- GE brightness and ISO brightness are different because they incorporate two different testing methods. Their measurements differ in the angle and the reflected source of light. The ISO brightness is usually about two units higher than the GE value, so 100 ISO brightness is equivalent to 98 brightness on the GE scale.
- Brightness Comparisons Sample Advertised TAPPI ISO D65 Brightness Brightness Brightness Brightness First Choice 96 96.1 100.0 112.9 Xerox Premium Ink Jet 113+ 95.6 99.2 111.3 Bright White Paper Hammermill Jet Print 106 94.8 98.5 111.6 Hammermill Color Copy 96 97.0 99.1 111.7 Domtar Microprint Ink Jet 94 93.5 96.4 lo8.2 Results were obtained from internal testing performed in Fort MiJ, SC.
- Paper Brightness Chart
- Brightness Of Copy Paper
- Ge Brightness Vs Iso Brightness Chart
- Cie Whiteness Scale
Brightness, as specified by the TAPPI is the measurement of the amount of reflectance of blue light (Wavelength 457 nanometers, 44nm wide). There is also an ISO standard for measuring brightness (ISO 2469 - Paper, board and pulps - Measurement of diffuse radiance factor) but this is rarely used as the CIE whiteness scale is the more common measurement.
Paper Brightness Chart
How white is white? Different levels of whiteness and brightness are used when classifying papers, but brightness and whiteness are not the same. Both affect the images printed on the paper, especially the vibrancy of the colors.
Measuring Paper Brightness
Brightness measures the reflectance of a specific wavelength of blue light—457 nanometers. The brightness of a piece of paper is typically expressed on a scale of 1 to 100 with 100 being the brightest. The multipurpose bond paper used in copy machines and desktop printers generally has a paper brightness in the 80s. Photo papers are normally in the mid to high 90s. Paper rated in the 90s reflects more light than paper rated in the 80s, which makes it appear brighter. The higher the number, the brighter the paper. However, manufacturers often use terms such as 'bright white' or 'ultrabright' instead of numbers. These labels can be deceiving and not truly indicative of the brightness or whiteness of the paper.
Measuring Paper Whiteness
Brightness Of Copy Paper
Where brightness measures the reflection of a specific wavelength of light, whiteness measures the reflection of all wavelengths of light in the visible spectrum. Whiteness also uses a 1 to 100 scale. The higher the number, the whiter the paper.
Ge Brightness Vs Iso Brightness Chart
Individually, white papers may all appear quite white, but when placed side by side, white papers show a range of colors from bright cool white to a softer, warm white. For ordinary usage, the best measure of paper whiteness is your eye and the appearance of your image on the paper.
Brightness and Whiteness Affect Image Color
The brighter and whiter the paper, the brighter and lighter the images that are printed on it. Colors on less bright papers are noticeably darker. For the most part, images on bright white paper have more vibrant colors. However, some light colors in an image can appear washed out on the whitest papers.
Cie Whiteness Scale
Paper Brightness and Finishes
Photos appear brighter and colors clearer on inkjet photo papers with high paper brightness ratings. With matte finish papers, a high paper brightness can make a greater difference than it does among gloss or glazed finish papers of varying paper brightness.
Eye vs. Paper Brightness Rating
Even when the paper manufacturer supplies a paper brightness rating, the true test is how your images print on that piece of paper with your particular printer. Before making a sizable investment in a specific type of paper, print some images on in-store printers like your own, ask for paper samples to try at home, or ask your commercial printer or paper supplier for samples printed on paper you are considering.