Epson ET-8550 colour fine art prints and choosing papers. The importance of paper selection

[@VespaManInKorea]

I enjoy all the videos I have seen so far. On this one, I especially appreciated the inclusion of the print on the wrong side as we have all made this mistake when printing.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - I'm happy to leave some mistakes in, if I think they can make people feel a bit more confident in their own abilities ;-)

[@daviddb2528]

Good call on leaving this segmentin... :-) Could one not - in the spirit of economy - just put the same piece of paper through again but the right way round . Or have I just revealed how little I know about printing?

[@KeithCooper]

@@daviddb2528 You could of course do this if paper/funds were short!

[@owainscullion7373]

Hi Kieth, I decided to go through the process of learning colour management after watching your video's and reading your blog before printing my first image - even though I had purchased this printer a while ago. I went through the process of purchasing a new monitor, calibrating, profiling, test prints, and soft proofing. I then printed my image and it came out stunning, better than what was on the screen. Absolutely chuffed, I cannot thank you enough - a coffee is on me.

[@KeithCooper]

That's superb - thanks for posting this as well

[@akvileloyola2123]

hi there friend! What are the videos that you used for learning how to calibrate a monitor, profiling, test prints and so on? Would love to get quality stunning prints like you did too. :)

[@vanessavaldez8097]

Ooooooo how did you calibrate?!?!

[@Cliff117]

Thanks again Keith for your time and sharing your experiences.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks

[@strawberrymusic7876]

Mine arrives tomorrow after my old R1900 Epson finally died! Now watching ALL your 8550 videos - fascinating and thank you for saving me a lot of work! (PS - My classicaloracle channel is still blocked on your channel so I had to create this one to post!)

[@KeithCooper]

Excellent - If you've not seen it, do check the review/index for all my 8550 info at www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/ YT comment stuff is a bit of a mystery to me...

[@Nilsthebatman]

As always, really insightful video. I really appreciate the fact that you left your mistake in there. It shows that even someone as knowledgeable and experienced as you makes mistakes and it's useful to know how to spot them too. I imagine one might think it's the paper, not human error that caused the washed out colours! I enjoy watching your videos a lot and I feel like I'm learning too even though I'm months away of getting into printing.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - The two surfaces look pretty similar, so I figured it was good to include. ...Not shown, my puzzled checking of just why the picture looked wrong, as the duff one came out of the printer ;-)

[@Nilsthebatman]

@@KeithCooper If it took you a while, I can imagine a good few other people being at least as puzzled!

[@BuckRogers2000]

I love the nuggets you throw out, like the dots per inch perspective. Thanks!!

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks One of the benefits of not scripting the videos ;-)

[@MysteryGirlSmith]

Hello, Kieth. I just unpacked my printer today, and thank you for the detailed presentation on the types of paper and examples. This particular printer has been very difficult to obtain without paying double and triple. I’ve yet to run test prints because somehow all my stock has magically disappeared. I’ve had several great Epson printers over the years, including one professional model that could knock out enormous detailed banners, and another with 10 ink cartridges, and although great results, a fortune swapping them out. Needless to say, they were much more expensive, yet as tech advances, this particular model will likely have better results. I’m looking forward to your other videos.

[@KeithCooper]

Glad to help. If you've not seen it, do have a look at the main written review - it has more detail and links to all my related articles/reviews. www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/ The videos are always produced to supplement the written articles - since I can update/correct/edit the written stuff, but videos are 'fixed'...

[@SnelIT]

Thank you for this video (and the others too). I just bought the 8550 and must now find the right papers. Have restricted myself for the moment to Epson Premium Lustre and Glossy. I will check your website for suggestions for B&W photos.

[@KeithCooper]

Glad it was helpful!

[@maxiikazz]

Hi Keith, I've found recently your channel and I'm impressed - I love the way you present the subject, your knowledge and experience. I'm thinking about this printer and can't wait for the final full review. Thank you.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - glad it's of interest!

[@larrystead]

THANK YOU: This video will help me immensely in setting up my new 8859!

[@KeithCooper]

Glad it helps - do check the main [written] review as well if you need more detail - it has links to all my 8550 related info (videos and written)

[@robertsimpson1729]

Great advice again, printing is an art and not simply a process.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - you can do a lot 'by the numbers' but eventually it's whether it looks good to you.

[@linbourne4225]

Thanks! I didn't know about the "print this side up"!

[@KeithCooper]

Happy to help!

[@DalsPhotography]

and wow the hot press natural looks amazing!

[@KeithCooper]

Yes, using the VFA media type is the key - see in the written review

[@DalsPhotography]

@@KeithCooper Thank you Keith, pls read my other comment, it's at least important for me :) Thanks in advance!

[@KeithCooper]

What's that? Papers? - I've no idea what is available where you are All the key info is in the written review.

[@DalsPhotography]

@@KeithCooper Oh Keith, pls excuse my spanish-english. I will need to buy the paper in USA as well. I was just thinking of a semigloss paper... thanks for the answer, you are ver kind with this old lady!

