MIS Ultra-Tone R2 B&W INKS for the Epson R220 Printer
Information and Settings
By
(1-28-06)
This B&W printing
approach uses the Epson R220 with dedicated B&W carbon-based inks sold by
MIS Associates. This affordable (often
$70) but modern hextone (6-ink) printer can produce 8x10 prints that are
visually equal to those made by the most expensive systems.
There are 2 alternative printing
workflows described here.
First, the Epson driver
alone can make excellent prints, utilizing the driver’s “Color Controls” to
adjust for different papers. Any
application can print with this approach.
Second, the Epson driver
in conjunction with ICCs provides an even more powerful “Color Managed”
printing workflow. Adobe Photoshop
Elements 4 ($50 on eBay and all most will need) and Photoshop CS2, as well as
the older versions of these programs, utilize a Print Preview that allows the
ICCs to be inserted as one prints from a standard
grayscale image file. This approach,
among other things, provides an easy method to “linearization” systems and
profile new papers. ICCs have been
posted that were created by me using
UT-R2 Inks
The MIS UT-R2 inksets
come in 2 tones: R2-N (neutral) and
R2-Warm (pure carbon). Both are 100% pigment (no dyes), black and white inksets for the
Epson R200 and R220 printers.
They can be purchased from MIS Associates. See the MIS website at: http://www.inksupply.com/bw/utr2
While the inks are the
same, the recommended settings for the R220 are different than those for the
R200. The R220 ICCs will not work
correctly on the R200.
In my fade tests no other
inkset has matched the lightfastness of the MIS UT family of B&W inks,
which includes these R2 inks.
The UT-R2 inksets can
print on matte or glossy papers as long as the appropriate black ink is
installed. MIS Eboni black is for matte
papers. A special Photo Black (R2-PKN) for glossy papers has been formulated specifically for the R200 and
R220 printers.
The tones of the images
printed with the R220 can be varied from neutral to warm by installing
different combinations of the R2-N and R2-W cartridges. Different papers also print with different
tones. Note that the inks in the cyan
and magenta positions are the same density.
Likewise, the LC, LM, and Y position inks are all the same density. The chips, however, are specific to each ink
position. So if you want to warm up a
“neutral” set slightly, try putting an EZ-Warm yellow cart in the yellow
position.
Settings
1. Photoshop “Color
Settings”
The default settings of
most Windows computers are probably where you want to be. As such, unless there is a problem this
section can be skipped.
These color space
settings affect how the image is displayed on the monitor and, in a color
managed workflow such as when an ICC is used, they
also affect how the image is printed. As
a practical matter the first two options use working space Gray Gamma 2.2, which displays the image slightly darker and, likewise, prints the
image darker when an ICC is used.
The third option uses Dot Gain 20% and displays the image slightly
lighter. When an ICC is used the print
will also be lighter. In
non-color-managed workflows, such as when the driver “color controls” are used
with no ICC, these settings do not affect the print, but they can be useful in
helping to match the monitor view to the print.
Adobe’s Photoshop (“PS”)
Elements 4 and PS CS2 have similar controls (Edit>Color Settings), but the
Elements 4 format is simplified and easier.
I recommend Elements 4 as the image editing program for most people. The main advantage of full PS CS2 for B&W
printers is its greater 16-bit file handling capabilities. Elements 4’s 16-bit handling is similar to
where the full PS programs were several versions ago. However, due to the dramatic price difference
and more elegant Color Management handling by Elements, I’ll use it as the
standard here.
When one clicks on Edit
and Color Settings, a box with 4 options appears. These options, however, amount to 2 basic
choices. The first 2 options print
slightly darker; the third option prints slightly lighter.
1. No
Color Management – When files are
opened after this selection has been made, any embedded profiles are taken off
the file. The source space in the Print
Preview becomes “Untagged Gray.” The monitor view and printing on my system
are the same as with the second
option, discussed below, probably because Gray
Gamma 2.2 is the usual default space, including for my Windows XP system.
2. Optimize
the image for Computer Screens – This option uses working space
Gray Gamma 2.2. This appears to be the most common default
standard and is used by the Web. With this setting one gets a slightly darker monitor image and print,
with somewhat compressed shadow tones. In the darkroom days, it would have been said
to have a “long toe” characteristic
curve. Gamma 2.2 is said to match our
visual response closely and is used by most of the common color spaces like
sRGB and Adobe RGB. I recommend this
standard for most, in part, because it is such a wide spread standard.
3. Optimize
for Printing – This is working space Dot
Gain 20% and gives a lighter image
with more shadow separation. In the darkroom days, it might have been
considered a “short toe”
characteristic curve. It is similar to
the curves I used in the past and appears to be commonly used in the prepress
industry. Images made with this setting
will need further modification for posting on the web.
