A flood of inquiries! What is the difference between the fine grained surface and the fine grained surface?

Have you ever had trouble choosing paper when printing photos and illustrations?

The other day, we received an inquiry from a customer about the difference between silky and fine grained surfaces. There will be more exhibitions in the fall, so I'm sure everyone is checking out silk paper. Similar questions are increasing.

Therefore, in this article, I would like to explain the difference between silky and fine-grained surfaces using "EPSON Profoto thick silky" and "Canon fine-grained surface raster" which are handled by PHOTOPRI as examples .

About silk paper

In order to explain the difference between silk grain and fine grain surface, I would like to compare EPSON Profoto thick silk grain, which is actually handled by PHOTOPRI, and Canon fine grain surface raster.

However, before we make a comparison, let's touch on what ``kinumegami'' is .

The printing papers on the market come in a variety of colors and have a variety of characteristics. You could say that there are as many personalities and characteristics as there are papers. (Please skip if you already know.)

"Silk paper", which is popular among printing papers, has a fine grained surface that gives it a calm and moist appearance after printing.

To put it simply, fine-grained paper is the surface of the paper that has irregularities .

(↑It's a little hard to see, but there are irregularities on the surface.)

For example, some paper surfaces are flat, such as EPSON Photo Paper Crispier , while others have uneven surfaces, such as EPSON Profoto Thick Silky Paper.

Another great feature of this textured paper is that it gives the photo a three-dimensional feel .

If the surface of the paper is uneven, we can say that the paper itself is three-dimensional compared to one that is not.

Although it doesn't look as pop-out as 3D, these features are especially useful when printing portraits.

In addition, the finish of photos printed on silky paper is calm, so there are no harsh reflections and there is little light reflection, making it suitable for printing for exhibitions.

This is the secret to the popularity of silk paper, which is loved by professional photographers.

Difference between EPSON Profoto thick grain and Canon fine grain surface raster

Now, on to the main topic.

As for the difference between EPSON Profoto thick grain and Canon fine grain surface raster, the conclusion is that there is no conclusively noticeable difference.

However, there are some subtle differences that you won't notice unless you look closely, so I'll introduce some of them.

In order to compare under the same conditions, the printing conditions (printer, resolution, gamma value, color mode, etc.) are the same.

After printing both the photos and illustrations on A4 size paper, I observed them under fluorescent light or sunlight while changing the viewing angle.

Also, please note that we cannot confirm the exact differences between the paper types since this is a judgment based on visual inspection.

①How to reflect

One thing you notice when comparing two sheets of paper is the way they reflect .

As mentioned above, silk-grained paper has irregularities on its surface, but if you look closely, you will notice that there are differences in the size of the texture .

This "denting method" is also a device by the manufacturer.

I think they are repeating trial and error, making dents of the same size and dents of different sizes.

By changing the size of the dents, you can change the way the paper reflects.

(↑EPSON Profile Thick Silk)

(↑Canon fine grain surface raster)

Now, if we take a closer look at the two papers we'll be comparing this time, we'll see that the EPSON Profoto Thick Grain has irregularities of a certain size , while the Canon Fine Grain Raster appears to have irregularities of varying sizes .

Canon's fine-grain surface raster has a smoother reflection than EPSON Profoto's thick grain, so in terms of "calmness" it gives a more moist impression.

②How to develop color

Now, what are the differences other than the way of reflection?

It is "coloring" .

In conclusion, EPSON Profoto's thick silk texture produces more "clear" colors than Canon's fine-grain surface raster.

When I compared the two papers , I found that the EPSON Profoto thick silk paper had brighter colors.

As mentioned above, the printing conditions are the same, so I think there is a clear difference in paper, but if you want to leave a pop or clear impression on silky paper, you should use EPSON. We recommend Profoto thick silk texture.

As a side note, conversely, colors appear darker with Canon fine-grain raster, but darker colors are not necessarily a bad thing.

It is suitable when you want to create a dark effect to match the atmosphere of the work, and many people use Canon fine-grain raster for printing black and white photographs and illustrations, so this paper is also recommended.

I think it's suitable for melancholy black and white portraits .

summary

Comparing the two papers this time was difficult even for someone like me, who is usually involved in printing.

The characteristics of paper, such as its reflection and color development, are highly dependent on personal preference, and whether or not it can be used as a weapon will also depend on the goal of the work.

I have compiled this article to give you as much accurate information as possible, but what I can say without a doubt is that if you are printing a work for "exhibition" , then both are recommended.

If the gloss is ``semi-gloss'' like silk paper, it will reduce the reflection of light in the venue.

We also receive many orders for silk paper printing even if it is not for display purposes, so it is also recommended for those who just want to display it at home .

Would you like to try a trial print?

Just like you take a test drive when you buy a car, we want you to use the trial print service and experience the paper for yourself before printing.

You can't really understand the texture, texture, color reproduction, etc. of a wide variety of papers, such as glossy paper, matte paper, fine art paper, and Japanese paper, until you actually hold the printed material in your hands.

Even if you try to choose the best one from a large number of papers, it may be difficult. There are many people who don't know which one to choose.

You can print a trial print using your own photo data .

We have a trial set that suits your preferences, so please take advantage of it!