[@johnvaleanbaily246]

Choosing the right paper has always been a black art to me... I just go with what looks good to me... Keeps me happy :)

[@KeithCooper]

Nothing wrong with that - it just needs to be done with care. Too many people choose the paper before the printer and that is a recipe for problems, especially with a printer like this which doesn't behave in quite the same way as other ink sets

[@Megadad60]

Thank you, Keith, for a very thorough and inspiring review. The printer looks very interesting for my "prosumer" kind of printing.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - with care in paper selection and proper profiles it can do well.

[@robertw1871]

Thanks, have the printer on the way, went with Epson paper to start out, and it’s good to see there are choices they work well…

[@KeithCooper]

Hope it goes well!

[@debbiedillon7117]

I have learned SO much from your videos. Thank you for all the great information!

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks!

[@Ian-gw2vx]

Hi Keith, just about to pull the trigger on the 8550 but can't decide on a general Epson paper to get started colour printing. I also would like to get a good BW paper but can't decide which is best for this printer. So far I am getting a box of Epson A4 Matte Heavyweight Inkjet Paper

[@KeithCooper]

My usual suggestion is good old Premium Lustre. See the notes on B&W and the papers I tested/profiled in my actual review. www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/

[@kristievanderzee8754]

This is so helpful, I’ve never learned about profiles, even in photography class at art school. 🤦‍♀️ Is there a way I can download your profile for the hahnemuhle paper to try with my et-8550?

[@KeithCooper]

Email me at Northlight Images and I can help

[@shipwright6122]

Awesome Critique. Are you going to do a video on ink consumption? Maybe a comparison video to the p-700? Thanks 🙏🏼

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks I'm afraid ink use is not something I can really cover in detail - for reliable data, it needs a rigorous methodology, lots of ink and lots of paper - I only get most printers for a few months max, and I do a lot of different stuff - making my own ink use pretty meaningless as a measure. Printers like the ET-8550 are made for people who worry about ink costs - the SC-P700 less so ;-) You need to see something like this www.redrivercatalog.com/rr/cost-of-inkjet-printing.html

[@dunnymonster]

Interesting results Keith. Am I correct to assume both papers were assigned as fine art papers thus the pigment black was used on both? It's also interesting that despite both papers having custom ICC profiles that the end result looked so very different between them. My belief when I first started creating my own printer ICC profiles was that I was basically " calibrating " my prints to a set given standard so that they would give me similar colour rendition across multiple paper types. It didn't take long to realise this wasn't the case at all and even two custom profiles for two different semi gloss papers didn't make both prints look the same. At that time I was unaware that different paper/ink combinations had very different gamut capabilities. You hit the nail on the head when you explained how a great paper in one printer might well be dreadful on another. I absolutely agree with you regards test prints. There really isn't any better way to visualise how your end print will look until you actually print it. The only issue is test prints cost money but overall if you can nail it down to say one great art paper, one great semi gloss/lustre paper and one great glossy paper then you can stick with just those three confident in consistent repeatable results every time ☺️

[@KeithCooper]

yes, both profiles made and then printed using the VFA setting, which is the one that also uses some pigment black. The smaller gamut of the HPB paper is likely why when using ABW mode for B&W that the HPB looks fine, but the SFA265 is awful...

[@irenediaz6124]

I bought this printer recently and all your videos are helping me a lot. I tried to download this color profile that you use in this video because I want to experiment with my drawings, but I can't find this profile anywhere. I read on your website that if anyone needed a color profile, feel free to write to you. I look forward to your response.😊 Irene Diaz

[@KeithCooper]

Indeed - contact me via email on the site. They are not listed for download (software licensing issues). The profiles (they are specific to each paper type) are free for non commercial use.

[@irenediaz6124]

@@KeithCooper Thank you very much for answering. I just sent you an email.🙂

[@TheNorthernLights55]

Going to print black outlines on cotton 300gsm CP watercolor paper, is it possible to get the printer to only use the black pigment and not the dye based ones? I don't want the lines to dissolve when I later add watercolor to the paper.

[@KeithCooper]

Use the VFA media setting

[@Cliff117]

I ruined a sheet this past week… the lighting tricked my sleepy eyes and I put it in backwards. When I find some time this week I aim to cut some sheets of different types of media into smaller dimensions and print the same test image to visually see how each type of paper prints the same image using different paper settings.

[@KeithCooper]

A good way of getting the 'feel' of different papers

[@juliawintermoyer8418]

Thanks for your amazing informative video. I have been trying to print with the ET-8550 using 9x13 paper for an 8x12 print. I have a macbook pro. The photo will not print in the landscape setting at this size. what am i doing wrong?

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks As far as I know, no printers take paper in landscape orientation? You need to rotate the image when printing - have you tried printing from the free Epson Print Layout software?

[@juliawintermoyer8418]

Thanks for your response. I did not put the paper into the printer as landscape. I set the print settings in my macbook pro to landscape to ture photo. I cannot find "Epson Print Layout Software" for the mac. I'm only finding for ipad or iphone.

