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engineering applications. The number represents a specific standard that a paper meets. For example, the ISO 9706 standard deals with paper's resistance to ageing. A summary of ISO 9706 is here.
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Last updated: February 26, 2021
WHAT CUSTOMERS SAY ABOUT US
Product and Service
Recently I ordered the Inkjet Photo & Paper Sampler(Item#9995) from Red River Paper, as well as the 75lb. Arctic Polar Luster(item#1186). The recommendation came from Professor Rubert Njaa, of the Art Institute of Pittsburgh (Online division). I must say I was very pleased with the product and the company services. The paper was used for a course final project, met with fantastic results, and a 100% final grade in the course.
The sample kit contained two sheets of each recommended paper qualities for fine art print, as well as a brochure with listings of paper selection designators and size selection. Also, the kit contained a flyer with recommended paper selection settings for various printers to be used with the various paper samples.
From utilizing and comparing results with the International Color Consortium (ICC) profiles (provided by Red River Paper), recommended paper settings (from Red River) for my Epson, I had very impactful images and chose the 75 Arctic Polar Luster overall for my nature and landscape photography.
The weight and professional quality of the luster (size 11 x 14)exceeded my expectations, and following the accompanying flyer for print settings, added even more to the final product quality.
The services and shipping of the product truly shined through for me personally. I was on a tight schedule for this project and I was concerned with receiving the product(s) on time due to weather conditions in Texas (I reside in Pennsylvania). Needless to say, through Red River Papers exceptional service, I received the product, packaged with extreme care for shipping, just in time to finalize and print the project.
Papers with the Archival designtation can take many forms. They can be glossy, matte, canvas, or an artistic product. These papers are acid free, lignin free and can be made of virgin tree fiber (alpha cellulose) or 25-100% cotton rag. They are likely to have optical or fluorescent brightening agents (OBAs) - chemicals that make the paper appear brighter white. Presence of OBAs does not indicate your image will fade faster. It does predict a slow change in the white point of your paper, especially if it is displayed without UV filter glass or acrylic.
Archival Grade Summary
Numerous papers - made from tree or cotton content
Acid and lignin free base stock
Inkjet coating layer acid free
Can have OBAs in the base or the coating
Museum Grade Paper
Papers with the museum designation make curators happy. They are made from 100% cotton rag content and have no optical brightener content. (OBA) The base stock is acid and lignin free. The coating is acid free. This type of offers the most archival option in terms of media stability over time.
Museum Grade Summary
100% cotton rag content
Acid and lignin free base stock
Inkjet coating layer acid free
No OBA content
Photographic Grade Paper
Photo Grade products are designed to look and feel like modern photo lab paper. Most photo grade media are resin coated, which means they have a paper core covered by a thin layer of polyethelene (plastic) . Plastic gives the paper its photo feel, stability (flatness), water resistance, handling resistance, and excellent feed consistency.
Prints on photo grade media are stable over long periods. With pigment inks in a protected environment, you can see up to 80 years on-display life. All RC papers are Photo Grade for two reasons. Plastic content is not technically archival by museum standards. Also, the inkjet coating of all RC papers is slightly acidic. It facilitates instant drying and does not actually change the stability of your inks over time. Virtually all RC papers have optical brightening agents (OBAs).
