Matte Black (MK) ink is designed for Matte Papers and Photo Black (PK) ink is designed for glossy papers. The difference between these two black ink types is simple; MK prints a very dull, flat black, while PK prints a highly glossy, shiny black. Think in terms of flat black spray paint vs. glossy black spray paint. Generally speaking, the very best results and the deepest blacks for that particular substrate will be achieved by using PK with glossy substrates and MK with matte substrates. Your Epson printer manual will also provide you with a decent explanation of when they recommend using matte black ink or photo black ink.
That being said, wide-format Epson printers present a problem for those who wish to maximize their output potential by offering both matte and glossy papers as available substrate options. This is because Epson machines are built to run either the PK or the MK, rather than allowing the printmaker to switch blacks from print to print. As a result of this quandary, those who own wide-format Epson printers must make an important decision – “What type of prints do I want to be best at?†In other words, if 80% of your printmaking business is fine art on matte papers and matte canvases, naturally you will want to run your Epson with MK, which will render the highest black density on your primary substrate line. Likewise, if you are a photo lab for example and mostly reproduce photography on glossy papers, the PK is the more intelligent choice as it will render the glossiest black, which is most desirable on glossy substrates (to avoid a gloss differential).
Traditionally, most all inkjet printable substrates, matte or glossy, will “work†with the PK ink. Though the maximum black density (DMAX) would be significantly less, the print is otherwise unaffected. This is not true of the MK ink. When most glossy or semi-glossy papers are introduced to the MK ink, the ink will run and bleed, rendering the print completely unusable. <removed> is one of the only manufacturers to offer glossy inkjet papers and semi-gloss inkjet papers that work well with both inks. Our Vibrance Gloss, Vibrance Semi-Gloss, and Allure Rag, are all papers with a glossy surface that will print surprisingly well with the MK ink. The prints will dry instantly and will not bleed or run in the slightest and the gloss differential barely noticeable if at all. Therefore, we have created a solution for printmakers who predominantly use matte papers and canvases with MK ink, but still want the option of printing on glossy substrates. Sure, these papers will look “best†with the PK ink…but most would be pleasantly surprised by the print quality using the MK ink.
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