[@KeithCooper]

It's there - check different Epson sites [eu/uk/US] I have seen it move about. If EPL does not see your printer, check that you've not installed the AirPrint version of the driver by mistake [ I've done this] check the main [written ] version of the 8550 review for more www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/ @@juliawintermoyer8418

[@juliawintermoyer8418]

I contacted Epson they gave me the info I needed. Thanks again

[@jeannetteburch9352]

I’d like to know if it’s possible to get paper sample packs in order to try out differ t papers without having to commit to one. Thank you

[@KeithCooper]

Yes - most good paper suppliers offer this. Red River in the US for example or PermaJet, Fotospeed and others in the UK The best ones will also have free ICC profiles...

[@deniseracine6788]

Hello. Thank you for another very helpful video. Would you mind giving the exact type of Hahnemühle paper? I have been to their website and cannot find anything with this description in 265 gsm. Thank you!

[@KeithCooper]

Ah, it's possibly not made any more. It was previously distributed by HP back when they made good desktop photo printers. I have quite a few A3+ packs of it from then which I use for some testing.

[@WhatTruthIs]

I'm curious. Have you ever found that profiling the paper produced unsatisfactory results much like inserting the paper wrong way up?

[@KeithCooper]

No, profiling does depend on knowing a good media setting to use, an if there is any uncertainty I'll do some small media check prints. If something goes wrong, it's never been the profiling which did it ;-)

[@markopivnik2537]

Hi Keith, your videos and comments helped me a lot when working with my L8180 (ET8550). Thank you! Please, if you can tell what weight of paper we can use without damaging the printer or jamming it with paper. In the user manuals for ET8550 it is written that paper up to 300 gsm is fed through the rear paper feeder, and thicker paper up to 1.3 mm thick through the rear slot. I think that the paper you use in this video (Epson hot press bright) weighs 330 gsm and went through smoothly. Do you have any experience of how much weight we can send paper through the rear paper feeder without jamming or damage? I would like to try fine art and baryta papers. Many of these papers are heavier than 300 gms (310-380gms) and I don't know where to feed the printer properly. Thanks for the reply! I wish you many more successful videos!

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks It's about paper thickness rather than weight - the papers I tried (listed in the written review) all worked fine. Other than that I can't offer any more definitive answer. This does seem to vary a bit by printer, so I'd suggest trying some samples to check.

[@doktorrock873]

Great video. Next, could you do a video on how to actually find this printer for sale anywhere in the world?

[@KeithCooper]

Ah, selling printers is an area I keep well out of I'm afraid...

[@benclifford2581]

Hi Keith, really enjoying watching your informative videos. I recently bought the ET-8550 and have since seen that they claim a max 90gsm is appropriate for use with the printer. What is your experience with denser papers? I tried a couple of tests on some 180gsm Kodak photo paper and found that a dent-like crease is left down the image - I have read elsewhere that others have experienced this, and seen too that EPSON reply with the claim that you should only use papers up to 90gsm.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks That's nonsense from Epson, look at the papers specified in the available media types... ;-) See the detailed info and links in my main [written] review at: www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/ Sounds like someone suspects it's an issue with some printers and wants to stop people demanding replacements... That said, the paper tray is best for plain paper only - I never found a [good] photo paper it worked with

[@ALSKILS]

Hi Keith , brilliant channel , very informative! I am going through various printer options , one thing I can't work out with this machine is ..are the prints archival with lasting quality or do I need pigment based , thanks in advance

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks Archival ... ah depends entirely on just what you mean and why it matters to you [IIRC I have a video on this] They won't fade quickly, but they are dye (or dye and pigment on art papers) As to if I'd sell prints from this printer - depends on what market I'm in ;-)

[@ALSKILS]

Thanks for your quick reply Keith , I want to sell editioned prints and also hand embellish them with acrylic and was thinking of coating them with anti UV protection spray. The running costs of this machine is obviously attractive and I would be an occasional user, so I'm frightened of the cleaning price on professional inkjets every time I turn on. If these prints would last 50 year even that would be fine , but fading after a few/10 years is obviously not acceptable , what do you think? Much thanks once again.

[@KeithCooper]

Difficult to say since you are adding various chemicals on top of the print - all bets off in terms of longevity I'm afraid Mind you, I'd say the same even if you were looking at doing it with a pigment ink printer...

[@ALSKILS]

@@KeithCooper Hi Keith, once again thank you for your response. I have done some research and dye inks do not take water on top so this is a no go for me. It seems this machine is suitable for gift cards etc for commercial use. I am still tempted for that matter with the ability to scan and print. I am not going to pester you any longer but Id like to ask one more question regarding the IPF6100 series. I have owned one in the past (6 years ago) and for some reason it didnt swallow lots of ink (cleaning) although its been off for 3 months, the inks were reasonably priced at around 70 euro each. another one has come up for sale second hand, just serviced by Canon and I am considering to purchase. The machine looks around 10 years old model. My question now would be is there any difference in print quality in one of these to the newer model? Or is it the source of image that defines and both would be the same quality (at least almost) because they share the same resolutions ? Much thanks and all the best!

