Inkjet Metallic Photo Paper: How and When to Use It

Inkjet metallic papers are resin-coated (RC) photo papers that have a smooth, glossy, micro-porous ink-receptive coating that includes metallic pigments.

The glossiness of the surface and the sheen from the metallic pigments produce an appealing iridescence, with a high degree of luminance and reflectivity. Inkjet metallic paper prints almost seem to glow. Metallic photo papers produce superb color gamuts, contrast, and edge sharpness and can yield prints that look almost three-dimensional.

Depending on the pigments used in the coating, some inkjet metallic photo papers have a cold, silver-metallic look. Others have a warmer, pearlescent metallic glow, like a rose-gold, bronze, or copper.

Inkjet metallic papers are fantastic for:

• HDR (high-dynamic range) images
• Photos with brilliant colors
• Images of motorcylces, autos, and metals
• Photos of sparkling jewels, snow, rivers, and lakes
• Images of sunlit water droplets
• Neutral black-and-white images

An inkjet metallic paper is also good for replicating the look of prints on aluminum or vintage black-and-white prints made with cyanotype, daguerrotype, and wet-plate processes.

Inkjet metallic photo paper requires careful handling:

• Make sure the print surface is free of dust and lint. Use a can of compressed air to blow away any dust on the surface. Or, use anti-static wisk brush and anti-static gloves.
• Use the high-quality print setting and photo black inks.
• Use a generic media setting of Premium Glossy Photo Paper on Epson printer, Glossy Photo Paper 240gsm on Canon printers, or HP Universal Instant Dry Gloss Photo Paper on HP photo printers. Or, use a glossy or luster setting for best results.
• Avoid touching the surface of the paper before and after printing.
• Consider hand-trimming the prints instead of relying on your printer’s built-in cutter.
• Do not allow the prints to stack up in the tray.
• Let the prints air dry, uncovered and unstacked, for 24 hours.