Los Alamitos, CA—Epson introduced the newest addition to its portfolio of Legacy papers. Epson Legacy Baryta II paper is inspired by the legendary f/64 Group of photographers.
“We worked with industry-leading photographers to improve upon our last baryta paper to produce this new, industry leading formulation,” said Jeffrey Smith, senior product manager, Professional Imaging, Epson America, Inc.
“Designed for artists who intend to sell their prints, the new Baryta II paper offers rich, deep blacks and a wide color gamut with a true baryta coating reminiscent of revered silver halide darkroom papers.”
Epson Legacy Baryta II Paper
In addition, Baryta II is an OBA-free, 100% cotton fiber paper with a true baryta coating. The paper is meant for professional photographers, fine artists, galleries, museums as well as collectors. The true Baryta paper offers a microporous coating to produce rich blacks and a wide color gamut. 
Further, Legacy Baryta II paper is available in cut sheets up to 17×22 inches and roll widths up to 60 inches.
With this new paper, the company’s portfolio of Legacy papers now includes five 100% cotton fiber, OBA-free papers. Epson Legacy papers are currently the only line of fine art papers printed with the latest Epson UltraChrome Pro12 and Pro10 pigment inks that were evaluated by Wilhelm Imaging Research (WIR)
The papers were evaluated using WIR’s eight-factor permanence testing protocols. Moreover, WIR is the world’s leading independent print permanence testing laboratory.
According to Henry Wilhelm, director of research at WIR: “Although still in testing, Legacy Baryta II is expected to achieve WIR Display Permanence ratings of up to 200 years for color prints framed under UV-filtering acrylic sheet. And more than 400 years for black-and-white prints when printed with Epson UltraChrome Pro12 and Pro10 pigment inks.”
Epson Legacy papers marry the artistry of European papermaking with the advancements in inkjet coating technology. Epson works with the finest paper mills in Europe. After the type of base required for each of the Legacy papers is produced, advanced microporous coatings are applied to achieve the highest quality and consistency.
Additionally, the papers must meet hundreds of design specifications. They must also ensure a high rate of production consistency for the richest blacks, color fidelity and smooth tonal transitions. Only then will a paper carry the Epson Legacy name.
Epson Legacy Paper Line
The full line of Legacy Papers includes:
- Epson Legacy Baryta II: This true baryta paper has a microporous coating for outstanding Dmax and color gamut, reminiscent of darkroom papers.
- Epson Legacy Platine: This is a unique paper with a satin surface that combines the look and feel of a traditional silver halide paper. However, it has a true fine art cotton base.
- Epson Legacy Fibre: This old-world artisan paper uses advanced technology. It also features a smooth matte finish with a true white base.
- Epson Legacy Etching. A tribute to the classic handmade etching papers, this paper has a subtle textured surface.
- Epson Legacy Textured: With the look of old-world handcrafted watercolor papers, it’s a heavily textured fine art paper. It offers exceptional black density and color gamut.
“With Legacy Baryta II, black-and-white prints are inky black, and color is rich and effortless,” commented Jim Richardson, National Geographic photographer, Jim Richardson Photography. “Just plain beautiful photographic prints that feel substantial and reminiscent of the very best darkroom papers.
“Central to photography is the idea of capturing moments you can look at for years, decades and centuries. I can tell anyone who comes in and buys a print from me, it will be a lifetime purchase.”