[@ChristianLawrence]

Thanks Keith another great video. Looking into getting this printer for landscape prints and bnw street prints. Both paper look like a great starting point. You mentioned you have the icc profiles to download, do you have a link. What paper would you recommend for a lustre all round paper. Keep up the great work, so helpful to getting to grips with printing.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - Have a read of the actual [written] review - the profiles are available on request from those listed in the review www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/

[@ChristianLawrence]

@@KeithCooper thanks Keith I will take a look

[@denniswilliams4789]

The set up: Using the same image - using the same Epson matte paper, using the correct Epson icc profiles for each printer with perhaps a bit of fine tweaking of the file for the optimal print... The enlargements will be used for 3 months so archival considerations are irrelevant but the clients are educated and discerning so IQ is important. How do the side by side prints from a P700 and an ET8550 compare? When created optimally are they effectively interchangeable or are the pigment results clearly better or vice versa? I am preparing to swap out an Epson 2200 for one of these printers to use for a year. I appreciate your insight if you have an opinion on this.

[@KeithCooper]

If you put the two images together it will depend very much on what the image is as to whether someone would spot differences. If you show them one one day and the other the next day, then even 'educated and discerning' client will not spot much difference ;-) The exact performance of the 8550 depends on the media setting, so hence the paper choice matters - there is no one 'Epson matte paper' in this respect. Depending on profiling and the image there are some matte papers where the 8550 deep black and colour of the dyes will do well, others less so. However the P700 has a wider gamut and will absolutely perform better for B&W prints. Now, few will notice the colour differences with real world images, but to me the B&W difference (both using the ABW mode) is clear. I could happily use either, but the P700 is a step up in many print quality respects - just not that huge a step!

[@johndailly95]

Great video, very useful. I’ve Just tried to download one of your profiles to test on some new paper I’ve purchased, but they’re unavailable until your websites fixed, Is there another way I could download them?

[@KeithCooper]

They are not actually available for download (none of my profiles are) You need to contact me (email) at at Northlight with which ones you'd like?

[@johndailly95]

@@KeithCooper I’ll email you, cheers Keith

[@WeepinAngel]

Does the ET-8550 work with the Watercolor Radiant White paper from Epson? The printer doesn't seem to have the "archival" preset the instruction booklet suggests to use, but I'm tempted to try it on one of the matte paper settings.

[@KeithCooper]

Yes - use the VFA setting - see the main [written] review for more www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/

[@paraguus]

Hi Kieth, i'm enjoying your videos ! I have this EcoTank printer and but when I put paper Canson fine art 310 gr A4 or any A4 paper on the back side 2. The print app say : there is a marge of 20mm on the bottom of the page. Do you have any solutions ? And I want to print in A4 / A3 full page but I don't know which paper is the best for this ? What maximum weight ? Thanks a lot for your videos !

[@KeithCooper]

Unfortunately, this is an issue with the rear feed slot. it's why I put almost everything through the normal top loadig slot when I was testing. If you've not seen it, do see the main [written] review - the videos are just supplements www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/

[@scottbaldassari]

Thanks so much for your help view reviews and articles. Do you know if this printer can handle any sort of mat or “satin” canvas’?

[@KeithCooper]

Yes - read the full [written] review - it has links to all my short supplementary videos as well www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/

[@billyyoung234]

Keith, I 2nd all of the comments below, I managed to get Epson Print Layout to recognise my ET-8550, I used Epson Firmware Updater, Is there any chance of a Tutorial by you on the "Epson Print Layout" Application, There are a few Videos available on KZbin, but your thoughts and presentations are really good, I have not managed to find a Tutorial on your YT channel. Thanks again for your time, expertise and efforts.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - I'd suggest also looking at the P700 and P900 videos as well in that respect. I will return to EPL when I next get a larger printer to look at, but any tutorial styled stuff will primarily be a written article, not video. I tend only to do video as an overview or adjunct to my written stuff since video is impossible to fine-tune, correct or update. It doesn't help this sort of material in that none of my video is scripted (by choice I should add). Add to that, I use an old version of Photoshop and oldish Apple Macs which means I can't be too specific

[@billyyoung234]

@@KeithCooper Thank You again Sir, I understand totally the minefield of Old v Newer Operating Systems, I watched a few YT's for the Epson Print Layout, and now understand it's basics, I just performed my 1st Test Print with the Epson ET-8550, using your Test Image: ColourChart_Datacolor-Printer-Test_MatrixLarge_16xImages.jpg with Epson Print Layout Application. on, Epson Photo Quality Inkjet Paper, A4, 140gm2 Outstanding result, The Print was just as it looked on the Calibrated Monitor (I know you say that you shouldn't try to compare Monitor Image and Printed Media, but I was astounded by the Match in visuals, the gradients are perfect, No banding, and tiny Details are present in Very Light and very Dark areas. Thank you so much for holding my hand and being patient.

[@KeithCooper]

Excellent - glad to be of help!

[@kimbradford]

Thank you Keith. I'm really enjoying your informative reviews on this printer. I'm curious. When you print three 13x19 prints can you tell the ink level has gone down?

