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This video by Keith Cooper breaks down the confusing terminology surrounding photo paper to help photographers choose the best paper for their prints (0:02). The key takeaway is that paper is made of two distinct components: the paper base and the inkjet coating (0:40).
Paper Bases Explained: (1:36)
RC (Resin Coated) Style: Plastic-based papers that are generally glossy or luster. You can identify them because they are difficult to write on the back (1:53).
Fiber/Cotton Rag: High-end papers made from wood pulp or cotton fibers. They offer a more traditional, heavy feel (2:06).
Marketing Tip: Be wary of marketing terms like "100% cotton rag," as some papers may contain a low percentage of cotton but still use the label (3:34).
The Coating is Crucial: (7:28)
The coating is what the ink actually interacts with. Without a proper inkjet coating, ink will soak into the paper base, causing a loss of detail (7:49).
Baryta: These papers include barium sulfate in the coating, making them heavy, dense, and ideal for fine art prints (9:13).
Weight vs. Thickness: Don't confuse GSM (weight) with thickness. A very heavy, dense paper might actually be thinner than a light, fluffy paper (9:54).
Practical Advice: (11:55)
Printer First: Choose your printer before choosing paper. Pigment inks and dye inks behave differently on various surfaces (12:57).
Private Labeling: Many different brands of paper come from the same few factories. Look at technical specifications to spot identical papers with different names on the box (15:52).
Starter Suggestions (for Epson ET-8550): Epson Premium Semi-gloss, Epson Archival Matte, and Velvet Fine Art for heavier prints (19:04).
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