. Its pretty good--not perfect. I always use profiles, so not sure about it without.

Diane

--
Diane B
http://www.pbase.com/picnic/galleries
B/W lover, but color is seducing me

Hi Diane...

What RRP are you running through the 2200, and how are you liking it?

Thanks, john

Diane B said:

I've had a 1280 for several years--but now print primarily with a
2200. However, my 1280 is still going strong. I prefer matte
paper--or a nice semigloss (and the Epson Colorlife was supposed to
take care of gas fading problems--none of which have I ever had,
but I put my prints in archival sleeves or under glass). Red River
makes both (the premium matte is very nice in all weights with the
1280). If you are going to buy Epson paper and inks, try
atlex.com. I know they are about the cheapest for ink--have been
using them for years--and I also found them to be very reasonable
for paper.

For a cheap glossy, I use Office Depot Premium Glossy. I often do
'one off' prints for commercial customers on this one with the
1280--and use the premium glossy profile from Epson. Its pretty
good--not perfect. I always use profiles, so not sure about it
without.

Diane

--
Diane B
http://www.pbase.com/picnic/galleries
B/W lover, but color is seducing me

Click to expand...

DC

Congrats on your 1280, it is a real bargain right now because of
newer printers on the market. A work-horse of a printer. Have
had mine for several years and it has never given a serious problem.

Agree with the votes for Epson PGP, it is my absolute favourite,
and is also the paper which garners the most accolades for display
prints.

Epson's semi-gloss premium is also nice.

I used to experiement with cheaper papers but the colour is
different and the feel is not so impressive.

Epson's matte is nice under glass, less glare and can be more vivid
and rich in appearance.

Definitely http://www.atlex.com for paper and ink. Atlex people can be
a tad abrupt on the phone, with minimal hand-holding but their
items are shipped immediately and the prices cannot be bested.
Don't buy ink carts at Compusa or Best Buy, the prices will keep you
awake at night

Save yourself wasted paper by always using the "print preview"
box, so you see the preview on-screen before printing.

Do searches here for the 1280, there will be many threads

Good Luck,
Keith

Keith Aitken said:

DC

Congrats on your 1280, it is a real bargain right now because of
newer printers on the market. A work-horse of a printer. Have
had mine for several years and it has never given a serious problem.

Agree with the votes for Epson PGP, it is my absolute favourite,
and is also the paper which garners the most accolades for display
prints.

Epson's semi-gloss premium is also nice.

I used to experiement with cheaper papers but the colour is
different and the feel is not so impressive.

Epson's matte is nice under glass, less glare and can be more vivid
and rich in appearance.

Definitely http://www.atlex.com for paper and ink. Atlex people can be
a tad abrupt on the phone, with minimal hand-holding but their
items are shipped immediately and the prices cannot be bested.
Don't buy ink carts at Compusa or Best Buy, the prices will keep you
awake at night

Save yourself wasted paper by always using the "print preview"
box, so you see the preview on-screen before printing.

Do searches here for the 1280, there will be many threads

Good Luck,
Keith

Click to expand...

--
Mr & Mrs. Digital Crazy

I may never really 'get it' but at least I'm trying...

I am finding a like the Matte paper. However I am not finding any source yet for the pre cut Matte other than the larger sizes. Have you found the pre cut Matte papers in 4x6 or 5x7 or do most of you cut it yourself or have it cut?
Thanks for the ideas and input...

Diane B said:

G Causey said:

I have had my 1280 for two months. Initially I use all Epson and
Kodak papers. I like the Kodak paper better than the Epson. I
started experimenting with Red River Papers and now I am using only
Red River for my best prints. The two I like best are 68lb
UltraPro Gloss and 62lb UltraPro Satin. There is a real difference
when you compare. They send the appropriate settings for best
prints and they work. Check out http://www.Redriverpaper.com .

Good Luck!

Grady

Click to expand...

I've had a 1280 for several years--but now print primarily with a
2200. However, my 1280 is still going strong. I prefer matte
paper--or a nice semigloss (and the Epson Colorlife was supposed to
take care of gas fading problems--none of which have I ever had,
but I put my prints in archival sleeves or under glass). Red River
makes both (the premium matte is very nice in all weights with the
1280). If you are going to buy Epson paper and inks, try
atlex.com. I know they are about the cheapest for ink--have been
using them for years--and I also found them to be very reasonable
for paper.

