So a while back I ordered one of these to see what the deal was. In short - they use a textured paper and obviously spray some sort of fixative or laminate over it.
It's glossier than I thought it would be, and the pages are thinner as well. So much so that there is a subtle bend in the paper when the book is completely open. i.e. full page spreads don't look as good crossing the crease.
I tried it out because its supposed to be higher end than the regular one, but my first impression is exactly the opposite. It will be tough to convey in pics but I'll take some if I get a chance.
I just thought of another thing. Being that you're in NJ, it's extremely cold, probably causing the paper to have a suble bend. Can you let it warm up to the room temperature and see if that changes antyhing? I've heard this before about the flush mount albums, that sudden temperature change can make them do crazy things. Let me know if that works? As for the crease issue, i cannot comment on it.
canerino wrote:
Scott, how is the actual printing? Especially the black and whites?
Chuck - the prints are noticeably warmer than the regular albums, likely due to the Hahnemuhle paper. It's also darker than the normal books, both colors and blacks and whites. It's not bad printing, just different, and very textured.
The remedy to your dilemma is the "Huntington" from West Coast albums. It addresses each of the issues you mentioned. True matte gently coated - not some glossy laminate coating. Relatively thick pages. Absolutely stunning black and whites and Ridiculously vivid color. Weighty. Exquisite.
Mohaimen Kazi wrote:
I just thought of another thing. Being that you're in NJ, it's extremely cold, probably causing the paper to have a suble bend. Can you let it warm up to the room temperature and see if that changes antyhing? I've heard this before about the flush mount albums, that sudden temperature change can make them do crazy things. Let me know if that works? As for the crease issue, i cannot comment on it.
momo- read his response to you. It's not a Finao ONE album. It's an ART ONE album. The
paper is totally different. It's printed on page I believe, it's not fixed to any substrate.
Our FineArt inkjet papers are pure natural products, manufactured in an elaborate process from cellulose fibres and/or linters, which are then coated in a separate refinement process. Throughout the production process, we make sure that important parameters are met. For example - the paper's ‘moisture content'.
As paper tends to achieve a balance with its environment, the paper's moisture content can change. Atmospheric condition changes, such as the dry air in heated rooms, damp air in unheated storage rooms or low temperatures can result in ‘curling' - the curving of the paper sheets. More often than not, a slight re-bending of the corners or the use of a ‘D-Roller' will easily solve the problem.
After doing a little more research seems like there are some issues with the hahnemuehle paper in different temp. Cracking and flacking were another thing I seen mentioned about that paper. Definitely glossy as well
Something else to consider is the terrible smell coming off this thing whe ever I open it. No doubt it's from the spray protectant/fixative used on the prints but man does it stink.
I just visited Finao last week and looked at all their albums. Granted, I don't have many albums that I've seen to compare to, but I was really impressed with the Art One sample they showed me. The paper was very glossy, and I'm not a gloss fan, but it looked really classy. Their options on their covers, from the metallic look to the textured glass look, was really good to me.
I'm eager for a full report from WPPI. Have we assigned a team to be the albums reviewer for those of us who can't make it?
