A professional compares the difference between glossy photo paper and photographic paper!

I'm Matsumura , the representative of "PHOTOPRI" , a large-format photo exhibition quality printing service.

Numerous photos taken with single-lens reflex cameras and smartphones.

Even if you want to try printing, there must be many people who are confused by the type of paper.

It's hard enough just to figure out the type. Some of you may have had the experience of not being able to make a decision because the name of the paper changed depending on the manufacturer, or the recommended paper changed depending on the person.

Among the many photo papers available, this time, we will compare “glossy paper” and “photographic paper” and summarize the differences.

In addition, this time we compared the papers that are handled in "PHOTOPRI", so it is possible to print A4 size with customer's data!

Seeing is believing, so if you have time, please order a trial print and see!

What is glossy paper?

Glossy paper is commonly known as photo paper.

It has a smooth texture and a glossy surface, giving it a glossy look.

In addition, there are various types of glossy paper depending on the processing , such as gloss, semi-gloss , soft gloss, high gloss, luster, etc.

Many manufacturers have developed a glossy finish with a variety of coatings.

Glossy paper is coated on the surface, so it tends to have a sharp and luxurious finish.

What is photographic paper?

Photographic paper mainly refers to paper for silver salt printing.

A photosensitive material is applied to develop film images taken with a film camera.

However, in recent years, photographic paper for inkjet printers, which is capable of outputting high-quality digital images, is also called photographic paper, and there are two types: baryta-based and RC (Rasin Coating)-based .

Baryta is a type of paper that has an undercoat layer (baryta layer) that is applied to make the paper look whiter, and a photosensitive material layer on top of that.

One of its strengths is the beauty of its depiction due to its unique fine texture.

RC refers to baryta paper with a resin layer on both sides to eliminate the drawback of baryta paper, which absorbs chemicals unnecessarily.

By changing the texture of the surface resin layer, it is possible to create a strong gloss or suppress the gloss.

What's the difference?

Glossy paper is a type of processing, and I think that all glossy paper should be recognized as glossy paper.

In the category and processing of glossy paper, photographic paper also enters as a genre.

To put it simply, it is easy to understand the image that photographic paper exists in glossy paper.

I tried to print

We would like to introduce two representative types of paper that we actually print on at "PHOTOPRI" !

[EPSON] Professional Photo Paper Thick Glossy

[EPSON] Professional Photo Paper Thick Glossy

Glossy paper that uses RC paper (resin coat = synthetic resin coat). The thickness is 0.27mm.

Simply put, it is a paper that is "smooth and shiny", and it gives the impression of being THE/glossy paper .

You can turn your photos into works of art full of richness.

As an aside, even the slightest scratches on this paper are noticeable, so we put even more effort into our checks.

Because it is paper for professional use, the image is beautiful in one word, "as expected". Many people use it for printing special occasions such as solo exhibitions by professional photographers and artists.

• [EPSON] Professional Photo Paper Thick Glossy <To product page>
• [Epson] Professional Photo Paper Thick Gloss <To Staff Review>

[EPSON] Professional Photo Paper Thick Texture

[EPSON] Professional Photo Paper Thick Texture

Paper with a fine-grained surface. The thickness is 0.27mm.

Compared to the above-mentioned "Thick Gloss" , this paper gives a slightly more subdued impression. That said, it still retains its luster. Since the glossiness is also suppressed, it is difficult to affect the appreciation of the work.

This paper, which makes photos moist , expresses the feeling of human skin perfectly . If it is indoors, I think that it will demonstrate a high level of performance regardless of the brightness.

This paper is also often chosen by professional users, so it will be a choice that will not fail.

• [EPSON] Professional Photo Paper Thick Texture <To product page>
• [Epson] Professional Photo Paper Thick Texture <To Staff Review>

Free trial print

We believe that you will be more satisfied with your final order after comparing multiple papers with a single photo data and feeling the characteristics and atmosphere of the paper, so please keep a paper sample on hand. So, I think you can use it effectively when you order again.

Please use it as a safe material when using "PHOTOPRI".

Click here for trial print

summary

What did you think?

If you get lost in various ways, we recommend "glossy paper", which is highly versatile.

This is because the "glossiness" that each has, whether it is glossy or silky, makes the photo more attractive and creates a sense of luxury.

---