Marketing vs. What Matters

Summary

Keith Cooper explains that the vast array of photo paper names often obscure the reality that few manufacturers and coating companies produce most papers. He notes that many papers with different brand names are essentially the same product, with marketing terms like GSM weight sometimes being manipulated. The coating is crucial for performance, affecting how pigment inks interact with the surface and potentially causing bronzing. Cooper advises selecting paper based on its compatibility with your specific printer, as a mismatch can't be fixed by profiling.

Key points

• Photo paper names are largely marketing; focus on base and coating types.
• Few companies produce most inkjet papers, leading to identical products under different brands.
• Coating type significantly impacts ink interaction and print appearance.
• Printer-paper compatibility is paramount, often outweighing brand names.