Fibre based papers have an emulsion
on a piece of high quality paper that is very similar to the type of paper
used for printmaking and are not coated in plastic. This paper base tends
to be much thicker than RC paper and the back is unprotected. The emulsion
side has a layer of barium sulphate (Baryta) between the base and the emulsion.
The baryta layer stops the emulsion soaking into the soft paper, and so
improves definition and print blacks. With most manufactures fibre papers
are considered their "Art" papers and are most often silver enriched meaning
they have a richer deposit of silver and can produce richer blacks. However
they need longer and more exacting processing methods.
Diagram Courtesy of AGFA
Link to types of Photo-papers
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