Learn about Gloss Differential on inkjet photo prints
Gloss differential occurs with pigment inks on glossy photo paper, satin inkjet photo paper, or semigloss papers. In highlights or areas of white in a photo, the printer may leave these areas nearly void of any ink. When more dense coverage surrounds these areas, a patch that has much higher reflectivity (and takes on a shimmering look) can be seen on the paper if held at certain angles.
Generally, gloss differential is not a big deal as you have to hold the print at a fairly steep angle to see the effect. In a few cases, though, gloss differential can be detected while looking directly at the print.
Newer pigment ink printers are much less likely to show gloss differential than older-generation machines.
Ways to Reduce or Remove Gloss Differential
You can spray your prints with a high-quality coating such as Premier PrintShield, which will substantially reduce or even eliminate gloss differential.
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Last updated: February 08, 2024
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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).
