Moab papers

[CarlJ]

I have just finished printing a series of images on a paper that I ordered on the internet from Moab paper company and wanted to share my thoughts and experiences, because I found choosing paper and color profile management to be increadibly confusing.

I printed 10x15 color images from digital capture on Moab Entrada Fine Art Natural paper using an Epson 4000 printer. Moab has color profiles on their website and instructions on how to use them, but I never got them to work correctly. I bagged the profile thing and used the Epson profile and, with some frustrating work, was able to get a very wide range of subtle colors in the prints, without a lot of crossover problems. Moab Entrada is a natural tone paper (creme), and is heavy (300 gsm). The paper is quite expensive, but it is double-sided which allows your paper to go farther while getting it dialed in for your individual setup.

My images were all taken in evening summer light in one specific location, so the warm tone of the paper is perfect for my desired overall color temperature and emotional quality and I was extremely pleased with the results. I don't know how the paper would work with B&W, or cooler toned color work.

I hope someone finds this useful; I was suprised at how little relevant information I could find about the printing process.

[Mark]

Carl,
I have been using Moab papers for awhile now, only the Entrada Bright and Entrada Natural. (I am printing on a 4800 and a 2200)

I have found their profiles to be very accurate. I'd be happy to help install them if you can't get them to work. Usually it is a matter of just downloading the file, right clicking on it, and select INSTALL. (for a PC)

I have been pretty pleased with the look and feel of their papers.

[Matt Gibson]

Thanks Carl! I definitely appreciate the post. I'm in the process of ordering some different papers to try out and I'm looking forward to trying some of the Moab papers. I'm assembling some new portfolios and I think the "personal work" book will be a matte paper...

However, I think I have decided that my main book is going to be on Kodak Metallic...

[Matt Gibson]

I just ordered a sample box from Moab for $16.20.

2 sheets x 8 different papers, including the Entrada Bright and Natural in both weights...

I wish Hahnemühle offered something like this. Their sampler is $21.95 and only has 8 sheets... and doesn't come with the paper I really want to try - Fine Art Pearl. Must be too new I guess.

[jfullerton]

Allow me to dig up a post from the past!

I have recently created several 10x15" prints of images, selected for a charity project, on Moab Entrada Rag Natural 300gsm (http:/www.moabpaper.com) with an Epson R1900.

I should mention a few things right off:

• I calibrate my display for a target luminance of either 110 or 120 cd/m2
• I use the ICC profile for the Epson R1900 provided by Moab.
• I use Epson UltraChrome pigment-based inks
• My workflow is split between Photoshop CS3 and Qimage Professional

To quickly summarize my workflow, I conduct normal post-processing in Photoshop, while any print-related resizing and sharpening is handled by Qimage's fantastic rasterizing and sharpening algorithms.

Results on this paper from the R1900 are very good. So far, color landscape prints have been what I would describe as "sharp but painterly". Color and vibrance are excellent. Prints really do look good! By the way, this paper is double-sided. This is handy when tuning your setup. I used only two sheets of paper before getting everything dialed in. Money "saved".

Comparing this paper to Hahnemuhle Matte Photo Rag, I'd say that Hahnemule most definitely holds shadows better. You'll pay much more for Hahnemuhle papers.

Something I noticed right away is that this paper's finish is quite fragile. No touching! Don't rest prints directly on top of each other. Use a very light brush to remove particles from the paper prior to usage, but handle the finished prints carefully.

This is decent paper! Most importantly, those purchasing my prints seem to like it! I'll continue to use it as a more affordable alternative to Hahnemuhle.

-jamie