I print using an Epson 3800 with K3 inks.

I’ve just spent a couple of months and many hundreds of dollars running my own tests on papers from a number of manufacturers, from Red River to Canson. I’ve run standard tests, and then from those chosen papers for my own hand-made ICC profiles.

Now, paper is a highly subjective choice. Not only does it depend on the artist’s eye, but within his range of photos, a type and warmth (or lack thereof) depending on the image and artist’s intent.

I generally think of mattes for B&W since I love the deep blacks and velvet tones that a matte paper affords. But then that does not apply to all B&W photos, as some demand brilliant white highlights. You may or may not want to peer into the shadows; you may or many not want a silver tone. And the save type of caveats apply to surface textures.

So my own predilections are – for B&W: mattes with a very flat surface, and for color, a RC paper… generally speaking. That’s my “bent” not hard and fast rules.

And that said, in terms of matte papers, I have got to say that for my tastes those from Canson/Arches were, across the whole line, quite fine. After testing hundreds of sheets of paper from all the more common names, I tested the Canson products last… because as others have noted, they are probably the most expensive papers, and testing is not cheap. That said, I guess it should have come as no surprise that the paper chosen by Picasso, Miro, Renoir and others turned up at the top of my tests.

Deep rich blacks and a wonderful ability to accept the full range of tones made them stand out. My carefully crafted nuances translated perfectly to the paper. The feel of the papers was of quality, and if they were a buck to two more per sheet than all of the others, it was money well spent.

Mechanically: no dust; no cruft. Perfectly flat out of the box. I had found my matte paper.

(Caution: you cannot roll these papers for mailing; they must be sent flat.)

Particularly, I liked the Arches Velin Museum Rag. If I had to choose just one Canson paper, this would be it. (For proofing this paper, try Red River Aurora Natural 64lb.) The Canson BFK Rives is also a delight. I’d honestly have to mention all their matte papers to be fair, since all of them were simply excellent (although some had more texture than I care for.) I have never “gushed” about an entire line of paper before, but this is the exception that proves the rule.

OK… let’s be fair: are their other good matte papers? Sure, and nice ones too.

For papers with OBs, the Epson WaterColor and Velvet Fine Art and Moab Entrada Rag Bright are good, as is the Red River Premium Matte 2.0 or Plus. Without OB’s it’s Canson first, followed by Museo Max; Entrada Natural and Hahnemuhle Photo rag or HawkMountain Condor Natural.

I’d like to suggest that you get a sampler of the Canson papers and have a go at it. I think you’ll be as pleased as I was.