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - As to ink levels, not noticeably

[@herinternest3958]

Hello Keith! I am quite a beginner in the "printing" but try to learn as much as I can to print my watercolor art reproductions as accurate as possible. I understand it is a lot of trial and error and figuring things out. I see that many companies of "fancy" art paper as Hahnemühle or Canson do not profile ICC profiles for Ecotank, probably for the reason you mentioned in another forum, it is not considered "pro" printer. And although I started with a printer and bought many different textured papers (to simulate the watercolor paper) I cannot for the life of me get half decent prints. The colors are way off but also the whole print seems "blurry", although the original file is very high res. I tried to print on Epson Archival Matt Paper and got somewhat decent print but not quite the result I am looking for. Do I understand it correctly that I will need to then make my own ICC or is there even then a change the prints won`t work out? (I for example got paper from my local print shop claiming they are good for dye ink as well but is just soaked up the ink, after some research I found out they are mainly made for offset or laser, well well.) I would appriciate any advice or link to educate myself. I read whole forum and here but still unsure if the easiest would be to return the printer and get P700 (as there is wide range of ICC yet much higher cost of print). Thank you so much.

[@KeithCooper]

Quite a few things there. I'm hoping more profiles become available once the printer becomes popular - I've quite a few I'll be mentioning in the review. Secondly (not until I've finished the review) I'll have a video and article (the important bit) about how I scanned a watercolour with the scanner on the 8550 and reproduced it on cards, using a 'fine art' type media A P700 will be different - better or worse... it depends... ;-)

[@faykirwan2970]

Hi, I think I’m in the exact same Position as you now, did you manage to find a solution/suitable paper?

[@barebrapt]

@@faykirwan2970 Hello Fay, yes, I did! The one from Paper Spectrum is quite good and they even offer to make custoom ICC for your printer, they send you samples free of charge, you print what they request and they create a profile so then you can also achieve absolute perfection. I am not printing on Canson Etching 300gsm and it seems to work as well as Epson Velvet Fine Art Paper. Sometimes I need to play with saturation and brightness but it works for me :)

[@BigbyGralla]

@@barebrapt I'm in the same boat as y'all! I will take a look on the Canson Etching then, some papers that Keith recommend are not available in my country (Spain), and Hahnemülle Rag as @herinternest3958 said don't have ICC profiles (via mail they told me to try on Fine Art Velvet but still colors are not quite right). And same happened with Epson Archival Matt Paper, Epson told me that it's because it's intended to "better" printers... Thank you all

[@youuplavie6910]

Good day, have you found what suits you best? I'm also trying without knowing anything about printing, it's not easy, I don't have a lot of money, and I know very well that I have to do a lot of tests, only if you could give me a few names of papers that work well for printing watercolor, Indian ink and colored pencils.... would that help me, with their profiles? Thank you so much .Bon jour, avez vous trouvez ce qui vous convient le mieux ? J'essaie aussi sans rien y connaitre en impressions, ce n'est pas facile, je n'ai pas beaucoup d'argent, et je sasi bien qu'il faut faire pas mal de tests, seulement si vous pouviez me donner quelques noms de papiers qui fonctionnent bien pour l'impression aquarelle, encre de chine et crayons de couleurs.... cela m'aiderait, avec leurs profils ? Merci beaucoup.

[@EvilMP5]

Keith would this printer work if I was going to use it to print off reference photos for drawing and color reference in drawings and pastel artwork?

[@KeithCooper]

Yes, with suitable paper choices and profiles

[@EvilMP5]

@KeithCooper Thank you for the reply. I went with the Epson, I couldn't go with the Canon prograf. The price tag is ridiculous for a very small difference in color profile from the ET-8550.

[@DalsPhotography]

Dear Keith, I am writing to you from Uruguay, this printer is not sold at all here. So, I decided to import one, which will be quite costly (around 2400 usd) But, I want to buy as well some white paper. Not for a professional use , I want to print my birding photos,just for my home . Which paper would you recommend, I don't want such a big paper, as with the shipping and bulk issues I have got it will get a lot more expensive. Please can you make a suggestion to me about that kind of paper? Thank you so much! PS I watched some other of your 8550 videos as well. By the way, do you prepare your photos in CMYK???

[@KeithCooper]

A basic photo paper should suffice - check my written review www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/ Look at using Epson's EPL - also, note the use of icc profiles in the review. As to CMYK - absolutely never! I have a video explaining more of that [see the full index of videos on the web site]

[@SandorFule]

I am new at printing, so my question might be stupid: Is it possible to minimize the differences in the prints by careful slider settings in the photo editor? Is seems easy to push up saturation and sharpness a little bit...

[@KeithCooper]

Sorry, that doesn't work. The colours are there, it's just whether the print/paper/ink combination can print them. The examples I've picked show the extremes, but these are real differences between papers. These differences are why you choose different papers. Profiles are for getting the best results from a paper, they do not make prints look the same. They also show why hoping for a match between screen and print is always a forlorn hope, but that's why you use profiles - soft proofing can sometimes help, but it should never be relied upon over experience of making real prints.

[@Arhipelaag]

Thank you for the informative video. I have one hesitation though. You compared the result on two different papers, but you changed the ICC profiles, too. Doesn't it mean that apart from papers you also compared the outputs of these ICC profiles? What result would you have got, if you kept the ICC profiles unchanged?

[@KeithCooper]

Each profile is created for an individual paper/ink/printer combination. If I used two papers and one profile, it would be the wrong profile for one paper... A print is the result of applying the right profile for the specific printer and paper - it's why profiling is such an important aspect of print quality.

