OctOPUS Blog: Olmec or Fibaprint Archival Paper?

The OLMEC 230gsm Archival Matte Paper is a really excellent archival matte paper, with many satisfied users.  OPUSalbums lists this paper at £3.04 per square metre.

The Innova FibaPrint IFA39 White Matte paper 280gsm is a really excellent archival matte paper, with many satisfied users.  OPUSalbums lists this paper at £11.19 per square metre.

How ever do we justify the difference.

Both products are excellent.  They both have an exceptionally smooth surface.  Many people will look at the image on the Olmec product and be very pleased.  But for really excllent results the Innova Art Fibaprint (TM) product cannot be beaten.  It is produced with a far more costly process - and the difference is visible.

-  The Innova FibaPrint product has a far greater gamut.  This is particularly visitble in the area of dark shadows.

-  Innvova FibaPint has a higher DMAX rating

- The Innova FibaPrint paper is produced on the Fourdrinier process so that the fibres all flow the same way.  This increases the fineness of the print.

-  Innova FibaPrint is a true bareit-type paper

- Whilst both papers have good archival qualities the Olmec product is classified as "Acid neutral", and the OBA-free Innova paper "Acid free".  The latter is superior.

- There is clearly a difference in weight and therefore feel quality, durability etc.

-  Many of the world's top photographers swear by the Innova paper.

-  And finally only the Innova Fibaprint benefits from the Innova technology which has led to its winning a number of TIPA and DIMA awards fior digital fine art and photographic archival papers

Ultimately the choice is yours.