The Must Have Inkjet Paper for Your Digital Darkroom - Satin/Luster
The satin surface is the most popular inkjet paper by a huge margin. Here's why:
For the last 30 years, most photo lab prints have been made on this surface. The light texture is good looking, resists wear from handling, and lowers reflections for easier viewing. When people think of a photograph, they are usually thinking of a print on satin.
Want to learn more first?
Check out the Satin Primer - click here |
Macro View of the Satin Surface |
Be Ready for Virtually Any Printing Project
As a general rule, the Satin or Luster surface works for all types of photography. You will be hard pressed to find a photographic style that does not work with this surface.
Keep 4x6, 5x7, and 8.5x11 on hand at all times and you'll be ready when it's time to print. Red River offers three satin/luster papers to choose from:
Surface Texture = Shallow
Tone = Bold Bright White
Arctic Polar Satin
Reference:
Epson Premium SemiGloss™ |
Surface Texture = Medium
Tone = Pleasing Warm White
RR UltraPro Satin
Reference:
Ilford Smooth Pearl™ |
Surface Texture = Deep
Tone = Bold Bright White
Arctic Polar Luster
Reference:
Epson Premium Luster™ |
Arctic Polar Satin™
Arctic Polar sets the bar for top quality microporous media. Imported specially for Red River Paper, Arctic Polar is the brand to buy when you absolutely have to have the best.
Order a Box of Arctic Polar Satin - Order now |
- Satin Texture: Shallow
- Paper Tone: Bold Bright White
- Paper Weight: 66lb (266gsm)
- Thickness: 10.4mil
- 8.5x11 Pricing: As low as 43 cents/sheet
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UltraPro Satin™
UltraPro will capture the true depth and range of colors in your photography, and lets your inkjet printer perform to its maximum potential.
Order a Box of UltraPro Satin- Order now |
- Satin Texture: Medium
- Paper Tone: Pleasing slightly warm white
- Paper Weight: 68lb (270gsm)
- Thickness: 10.4mil
- 8.5x11 Pricing: As low as 27 cents/sheet
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Arctic Polar Luster™
Arctic Polar Luster is the paper pros demand and enthusiasts deserve. This is the height of modern photographic look and feel.
Order a Box of Arctic Polar Luster - Order now |
- Satin Texture: Deep
- Paper Tone: Bold Bright White
- Paper Weight: 75lb (300gsm)
- Thickness: 11.8mil
- 8.5x11 Pricing: As low as 83 cents/sheet
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Satin Surface Primer
Whether called Satin, Luster, Pearl, or Silk, these names almost always refer to an E-Surface finish. Just look to the nearest photo lab print and you will most likely see this pebbled finish.
The DEPTH of this surface varies from paper to paper. The more shallow the depth the less you will notice the surface on a printed image. See depth chart below.
The TONALITY of the paper is also an important factor. Arctic Polar papers feature a cool, crisp white surface shade while UltraPro Satin has a slightly warm white tonality. The best part is you get to choose based on your personal needs.
Surface Texture = Shallow
Arctic Polar Satin
Reference:
Epson Premium SemiGloss™
Tone = Bold Bright White |
Surface Texture = Medium
RR UltraPro Satin
Reference:
Ilford Pearl™
Tone = Pleasing Warm White |
Surface Texture = Deep
Arctic Polar Luster
Reference:
Epson Premium Luster™
Tone = Bold Bright White |
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