[@gregmcconnell6824]

@@KeithCooper Love your work Keith ... and thanks for responding to my question recently on the DPreview printing forum. Like @Arhipelaag above, I too pondered the question regarding the use of two different profiles for the two different papers in the video. As someone who wouldn't know an ICC profile if it fell into my lap, and someone considering the ET 8550 as my first printer, I'm struggling with the concept of profiles and suspect I'm not alone. Your response: "each profile is created for an individual paper/ink/printer combination ... a print is the result of applying the right profile for the specific printer and paper" just leads me to more questions like: If profiles are "created" for individual papers, could the quality/efficacy of each profile potentially be inconsistent and therefore skew resulting print comparisons? The concept of profiling is an abstract one to a printing newbie and I realise there is a considerable learning curve involved that can't be sidestepped. Nevertheless, are you able to flesh-out the subject of printer/paper profiles, or at least point viewers/readers at some resources that expand on the topic? ... short of enrolling in an online course in colour management ;-)

[@KeithCooper]

@@gregmcconnell6824 Profiles can very definitely vary in quality - the ones I make as part of my reviews go slightly overboard in detail [patches] since I have the kit/software to do it. See the resources mentioned in my just published video about viewing lighting - start with the linked PDF. Ignore that it's about photoshop ;-) The book I mention is the real key to understanding IMHO As to videos - I've covered quite a few aspects in the 'colour management' playlist If you've specific questions email me - it's people's questions which often give me the basis for a new video.

[@gregmcconnell6824]

@@KeithCooper ... just ordered a "good" second hand copy of the book from AbeBooks in Phoenix U.S. (I'm in South Australia) ... they have several other second hand copies available for anyone else who might be interested.

[@KeithCooper]

@@gregmcconnell6824 excellent - hope it is of use

[@liberchentw]

Thanks for sharing!

[@KeithCooper]

Glad it was of interest

[@causirico]

Thanks again. Love your "from_the_kitchen" reviews !!! Real Photo Paper recipe !!

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - maybe we'll clear my office some time and get enough space to do do some there, but not just yet!

[@causirico]

@@KeithCooper no….no……it’s great like this. We feel familiar !!

[@MyNameIsPetch]

I'm a bit lost, this is my first printer. What would be a good paper to first try on this printer for framed colour photos?

[@KeithCooper]

Epson premium semi-gloss A fully supported paper - use the free Epson Print Layout software See the main [written] reviews at: www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/ and www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8500-printer-review/

[@Robertobinetti70]

Thanks, great work!

[@KeithCooper]

Glad it's of interest!

[@DodoKresse]

Hi, Keith, I like your Video and I bought the Epson ET 8550 yesterday! What paper do you recommend for printing my watercolor-pictures? Can I use also Watercolor-Paper? Or would I destroy my printer with this?? Greetings from good old Vienna, Dodo !

[@KeithCooper]

You need to use an ink-jet type paper - ordinary watercolour paper does not accept the ink very well (lack of detail and very 'thin' colours) Several suppliers do a 'watercolour' style paper - the only caveat is that you ideally need a profile, which not so many suppliers are doing at the moment. In the UK you can get such papers from several companies and they will make profiles for you. I've made quite a few profiles, which are listed in the main (written) review - there might be one similar enough to use, but it depends on the paper you have. If there is a profile mentioned in the article of use, email me at Northlight?

[@laurentpeignault2023]

Hi Keith, I hesitate between the ET-8550, the Pixma pro 200 and 300. The ET-8850 attracks me because of the Ecotank... But in term of quality ? I want to print photos in A3+ and mostly digital art (in color) that I made, on mat paper, to sell them... I saw that pro 300 is better in term of numbers of printed photos by cartriges. Is the different significant between price (pro 200 and ET 8550, env. 300€) and ink consumption ? Thanks in advance 🙏

[@KeithCooper]

If you want to sell and quality/longevity is important then it's pigment inks. It all depends on the business aspects - the 8550 is cheaper to print in the longer term. Just what do you really mean by 'quality' and what market are you aiming for? Also, I'm never quite sure what 'digital art' really is and just what the market looks for in it - what the market expects should be as much a driver as any other consideration?

[@laurentpeignault2023]

@@KeithCooper Thanks a lot for you quick reply !! 👍 By quality I mean color rendering, and global visual quality. By digital art I mean illustrations like this : www.google.com/search?q=digital+painting&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwivw6njoqvxAhWa8uAKHcRiBZ4Q_AUoAXoECAEQAw&biw=1666&bih=1610 The market is a little/middle market. Customers buy posters (15-30 €) of my artworks (50 years of longevity is far far enough). I wanted to know if there is a big visual difference between Pixma and Epson when having in front either 2 impressions of the same artwork / photo. Tanks a lot.

[@KeithCooper]

actually likely very little difference anyone would spot - that is a reflection of the people doing the checking, not the reality or otherwise of any differences. All assuming a proper colour managed workflow and optimal ICC profiles

[@claudiavidal5195]

@@laurentpeignault2023 Hi, which one did u end up buying? Any regrets? I am stuck between these two as well. Hope you can advise. Thanks.

