Printing Koala RC Photo Paper with Epson ET-8550: A Practical Guide

Many users of Koala photo papers choose the Epson ET-8550 printer for its high-quality output and versatility. However, when printing on different types of photo paper—especially RC (Resin Coated) paper—it’s important to understand how paper structure, ink type, and printer settings work together to achieve the best results.

This guide will help you understand the key differences between paper types and how to optimize your print settings when using Koala RC photo paper with the ET-8550.

————————————————————————————————————————

1. Understanding Paper Thickness vs. GSM

One common question is why some photo papers with the same or similar GSM (grams per square meter) feel different in thickness or stiffness.

Koala RC photo paper uses a special 5-layer resin-coated structure, which differs from traditional cast-coated glossy papers. Because of this:

• GSM (e.g., 270gsm / 72lb) does not directly reflect perceived thickness
• RC paper may feel slightly thinner or more flexible
• Despite this, it offers:
  • Stronger water resistance
  • Improved durability
  • More stable surface for ink absorption
  • Consistent color performance

So even if it feels different in hand, the performance is engineered for professional-quality printing.

2. Dye Ink vs. Pigment Ink: Why It Matters

The Epson ET-8550 is designed primarily as a dye-ink printer, which influences how it performs with different paper types.

Key differences:

• Dye ink:
  • Sits within the coating of the paper
  • Produces brighter, more vivid colors
  • Better suited for glossy and cast-coated papers
• Pigment ink:
  • Sits on top of the paper surface
  • Offers better fade resistance and longevity
  • Works particularly well with RC-type papers

Important note:

While ET-8550 uses dye-based inks (more optimized for vibrant output), it can still print on RC paper—but results may vary depending on settings.

3. Why Prints May Look Dark or Cause Curling

If you experience darker prints or slight curling when using Koala RC paper with the ET-8550, it is often related to:

• Incorrect paper type selection in printer settings
• Print quality mode not optimized
• Color management conflicts
• Lack of ICC profile usage
• Environmental factors (humidity, storage conditions)

RC paper can be more sensitive to settings compared to standard glossy papers, so fine-tuning is important.

4. Recommended Print Settings for ET-8550

To achieve better results when printing Koala RC photo paper:

Printer Settings Suggestions:

• Paper Type:
  Try selecting:
  • Premium Glossy Photo Paper
  • or Ultra Premium Photo Paper Glossy
• Print Quality:
  • Set to High or Best
• Color Settings:
  • Disable automatic color adjustments if using ICC profile
  • Let the application manage colors when applicable
• Media Handling:
  • Use single-sheet feeding if possible for better paper handling
  • Avoid excessive stacking to reduce curling risk

5. Using ICC Color Profiles

For more accurate and consistent color reproduction, Koala provides ICC color profiles.

Benefits of using ICC profiles:

• More precise color matching between screen and print
• Reduced color shifts (especially in skin tones and gradients)
• Better control over brightness and contrast

Workflow tip:

• Enable color management in your design software (e.g., Photoshop)
• Apply the appropriate Koala ICC profile for RC paper
• Disable printer-level color correction to avoid duplication

6. Tips to Reduce Curling and Improve Output

• Allow printed sheets to rest flat after printing
• Avoid high-humidity environments
• Store paper in a cool, dry place
• Use appropriate paper feed settings to minimize heat and tension
• Ensure the correct paper type is selected (this affects ink volume)

7. Final Thoughts

The Epson ET-8550 can produce excellent results with Koala RC photo paper when properly configured. Since RC paper interacts differently with dye-based ink systems, achieving optimal output depends heavily on:

• Correct paper type selection
• Proper print quality settings
• Use of ICC profiles
• Understanding the nature of RC coating vs. cast-coated paper

If your prints appear too dark or show curling, adjusting settings is often the key to improvement.

————————————————————————————————————————