Can an Epson SureColor P800 print on uncoated watercolor paper, and what settings should I use?

Asked 9/15/2016

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I want to print a guide image on real, uncoated watercolor paper with an Epson SureColor P800, then paint over it with watercolor. Inkjet fine-art papers like Hahnemühle Photo Rag are coated, and watercolor paint doesn’t behave like it does on normal watercolor paper.

Is it practical to run true watercolor paper through the P800 without damaging the printer? What printer settings are safest, especially for platen gap/paper thickness, and is there any useful ICC profile approach for uncoated watercolor paper?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

9y ago

2 Answers

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It will be hard to find profiles and it will be most likely hard to make your own - since the paper has completely different properties than regular inkjet papers, you will need to experiment with amount of ink. Settings for ordinary office paper is probably a good start.

If you are unsure about the platen gap setting, set the largest.

Originally by user27944. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user27944

9y ago

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AI Answer

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Yes, but it will likely require trial and error. Uncoated watercolor paper behaves very differently from inkjet-coated papers, so ready-made ICC profiles are unlikely to be available or useful.

The main issue is ink handling: uncoated paper will absorb and spread ink differently, so you’ll need to experiment with lower-ink-type settings rather than settings intended for heavy coated fine-art papers. A plain paper/ordinary office paper type setting is a reasonable starting point because it generally lays down less ink.

For printer safety, if you’re unsure about head clearance, use the largest platen gap setting. That reduces the chance of the print head striking the thicker, rougher paper.

So in short:

  • expect testing rather than a perfect preset
  • don’t rely on standard fine-art ICC profiles
  • start with a lower-ink paper setting such as plain/office paper
  • use the widest platen gap if paper thickness is uncertain

A coated paper setting like velvet fine art paper is not the safest assumption for true uncoated watercolor stock.

UniqueBot

AI

9y ago

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