[@Colorlavie]

@@claudiavidal5195 Hi, I bought the ET-8850. And I'm very happy 😁

[@curious_lenses]

Hi, my et 8550 prints well on paper but on dtf film prints only up to 5 inch width, any advice? Thanks 🙏🏻

[@KeithCooper]

Given my first thought was 'what is dtf film?' I'm going to say no... However, I have printed on film though kzbin.info/www/bejne/poXRgoSad8-SjbM

[@curious_lenses]

@@KeithCooper thanks for that, however, I am suspicious that the printer is not seeing the film. I have seen other videos about that where they placed white paper to the back of the film so that printer can sense the film. So in your case, you just fed the film and it took it just like a paper?! Thanks in advance

[@KeithCooper]

yes - it could be the slight opacity of the film I was using. You could also turn of paper size detection (somewhere in the print or media settings IIRC)

[@waynej1883]

I just purchased the ET-8500, the smaller version of the ET-8550. (I hope. My plan is to let my SC-P900 take care of any printing wider than 8.5-inches wide.) Is my assumption, that Mr. Cooper's advice for the ET-8550 also applies to the ET-8500, valid? My one regret so far is that I only found the ET-8500 available in white, not the black/charcoal of the printer in the video. Does anyone know why the white-cased model is the one primarily available these days in the USA?

[@KeithCooper]

Yes, I'm told the 8500 is the same inside (like P700/900) I'm hoping to get one in a while to do some more testing. The white case is purely an Epson USA marketing choice I'm afraid

[@mylife_myjourney_myway]

Keith, can I use this printer for sublimation? I didn’t see that their A are 2 options on this particular printer one is Epson EcoTank photo ET -8550 the other is Epson ET -8500 wireless inkjet multi printer. Are you able to direct me to which one is best for sublimation? Please TIA

[@KeithCooper]

Neither, since it's putting 'wrong' ink into the printer... Now, that doesn't mean it won't work, just that it's not supported and will kill any warranty. BTW I can't test this since all my printers have to go back to Canon/Epson at some point and I don't think they would approve of me shoving some random ink into their printers ;-)

[@christianeschu9405]

Thank you for your informative video! I am thinking of using the ecotank 8550 for printing greeting cards and stickers to sell them. And I am wondering if the prints on fine art paper are waterproof or at least the colours would not smear when water drops on them, as the printer uses dye inks. I am using the surecolor sc-600 with pigment inks for my art prints, but I wouldn't expect the same quality for stickers and cards, as long as the colours could stand a bit of water and humidity. Perhaps you have an advice.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks The prints are not waterproof in any significant way and sticker printing will only work with media specifically for inkjet use, so no vinyl sticker material. With cards, the card needs to be for inkjet use as well. Essentially, good print quality, but forget dampness or humidity - mind you, I'd not really expect prints from the P600 to be very robust in this respect either. However, do remember that I print photos, so requirements may differ ;-)

[@tazzytyoung19771]

so that is for 13x19 size paper? the tray shown in video. Where would you load 11x17 paper?

[@KeithCooper]

Same place -11x17 is not a size I ever see here though, but is only fractionally bigger than A3 The front trays are only really for plain paper at smaller sizes (and very thin/cheap photo paper)

[@AmazingDogShorts]

Hey Keith, I know it is hard to estimate but can you give me a very rough idea of what the ink cost would be for an A3 and A2 print? I am trying to work out how to price my artwork.

[@KeithCooper]

No idea I'm afraid - falls into the 'rounding error' category for me. If it matters, you are definitely not charging enough ;-) I'd add 10-15% of your media cost Oh, and A2 would be impressive - it's just a 13" width printer [I assume you meant A3+ 13x19]

[@wolft2953]

Thank you for the video!!! You are helpful as usual. Do you think you'll review laser printers in the future? Especially the ones that do color like the Canon mf743cdw and/or the HP m479fdw? (with regards to photography printing too?)

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks Sorry laser printers are not likely - I'll have a look, but I've not yet seen a laser that yields photo prints at a level I'd accept. My reviews are more likely to be looking at much larger inkjet printers (17" width and above)

[@wolft2953]

@@KeithCooper That's understandable! Laser printers aren't known for great photo prints. THank you, keith!

[@d1proff]

I am having pizza wheel efect on my ET-8500 using Epson Ultra Premium Photo Paper Glossy. Any idea on how to avoid it?

[@KeithCooper]

Ah, I've not tried an 8500. Should not happen with Epson papers - if it's a new printer, I'd ask Epson...

[@d1proff]

Install the latest firmware. I had that issue with my ET-8500 and the same paper. The latest firmware resolved the issue.

[@itsjessicahomann]

I have this printer and have been testing for days but print small images I am having hard time getting good quality ugh this is my first time having a printer and I’m just getting into the art graphic stuff. And I am genuinely having a hard time but I am testing on just regular white paper so maybe so maybe I need to be testing on a little bit better paper I don’t know because I don’t like that they’re blurry like that the small image is like blurry so my image I have five of the same image and they’re all at 2.5“ by about 1.7 inches. That’s how small the image are and it’s not coming out clear on this printer any tips please be great I’m also using my iPad to print from. That’s where I do most of my printing. I do sometimes design on my computer and then print it from my iPad but because it’s a work computer, I don’t really like to use it for anything other than work should I get a MacBook? Would that help or I want to get a MacBook but I was gonna wait but I tho😢’m

[@KeithCooper]

'plain' paper will never give good images with any inkjet printer. iPads are good for many things - printing images is generally not one of them ;-) See the main [written] review and especially the free EPL software www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/ - not the use of printer profiles and specific inkjet paper.