4. The final option assumes Gray Gamma 2.2 but
allows No Color Management for files that do not have embedded Gray Gamma 2.2
profiles in them.
2. Photoshop Print
Preview
The Print Preview is
necessary only if the ICC method of printing is used. If the Epson driver alone is being used with
no ICCs, this section can be skipped.
PS Elements 4 always
utilizes a print preview. However, in
Photoshop CS2 and older Elements versions one must click on a separate “Print
with Preview” to have all the options available.
In the box that appears
below the Preview image, check “Show More Options” (Select “Color Management”
in full PS). The lower part of the Print
Preview box will look like this – at least after an ICC is selected.
The following settings should appear if one is
printing a grayscale file:
Source Space: Gray Gamma 2.2 (usual default space)
This is one of the easiest places to see what profile
might be embedded in the file.
(In this example, GG 2.2 – Elements 4 option 2 – was
selected in “Color Settings.”)
Printer Profile: Here, different settings will be used
depending on
whether one is using an ICC or
not.
If no ICC
is used leave it at the default source space setting,
Or set it to “Same as Source,” which is at
the top of the list.
(In PS CS use No Color Management.)
If an ICC
is going to be used, this is where it is selected.
Click on the arrow to see the list. The ICCs I’ve made will start with
“QTR” and be near the bottom of the
alphabetical list.
Select the ICC with the printer and paper
name of choice.
Note the driver settings for media type and
Gamma in the ICC name.
These driver Properties need to be set
correctly in the next step.
(In PS CS select “Let Photoshop Determine
Colors.”
Then load the ICC from the list.)
Rendering Intent: Perceptual (or grayed
out if in ICC is going to be used)
(Black Point Compensation checked in PS CS)
Click on Print to proceed
to the Epson driver.
3. Epson Driver
Properties Settings
Be sure the driver is
loaded from an Epson disk or downloaded from the Epson webpage. The drivers that are built into Windows are not
complete.
Go to “Properties” and “Advanced.” In that box the
settings will vary with the type of paper being used.
The gamma settings in
this box, as well as the sliders, allow some control over how the print will
look. The settings below are recommended
starting points for the most popular matte and glossy papers. When you get settings that give the results
you like, I recommend that you save those.
Where
an ICC is used, that ICC was made with and for specific driver properties
settings. The
settings are stated below, and are the same as when no ICC is used unless
otherwise stated. The most important
settings are also noted in the ICC names.
To download ICCs go to http://home1.gte.net/res09aij/R220_UT-R2_ICC_Download.html For more on ICCs,
see section c. below.
Although many different papers will print well with this printer and inkset I recommend starting with the papers and settings listed first, below, to learn what the printer is capable of and to hold down the variables.
To test new or different
papers, I recommend the use of 21-step test files such as I have on my web
site. (See the index at http://home1.gte.net/res09aij/index.htm
.) Printing these test files will show
whether the grayscale ramp is reasonably “linear” (evenly spaced 5% steps) and
help in determining the best slider settings for new papers. (Expect the 90% to 100% spaces to look about
the same with the default Gray Gamma working space.)
For most matte papers,
start with these settings, whether or not an ICC is used:
The usual matte paper
settings that make the most difference are listed below. Assume these settings unless stated
otherwise.
Paper type – Matte Paper – Heavyweight (“MHW”)
(If the deepest blacks look glazed, try a
paper type that puts
less ink on the
paper, like “Photo Quality Ink Jet Paper.”)
Best Photo
High Speed – OFF
Black ink Only – OFF
Color Management –
Color Controls checked
Gamma 2.2 (Try 1.8 if the print is too dark.)
Color Mode – Epson Standard
(The default “Vivid” setting often produces
less smooth highlights)
Sliders – 0 (default)
(Where the driver alone is used, these tools
might prove useful.)
Epson Enhanced Matte (“EEM”) is a good,
inexpensive paper for drafts and images that do not need to be archival. It has a paper life of just over 100 years in
good storage conditions according to the Wilhelm Research accelerated aging
tests. In high humidity or temperature,
it might yellow much more quickly. While
this paper is not archival, it makes an excellent image and is a good value for
non-archival printing.
Hahnemuhle Photo Rag has traditionally had
the highest dmax and one of the nicest finishes of any smooth matte rag paper. It tends to have some flaking (which is
typical; blow off the surface before printing) and a sensitive surface. With no ICC and driver Gamma 1.8 it prints
very close to the traditional open-shadow ramp I’ve used for a long time. A file gray space of Dot Gain 20% fairly
accurately displays this look. With a
driver gamma of 2.2 it prints with a 50% patch at Lab 50 and a look closer to
the monitor set at the default Gray Gamma 2.2.
I’ve made ICCs for both of these driver settings.
