I’ve used COT-320 before to make platinum/palladium prints and this paper is as good, just thinner, so cheaper. Very happy! I prefer the smooth side of the paper.

Best paper for platinum printing!

I struggled with good cyanotype in terms of tonal smoothness.. Tried using a pack of this and the quality surprised me! Unfortunately it comes in only limited sizes and dealers often ran out of stock.

Using the hybrid formula SWC.

Did find out that low humidity in paper (45% or lower) lowers the DM. Also. the NC needs to be fresh, or kept in full and stoppered bottles. Otherwise the highlights fog. Of course that happens on any paper!.

For me this paper is my goto for all my Alt. Processess needs.


It is durable and renders perfectly.


I Highly recommend it for anyone who is doing alternative process work!!

Heavy weight, smooth on one side rough on the other, makes for great paper for Pt/Pd, Cyanotype or just about any other paper based alternative process. Paper dries fairly flat and readily accepts coating with photosensitive materials. Comes in a variety of sizes which makes it comventient for testing your process at a smaller size before printing bigger prints like 16x20.

Among the papers that print well in platinum/palladium and cyanotype (SWC), none produced quite as smooth tones as the Berger COT papers. After trying out their lighter weight COT 160, I quickly found it to be my favorite for smaller prints. The thin paper requires more care in handling when wet, but prints exactly the same as the 320 variety.

Platinum and cyanotype print more smoothly on this paper than most other brands. The lighter weight gives it a delicate feel, and the lower price, compared to the 320 version, doesn't hurt either.

It stands up and keeps its characteristics in multiple printing processes.

This is my go-to paper for platinum printing, especially the print out method of Malde and Ware. Nice backs, mid-tones and highlights.