[@itsjessicahomann]

@@KeithCooper well bigger Images of the digital art comes out pretty awesome after I played with settings but tried that same image small and very blurry… last question i’ve always wanted a MacBook, so do you think that is a good choice

[@itsjessicahomann]

@@KeithCooper reading the review now

[@KeithCooper]

Won't get any argument from me - I've not used a win pc this century... ;-)

[@itsjessicahomann]

@@KeithCooper i figured the small image thing out for the ipad but went and bought 2023 16 m2 mX PRO anyways lI lovvvve it ol now the goal is to learn color profile etc which i did start already .. you create icc profiles as well right? at a cost of course

[@ispenttoomuchongear]

Wish they made a 900 - 1300€ Ecotank P900 equivalent with pigment inks. If they added A2 support too, like the Prograf P-1000 has, that would sell like hot cake.

[@KeithCooper]

Not coming up any time soon I'm minded to suggest. I'd suspect the P900 update might be a 2026 product, but not ink tank

[@Michelle_9_27]

What are your thoughts on crafters changing their Epson Printers into a sublimation ink printer ? I wonder if you can change the ink that comes with the printers into sublimation ink?

[@KeithCooper]

Very much at your own risk. If I needed a dye sub printer I'd buy a dye sub printer. People will no doubt try it, just don't try the guarantee if it goes wrong after a month or two...

[@Michelle_9_27]

@@KeithCooper yes, that is true! Now the cheaper Epson inkjets are getting very expensive due to demand & people changing the inks.

[@seahorsecrazy]

Orderd one today 😊

[@KeithCooper]

Hope it goes well for you!

[@seahorsecrazy]

@@KeithCooper very good so far, I followed your set up video, so much easier than trying to follow Epson’s instructions. Thank you Keith

[@LOTUSARTSTUDIO-gx8yf]

Gentlemen, its very hard to findout Fine Art Paper here. So what kind of paper i use. RC coated paper or normal high glossy paper 😔

[@KeithCooper]

Sure, I realise I'm lucky in having several specialist paper suppliers I deal with, and one within cycling distance (Paper Spectrum, Leicester)

[@AnOpticalView]

Keith I disagree that most purchasers of this printer £500+ would not know a profile if it fell on them. At this price point I suspect potential printer buyers are looking for good enough quality with heavily reduced ink costs. These buyers would know about profiles even if they do not have a fuller understanding.

[@KeithCooper]

Ah, ...we... know what profiles are, but that is not the market this printer is primarily aimed at. I should perhaps have made a clearer distinction between the market segment that it is aimed at and the likely purchasers, who I agree will have a solid proportion that do know about profiles. This (in Epson's eyes) is a consumer level printer, despite what it might seem to us. Part of my testing is to show that notwithstanding Epson's placement/marketing, it is capable of good results.

[@igloboy]

Great video =)

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks!

[@mathu_stans]

why do some ET-8550 use 114 inks while others, especially white ones use 552 inks?

[@KeithCooper]

Purely Epson international stock designations AFAIK I'm told there is no difference between white and black other than the colour

[@vincevasquez5841]

Lol, I went through 80% of my fine art before realizing there only 1 printable side

[@KeithCooper]

Whoops... ;-)

[@colinanderson1101]

Hi Keith, fascinating stuff. I'm getting back into printing after a break of some 20 years. My last printer was an Epson 1160 dedicated to printing B&W with , if I remember correctly, MIS Associates inks. Currently considering this, the ET8850, or the XP15000, both seem to be very capable printers but with very different price points. Anyway, I had a question around printer profiling if I may. I notice that the profile prints that you did were on the same size of paper as the one that you made the final prints on; does one have to profile on the actual size one will eventualy print on or could one use the A4 size to build the profile with the final print being made on a bigger size? Thanks.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks. The profiling prints are that size purely because I happen to have an X-Rite iSis XL patch reader which will scan that entire sheet in one go. Most commercial profiling services work with A4 or letter sized targets, where several sheets might be needed. Very few custom profiling services work with patch sets as large as the ~3k you see here :-) BTW I also had an 1160 with Lyson SG inks in it 20 years ago :-)

[@What_Other_Hobbies]

I have printed on the wrong side before. Not once, but multiple times.

[@KeithCooper]

Easier to do than some think, with some papers...

[@robertnicholls2316]

Hi Keith, do you mind if I ask no a question about this printer , I’d v like to print out diagrams on ordinary paper up to 2m, what would be the best ordinary roll paper to use ( obviously cut to size ) Hopefully you can help Regards Bob

[@KeithCooper]

I don't believe it will go that full length - check the specs [mac and pc are different] A matte heavyweight paper of at least 240gsm. It needs to be an inkjet paper though - there are not many papers in 13" though. 24" slit will do 12" width, or cuts from a 44" roll