Red River’s New Palo Duro Etching Paper is Designed to Emulate the Darkroom Look

Last Updated on 05/25/2017 by Chris Gampat

It’s not every day or even every quarter of a year that new paper gets announced, but in the case of the new Red River Palo Duro Etching there’s a big reason for photographers to get excited. The paper is made of 100% cotton rag which is designed to present the look of classic fine art prints that can be produced in the darkroom. For that reason, Red River is positing the paper for black and white photographers, portrait photographers, and landscape photographers. To that end, Red River explains they went deep into the physical feed of the paper and to render warm, natural tones with deep blacks. Theoretically, that means you’re most likely going to be locking your white balance to daylight before you print; but of course that also depends on what kind of lighting you’re in.

More information is after the jump below. We’re going to ask Red River for some samples and get to printing.

Red River Paper’s Palo Duro Etching Sets the Bar High for Fine Art Inkjet Media

100% Cotton Rag and OBA-Free, New Paper Renders Beautiful Warm Tone Whites / Deep Blacks with a Hint of Texture to Create Look and Feel of Traditional Fine Art Prints from the Darkroom

Dallas, TX – May 23, 2017 – Red River Paper is introducing a new fine art paper that will impress the most discerning photographic purists, fine art collectors, and museum curators. Palo Duro Etching is a natural white paper made from 100% cotton rag that presents the classic look of a fine art photographic print produced in the darkroom. It is an ideal paper for nature / landscape photographs, rich black-and-white images, artwork reproductions, and gorgeous skin tone reproductions. Completely free of acids, lignins, and OBAs, Palo Duro Etching will receive high marks for its museum quality and archival stability.

“Our new Palo Duro Etching paper is one of the finest photo papers we have ever produced,” explains Drew Hendrix, owner of Red River Paper. “From its subtle-textured surface and quality ‘feel,’ to rendering warm natural tones and deep rich blacks, Palo Duro Etching will satisfy even the most critical eye.”

Palo Duro Etching meets all the critical demands of art galleries, museums, and collectors. Made from 100% cotton fiber, the paper is free of any additives including chemicals or optical brighteners (OBA) to create the look and feel of darkroom-quality prints that won’t fade or discolor over time.

The secret to its ability to capture luxurious deep blacks is a special barrier coat placed between the paper and inkjet receiving layer. Ink remains “trapped” in the inkjet coating and cannot sink into the paper base. The results are deep, rich blacks typically not found in matte surface papers.

Benefits of Palo Duro Etching Paper

• Deep blacks, smooth gray tones, true saturated colors
• Fine photographic reproductions – for sale or for display at home
• Meets standards of most discerning print enthusiasts
• The look and feel of original fine art or darkroom prints

Palo Duro Etching is available now in 4×6, 5×7, 8×10, 8.5×11, 9×13, 11×14, 13×19, 16×20, 17×22, 17×22, 17×25 and 13×38. Rolls are available in 17”x50’, 24”x50’ and 44”x50’. All papers can be purchased directly from Red River Paper.