What is Baryta paper?

1. Fibre based or Baryta papers for black and white printing

At Metro we have developed Fibre Based Black and White printing using our Lambda printer. This service is exclusive to Metro Imaging in the UK.

Baryta is a special barium sulphate coating that is traditionally applied to a Fibre Based photographic paper base prior to coating with the emulsion layers. This paper, also described as ‘Fibre Based’, has been popular as a traditional paper for black and white printing for many decades. Fibre based paper has the photographic emulsion coated directly onto the fibres of the paper so, in processing, chemistry soaks into the paper making it much slower to process, wash and dry. FB papers also react much better than RC papers to toning and other special effects, and are available in a much greater variety of specialty finishes. The technical benefits of the Baryta layer include greater detail and definition, extended tonal range and excellent archival properties.We recommend FB papers for their archival permanence and for producing the most beautiful fine art and exhibition prints.

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2. Fibre based or Baryta papers for inkjet printing

We also offer Giclée Fibre Based prints called ‘Baryta prints’ produced on our Epson Stylus Pro 11880. Instead of a light sensitive emulsion, the surface of the paper is receptive to pigment ink. Contrasting with more typical ‘Giclée’ papers, commonly matt in surface texture, these Baryta papers are slightly glossy.

The lovely thing about these new papers is that they bring back Baryta or Fibre based printing for colour images: something that hasn't been around for decades. These new Baryta coated fibre papers have a unique look and feel which have recently become popular for Giclée printing for a revival of that old fashioned, weighty, fibrous feeling.

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