Citizen Printer

What is the best printer paper to use for black and white inkjet prints from a epson 4800 printer?

In the past in the wet darkroom, I have used Illford Pearl B&W paper along with 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 contrast filters. I love what I get with that combo. Any suggestions about inkjet printer paper to get a truely great black and white print?

Public Comments

1. With B&W, I'd say use glossy paper. If you like Pearl paper, Ilford makes them for inkjet printers now and it's great (link below). But I prefer glossy for black and whites because you get much higher D-max with glossy than pearl. For Epson 4800, I'd go with the Epson Premium Glossy paper (also linked below). Epson also makes pearl paper, but they call it Luster. It's very similar to Ilford's pearl paper.
2. I am a novice when it comes to printing. But what I find that I like is using Kodak matte. Reasons why, I enjoy coloring and highlighting, not the whole picture, just a little something just to have the picture grab you.
3. The best photo paper in the world: no question. Hahnemuhle.
4. I love Epson Velvet...but this is not a glossy paper. Very expensive however.
5. I believe that the manufacturers generally make the most compatible papers for their own printers, however there are some high-line papers that might be better. Personally, I use Epson papers for my Epson printer. I use Premium Glossy most of the time (at least more than 50-60% of the time) and Premium Luster the rest of the time. If I am going to be giving a print away, I use the luster, because people are not careful how they handle prints and this won't show fingerprints. It is a very nice, heavy paper, too. Check out http://www.wilhelm-research.com/ They are "the" authority on the subject.