Help!! I need matte black & white prints

[wardens33]

Help, I have just been told that the lab I currently use for enlargements cannot print digital files on black & white paper... They used to (with fair results) but found that they got better (ie) easier for the lab) results when printing grayscale images on color paper. But... The enlargements have a color cast and they are printed on a lustre matte paper. I hand tint my enlargements and need flat flat matte paper! Anyone know of any labs that could accomodate this? Additionally, I recently purchased an EPSON 2200 but don't currently have ANY time to play with it. I actually have printed some black & white images using only the photo black ink and up to 8 x 10 I don't find them objectionable. I only use Photoshop Expressions (don't have the bucks for Photoshop 7 yet) Does anyone have a quick tutorial for how I should approach calibrating my monitor/ creating ICC profiles. I have only tried printing on EPSON lustre paper so far but the results in color are horrible. I know I have my work cut out for myself... any help would be greatly appreciated.

[coughlin47]

I've had good results on the 2200 for BW prints using the Matte Black print cartridge in place of the Photo Black. With it I've printed on the Epson Velvet Fine Art paper (very thick - have to use the manual feed thru the back of the printer ) - for more specs see inkjetart.com I've also printed BW on other lustre papers with good results using the Matte Black cartridge.
As far as your poor colors with the Epson Lustre .... I've been using a fairly inexpensive paper from inkjetart - micro ceramic lustre with the profile for the paper (I believe I got the profile on that site as well).
I also suggest that you try the Epson forum and the printing forum over at www.dpreview.com I know this has been discussed over there as well.
Bill

[wardens33]

Yes, I have used photoshop to "hand tint" some portraits but I have alot of trouble getting the flesh tones appealing. I still like the look I get the old fashioned, tedious way... photo oils. Doesn't anyone out there send out for prints anymore?!?ha:)