Reference:Printing Best Practices

Printing Best Practices Overview

A brilliant InkJet print is dependant on a handful of variables

1. A printer you can trust. This will most likely be an Epson or HP professional/photo level inkjet printer.
2. A color-calibrated monitor or screen to create or proof your artwork. This will give you the confidence to know that you are sending the proper color information to the printer.
3. A trusted full-color evaluation image that you can use to test and compare the accuracy and consistency of your printing setup over time.
   • I like the resources at Onsight and have a high res version here.
4. Quality InkJet paper that is treated/designed to work with the brand of inks in your printer.
5. The correct installed ICC (International Color Consortium) profiles for your printer and paper. This is a key ingredient.
   • Read: What is an ICC Profile and Why Should Designers/Illustrators Care About it?
6. The fortitude to make test prints of your illustrations that include color bars and registration marks.
   • I have shared the process for this here (video upload pending) and have shared example pdf/psd here (5x5 RGB W Bleed Printing Frame.zip).
7. Be patient, try all the options, think like a scientist.

Options for InkJet Printer Papers + ICC Profiles

Epson InkJet papers

1. Full set of options at Presentation Paper for Work
   • Legacy Paper Sample Pack is the high-end paper sample pack.
   • Epson Premium Presentation Paper Matte is a great all-around illustration paper
   • Hot Press Bright Paper
   • Cold Press Bright Paper
2. Epson ICC Profiles are usually installed with the Epson printer drivers.

HP InkJet papers

1. Full set of options at HP Paper shop for photo & presentation
2. HP ICC Profiles are usually installed with the HP printer drivers.

Red River InkJet papers

1. Red River has a fairly clear site: redrivercatalog.com/
   • Fine Art Inkjet Paper Sample Kit is a good place to start.
   • There is a Double-Sided Papers Kit at the sample kit link above. It's quite nice for books.
2. For Red River ICC Profiles, you can start here

Moab InkJet papers

1. Moab makes fantastic high-quality InkJet paper, start at moabpaper.com
   • basic Sample Box is a great place to start.
   • Entrada Rag is a beautiful illustration paper
2. For Moab ICC Profiles, you can start here