I want to preface this review with a couple of fun facts about me and why I print everything up to 13×38 in studio.
Number 1, I’m a type A personality and want great prints, not average, not “ok” and I want to get them right the first time. I generally print a 5×7 first to check color accuracy prior to loading a larger sheet in my Epson 3800 (shown below).
Number 2, I work in the Adobe RGB (1998) color space and want to get every ounce of color of of my digital files. My entire workflow from capture to print flows in the Adobe RGB (1998) space and sRGB only appears for web proofing.
I’ve been inkjet printing since 1994 and for over a decade, I’ve been printing with Red River Papers. River Linen, Arctic Polar™ Luster, Cordovan Gloss™ and LuxArt Sating Rag™ are just a few papers that run through my printer on a weekly basis.
Over the years, I’ve printed on over a hundred papers and I must say, Polar Pearl Metallic™ is in a league of its own. For starters, when you open the box, you’ll instantly notice the unique pearl finish. Next, you’ll want to pick up a sheet, give it a slight tilt and watch how the paper surface reflects the light.
After printing five 5×7 tests, I quickly realized that my phobia of high-gloss papers had disappeared. Polar Pearl Metallic™ revealed every bit of detail in my images and the gloss finish instantly enhanced the pearl aspect of the paper.
I intentionally chose five images that were drastically different in both color palette and ink coverage. This way, I could see how the inks reacted to the pearl metallic surface. It’s rare to find a paper that works great with just about any image and Polar Pearl Metallic™ has proven to be that special paper.
Inkjet printing tech tips:
1 - Designate a “clean” work space when working with your paper.
2 - Invest in a static wisk and a pair of anti-static gloves.
3 - Have a can of compressed air nearby or invest in an air compressor.
4 - Make sure that your monitor is calibrated…this should be number 1 on the list.
5 - Download and install the color profiles specific to your paper.
6 - Have fun and remember, photographs deserve to be printed!
