[I tried printing] The charm of EPSON Velvet Fine Art Paper
The paper that is described as such is EPSON's Velvet Fine Art Paper.
The matte surface gives the work a calming impression, and it is popular among people involved in photography.
To be honest, Velvet Fine Art Paper is relatively unselected among the matte papers available at PHOTOPRI, but I think that if people learn more about Velvet Fine Art Paper, they will definitely choose it.
I would be happy if this could be an option for those who are always unsure about what paper to choose.
In this article, we will focus on Velvet Fine Art Paper .
“What are the characteristics of Velvet Fine Art Paper?”
“What is the appeal of matte paper?”
“What kind of photos and illustrations are suitable for?”
I am writing this for those who have questions or concerns.
<Handling paper>
[EPSON] Selection of Velvet Fine Art Paper
Velvet Fine Art Paper (hereinafter referred to as velvet fine art paper) is a paper that should be an option for anyone who has done some printing.
We will introduce it in an easy-to-understand manner even for those who are new to printing!
Suitable for long-term storage
First of all, the main feature of the paper is that it uses neutral base paper made from 100% cotton fiber .
100% cotton paper minimizes deterioration over time and can be stored for a longer period of time.
Additionally, some photo papers have chemicals such as anti-bleeding agents and optical brighteners used on their surfaces.
They also promote oxidation of paper fibers, causing the paper to deteriorate and discolor over time.
The fact that such chemicals are not used also plays a role in long-term preservation.
The following is a summary of the things you should keep in mind for long-term storage, so please use them as a reference. (Partially quoted from EPSON's website)
1. Pay attention to storage containers and materials
There are three main ways to store prints.
These are "albums and files", "frames", and "photo boxes".
If storing in "albums or files", please choose ones made of polyester or polypropylene . If it is made of PVC, it may cause discoloration of the paper.
If you want to "frame" it, use an acid-free book mat, acid-free corners, acid-free tape, and cover it with UV-blocking acrylic.
The key point is that it is “acid-free” .
When storing photos in a photo box, first use a box made of acid-free or acid-free paper, and then place a sheet of acid-free paper on top of the printed work to prevent acid deterioration of the print. It seems to be preventable.
2. Pay attention to storage location
When choosing a storage location, the ideal location is one with minimal changes in temperature and humidity . Avoid using paper near water, as this will accelerate the deterioration of the paper.
Create a three-dimensional effect with outstanding “highlights”
The second feature of velvet fine art paper is that it makes highlights stand out .
Works made with velvet fine art paper have clearer highlights than regular matte paper.
Clear highlights mean that there is contrast and a three- dimensional effect is created in the work .
``Providing a three-dimensional effect'' is very important and attractive to those who take photographs.
Moreover, velvet fine art paper can be printed with minimal loss of color saturation .
Also, have you ever experienced that after printing (especially when using matte paper), the colors of the details of the subject blur and become blurred?
This is especially true when printing on matte paper.
"The lively eyes of a bird about to catch its prey."
"The center of a flower where bees stop to suck nectar."
I want to be able to accurately express details such as this, but that doesn't happen...
Velvet Fine Art Paper expresses these dissatisfaction in a satisfying way.
A three-dimensional effect expressed by outstanding contrast.
This paper gives off a nice taste.
What kind of photos/illustrations are suitable?
For works where you want to create depth
Velvet Fine Art Paper is perfect for creating depth .
The secret is "vivid color expression," "tight black color," and "surface texture."
Velvet Fine Art Paper is a paper that has good color adhesion and allows for vivid printing.
PX Premium Matte Paper is a typical matte paper, but if you compare them, the color intensity is different.
PX premium matte paper also has an appealing simple expression, but some people may feel that the colors are washed out and printed darkly.
In this respect, Velvet Fine Art Paper guarantees the color of the data when printing .
It is also attractive that the black color has a good tightness .
Because black is expressed strongly, the colored parts stand out, creating a difference in brightness and darkness, giving the viewer a sense of depth.
And the best spice is the "surface texture" .
Velvet Fine Art Paper is a textured paper that gives your work a soft finish .
I feel that this gentle expression creates a sense of the atmosphere at the filming location, and I think it captivates the viewers of the work.
bonus
As I've talked about extensively, I think the appeal of velvet fine art paper is its ease of use, even among matte papers.
As mentioned above, I have no complaints in terms of ``expression of the work''.
Whether it's macro shots of animals and plants, landscape photos from a fun trip, or casual city snapshots, I'm confident that Velvet Fine Art Paper will get the job done.
The color saturation does not decrease, but rather the vivid color expression, the three-dimensional effect created by the paper texture and sharp highlights, and the long-term preservation...
Just by using this paper, you can greatly differentiate your work from others at a photo exhibition, for example.
I hope you will try Velvet Fine Art Paper once.
[EPSON] Would you like to try printing a trial version of Velvet Fine Art Paper?
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!