Paper surface

Papers, Continued Paper spectral Paper spectral sensitivity is the ability of a paper to respond to specific colors (color) sensitivity of light. The terms monochromatic (colorblind), orthochromatic, and panchromatic, used to describe the spectral sensitivity of films, also apply to photographic papers. In selecting black-and-white papers for printing, spectral sensitivity is not a factor. Black-and-white papers may be handled in the darkroom under a (manufacturer-recommended) soft light called a safelight. In selecting color-print papers, spectral sensitivity determines whether or not to use a safelight and what color safelight to use. Paper contrast Paper contrast is the ability of a paper to produce images that replicate the highlights, shadows, and midtones found in the original scene. Navy imaging facilities and graphic shops use papers called variable-contrast papers. These papers have two emulsion layers, a high-contrast layer and a low-contrast layer, that make achieving the correct contrast in prints easier. Paper surface Paper surface refers to the physical texture of paper and the coating on the surface of paper. Photographic papers are available in a wide variety of paper surfaces, such as matt, semimatt, lustre, high lustre, pearl, and glossy. Textured papers that resemble canvas, linen, and brush strokes are also available. The most common papers in graphics shops are glossy and matt. GLOSSY: Papers that have smooth glossy surfaces provide prints with high contrast and high-density color saturations, resulting in apparently sharper images. This occurs because glossy papers reflect light directly. Glossy papers are used for photographic prints that must show fine details, such as equipment damage, intelligence photos, or small photographs of cluttered scenes. MATT: Light reflected from matt papers is diffused, providing softer, lower contrast in the images. Details do not appear sharp. Matt-surfaced papers are commonly used in portraiture and expansive scenes. The surfaces of papers used by the Navy are coated with either polyethylene or resin. Papers are coated on both sides of the base. This clear coating protects papers from abrasion and from sticking to each other during the processing procedure. You may write on polyethylene papers with pencils, pens, or markers. Resin-coated (RC) papers require you to use markers with special inks that adhere to slick RC surfaces. Continued on next page 7-42