For a cheap glossy, I use Office Depot Premium Glossy. I often do
'one off' prints for commercial customers on this one with the
1280--and use the premium glossy profile from Epson. Its pretty
good--not perfect. I always use profiles, so not sure about it
without.

Diane

--
Diane B
http://www.pbase.com/picnic/galleries
B/W lover, but color is seducing me

Click to expand...

--
Mr & Mrs. Digital Crazy

I may never really 'get it' but at least I'm trying...

Red River will sell it to you in any size you specify.

I have not had any luck using their profiles with my 1280. I use 66lb Polar Satin and have had a tough time getting the colors to match.

Item 1864 66lb. Polar Satin 4x6 100 Sheets $20.60

Epson Heavyweight Matte is my favorite so far. I also use Epson Enhanced Matte and the results are about the same. Supposedly the EEM lasts longer.

Atlex.com is the best prices I've found on Epson papers.

-m

DigitalCrazy said:

Diane B said:

G Causey said:

I have had my 1280 for two months. Initially I use all Epson and
Kodak papers. I like the Kodak paper better than the Epson. I
started experimenting with Red River Papers and now I am using only
Red River for my best prints. The two I like best are 68lb
UltraPro Gloss and 62lb UltraPro Satin. There is a real difference
when you compare. They send the appropriate settings for best
prints and they work. Check out http://www.Redriverpaper.com .

Good Luck!

Grady

Click to expand...

I've had a 1280 for several years--but now print primarily with a
2200. However, my 1280 is still going strong. I prefer matte
paper--or a nice semigloss (and the Epson Colorlife was supposed to
take care of gas fading problems--none of which have I ever had,
but I put my prints in archival sleeves or under glass). Red River
makes both (the premium matte is very nice in all weights with the
1280). If you are going to buy Epson paper and inks, try
atlex.com. I know they are about the cheapest for ink--have been
using them for years--and I also found them to be very reasonable
for paper.

For a cheap glossy, I use Office Depot Premium Glossy. I often do
'one off' prints for commercial customers on this one with the
1280--and use the premium glossy profile from Epson. Its pretty
good--not perfect. I always use profiles, so not sure about it
without.

Diane

--
Diane B
http://www.pbase.com/picnic/galleries
B/W lover, but color is seducing me

Click to expand...

--
Mr & Mrs. Digital Crazy

I may never really 'get it' but at least I'm trying...

Click to expand...

John Foote said:

Hi Diane...

What RRP are you running through the 2200, and how are you liking it?

Thanks, john

Click to expand...

it is very very similar to Epson Premium Semi Gloss. I like it very much. I've also used their Watercolor (bought on sale--its not offered any longer) and have used it for small books. It has a very warm color, but lovely texture for my needs. I've not tried their current watercolor paper.

--
Diane B
http://www.pbase.com/picnic/galleries
B/W lover, but color is seducing me

Keith Aitken said:

Definitely http://www.atlex.com for paper and ink. Atlex people can be
a tad abrupt on the phone, with minimal hand-holding but their
items are shipped immediately and the prices cannot be bested.
Don't buy ink carts at Compusa or Best Buy, the prices will keep you
awake at night

Click to expand...

I have ordered online for several years with good success. I've never actually talked to them personally. Works fine. They are always shipped immediately.

Diane
--
Diane B
http://www.pbase.com/picnic/galleries
B/W lover, but color is seducing me

Mike Sommers said:

Epson Heavyweight Matte is my favorite so far. I also use Epson
Enhanced Matte and the results are about the same. Supposedly the
EEM lasts longer.

Click to expand...

Heavyweight Matte is projected to last almost twice as long as Enhanced Matte with dye inks; the reverse is true for pigment inks.

--
Tricia
Minolta Dimage D7(UG), Epson 2200, PS7, Qimage

Diane,

I order a ton of stuff online but for some reason,
always call atlex on the steam telephone

Maybe I am just subliminally wishing their phone manners
will improve

Did you take down your B&W Charlotte pics ?
I used to enjoy those, being a CLT boy to boot.

Love the NCZoo images, too. The Zoo Director is also big
into photography . . .

Keith