Review Olmec Photo Gloss

By: Anno Huidekoper

Published: 22 October 2010

Review Olmec Photo Gloss photo paper & Epson 4880

The Olmec photographic inkjet paper Photo Gloss is provided by the English brand Olmec. You can see that Olmec aims at the professional user. There are few other brands that deliver large packages and in addition, the paper is also available on roll. The price is very attractive.

Specifications Olmec Gloss

Weight: 260 gram

Available sizes: A4, A3+, A2 and roll

Used ICC color profile: of the Arca website

test printer: Epson 4880

test mode: see FAQ

Retail price as of 10-01-2010: € 20.50 per 50 pieces A4 size

What is different compared to the other Olmec photo papers?
Olmec Matt is a fine art paper and feels "papery" Olmec Lustre is a lustre paper Both the Gloss paper as the Lustre paper are for sale in boxes of 500 and 1000 sheets A4 size
What are the differences with other glossy papers?
Epson offers the Epson Glossy paper; the purchase price of the Epson paper is higher. Canon makes the very sturdy Canon Platinum photo paper, you have to create an ICC color profile when you are using an Epson printer Many other (house) brands deliver glossy photo paper of sometimes obscure origin. The ICC color profile you have to make yourself.
ICC color profile and color space
The test printer, an Epson 4880, is known for a fairly large color space. During the test, a color profile is used specially made for this printer and this photo paper, downloaded from the website of the company Arca. The color space is 712,860, an average value.
Testresult color Olmec Photo Gloss 260 grams
The color of this paper is almost white and the print has a beautiful gloss. The color reproduction is pretty good, but some colors are a little too gray. The black is sufficiently deep. To interpret this test chart, read the document 'test method printers' under the FAQ menu.
Test result black and white Olmec Photo Gloss 260 grams
The maximum density, obtainable with the Epson ink, is reasonably high and the black is neutral in tone. The difference between very dark gray and black is just visible. It is thus not necessary to adjust the photo file to prevent the clogging of dark areas. With the default settings of the Epson 4880, the gray shades could be depicted a little more neutral though.
Gloss and surface Olmec Photo Gloss 260 grams
The test machine is the Epson 4880, a professional A2 printer using pigmented ink. The gloss is quite high and you only slightly encounter 'bronzing' and 'gloss differential.' If you want a stronger gloss, you will have to use a printer that uses dye inks.

Conclusion

Olmec Photo Gloss 260 gram

CSR foto papier review Olmec Gloss 580 2236 200

Pros

Good price / quality ratio
Low bronzing and gloss differential
Available in many sizes

Cons

Reproduction of gray shades not quite neutral in tone

The colors are depicted fairly well on Olmec Photo Gloss using an Epson 4880 printer. The display of the grays could have been more neutral. The black is deep enough and neutral in tone. Both 'bronzing' and 'gloss differential' are low. The Olmec Photo Gloss paper is available in many sizes and is remarkably affordable.