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