PermaJet Alpha contains no optical
brighteners, which gives it a slightly creamy look and avoids the appearance of
yellowing that will happen over time with brightened papers. Alpha is one of my favorite papers, but,
unfortunately, PermaJet currently has no distribution in the
PremierArt Fine Art Hot Press 205 (“PA 205”)
is an excellent value in archival cotton paper.
The convex side of the 205 weight version prints slightly smoother than
the concave side. The heavier PremierArt
Fine Art papers and Epson UltraSmooth typically use the same settings. These papers have no optical brighteners, yet
are still quite bright. They exhibit
little or no flaking and may be the most archival and durable papers I’ve
tested. MIS now carriers PremierArt 205
paper, as do a number of other internet outlets. They print better with an ICC.
Innova Photo Smooth High White Cotton
is available in 2 weights (and prices).
While the name suggests a highly brightened coating, it is not – which
is good from my perspective. With no
ICC, use paper type setting Photo Quality Ink Jet paper (“PQIJ”). With an ICC, a slightly better dmax can be
achieved with the “Ultra Premium Glossy Photo Paper” (“UPGPP”) setting. (Continue to use the “Best” as opposed to
“Photo RPM” setting.) Innova papers can
be purchased at http://www.shadesofpaper.com/
.
b. Printing on Glossy Papers with R2 Photo Black
Installed
The
settings, below, work well for many papers. For the papers listed below, use these
settings except where otherwise noted.
The settings are the same whether or not an ICC is used, and the ICC
Download page is the same as that above.
The usual glossy paper
settings that make the most difference are:
Paper type – Premium Glossy Photo Paper (“PGPP”)
(With Epson papers, use their listed paper
type.)
(If the blacks lack gloss or the midtones
have dots, try a paper type
that uses less ink,
such as “Glossy Photo Paper.”)
Photo RPM (Slightly better dmax and slightly
smoother than Best Photo)
High Speed – OFF
Super MicroWeave – OFF usually
works well and is faster
Color Management –
Color Controls checked
Gamma 1.8 (2.2 will be darker, 1.5 lighter)
Color Mode – Epson Standard
Sliders – 0 (default)
Kirkland Glossy Photo Paper deserves special
mention. It is the cheapest and perhaps
the best glossy letter size paper. It
can be purchased on line by anyone, even if not a Costco member. See http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11003630&whse=BC&topnav=&browse=
Epson Premium Glossy Photo Paper (“PGPP”)
has the highest Wilhelm Research longevity rating of any gloss paper, with a
dark storage life estimated at “>300” years.
Epson Premium Semigloss (“PSG”),
rated by Wilhelm at “>200” years in terms of storage life, is one of the few
glossy papers with no optical brighteners.
Use the above settings except that the paper type should be “Premium
Semigloss Photo Paper.”
Ilford Galerie Smooth Pearl is a popular and
reasonably priced paper. Typical of the
vast majority of glossy papers, it does not appear to be acid free or
archival. Like PSG, above, it uses the usual
settings but with the Premium Semigloss paper type setting.
c. Printing with an ICC
An ICC is a small file that
can be downloaded or made and is put in the folder:
c:\windows\system32\spool\drivers\color\.
When printing, it is inserted in the Print Preview step of Photoshop or
PS Elements. These files tap into the
Color Management systems of these programs and allow for quite consistent
printing among different papers and printers.
The view on the monitor should also be close to what the printer
produces. Standard ICCs are or will be
posted for a number of papers, and custom ICCs can be made by anyone with the
equipment and
The driver settings are
generally listed in the name of the ICC and are usually the same as if no ICC
is used. Sometimes there will be two
ICCs with different settings, such as the driver gamma setting. In theory a matte print using Dot Gain 20%
(lighter) might benefit from an ICC that uses the lighter (gamma 1.8) driver
setting. So far, I have not seen
differences, however.
To download ICCs go to http://home1.gte.net/res09aij/R220_UT-R2_ICC_Download.html
For a tutorial on making
your own ICCs with a flatbed scanner, see http://home1.gte.net/res09aij/Making_B-W_ICCs.htm
.
Note on Protective Sprays
I spray many of my best
glossy-paper prints with PremierArt Print Shield after they are dry. In the past this was needed to eliminate the
“bronzing” (differential color reflections) that seriously afflicted most
glossy papers with other inksets.
However, the current MIS UT inks have such low bronzing that most will
probably not see any need for this now.
Spraying also increases
the dmax makes the surface of the print waterproof. Once sprayed, the print surface is tough
enough to be cleaned with a damp paper towel if need be. I sometimes display sprayed glossy
(including semi-gloss and semi-matte) papers with no glass, so that the full
dynamic range of the image, including particularly the depth of the deep
blacks, can be seen without the compromising effects of glass reflections. Spraying for these purposes still has value.
For my index of other
printing information, go to http://home1.gte.net/res09aij/index.htm
Enjoy cheap, easy, and
excellent printing.
Paul
For a B&W printing
forum where I hang out, see http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint/