PremierArt Matte Scrapbook Photo Paper for Epson Now Shipping

August 2003 - It will now be easier for scrapbookers to take advantage of computer technology to enjoy their hobby, as Epson America Inc. launches PremierArt Matte Scrapbook Photo Paper for Epson. The paper, which was previewed at the HIA Show earlier this year, is now shipping in both a letter and a 12" x 12" size to fit the most popular standard album sleeves, making it unique as the only scrapbook size archival, printable, top quality photo paper.

PremierArt Matte Scrapbook Photo Paper is an acid-free, lignin-free, buffered paper for printing photos and other elements for creating archival scrapbook pages. This two-sided paper, made of 100 percent cotton, is compatible with all dye-based and pigment-based ink jet printers from all manufacturers.

With this paper, scrapbookers can digitally design pages in their entirety, importing photos, creating headlines and adding text directly to the file before printing out the completed scrapbook page. They can also use the paper to print custom elements of their pages, such as background patterns, borders, headlines or photos, then cut them out and adhere them to an album page.

Print Life in Album Conditions
Tests conducted by Wilhelm Imaging Research Inc. have rated the dark storage properties of PremierArt Matte Scrapbook Photo Paper with Epson inks up to 200 ears without noticeable yellowing or other deterioration when stored in an album in archival sleeves.* Tests are still continuing.

Epson officials said the new papers will be in high demand from scrapbookers who use digital photos because it will allow them to maximize the use of their computers to create truly one-of-a-kind pages by printing out elements or full pages of patterns and backgrounds to take to their crops, or even to design and print complete pages. A popular way scrapbookers will use the 12" x 12" paper will be to scan and print additional copies of traditionally made pages to share with others, rendering a copy that's hard to distinguish from the original.

"This new paper, combined with the latest Epson printer technology, will give scrapbookers unmatched image quality and superior archival properties," said Barbara Kotsos, senior manager, scrapbooking solutions, Epson. "And by having both letter and a 12" x 12" size, scrapbookers will be able to use the latest technology not only to print elements of their pages but also to design, print, scan and reprint entire pages, making this solution the answer to their dreams."

Software to Maximize Capabilities
Both of these papers include free, easy-to-use software, valued at $29.99. The letter-size PremierArt Matte Scrapbook Photo Paper comes with ArcSoft Collage Creator software, which enables users to easily print elements for a page or design complete scrapbook pages. The 12"x 12" size PremierArt Matte Scrapbook Photo Paper comes with ArcSoft Panorama Maker software, which enables users to scan portions of 12"x12" pages on a letter size scanner, stitch them together, then print out the full page on a wide-format printer, as well as seamlessly combine horizontal, vertical, or tiled sets of images to create gorgeous panoramic photos.

Pricing and Availability
PremierArt Matte Scrapbook Photo Paper for Epson is now available through specialty retail stores nationwide, mail order and the Internet, including Epson's Web site. The PremierArt Matte Scrapbook Photo Paper will be sold in packs of 20 sheets in the letter size and packs of 10 sheets in the 12" x 12" size. Because the matte paper is two-sided, these packs will yield 40 scrapbook pages and 20 scrapbook pages, respectively. The estimated street price for each of these packs will be $19.99.

*Dark storage ratings based on accelerated testing of paper stored in archival sleeves in an album. Actual paper stability will vary according to storage conditions, light intensity, humidity, and atmospheric conditions. Epson does not guarantee the longevity of the paper. For maximum paper life, archival sleeves should be used, and excessive humidity must be avoided.

SOURCE Epson