Let's start out with a comparison of the new Shapeways Full Color Sandstone with the old variation, and a similar product from a different vendor.
Can you guess which one is which?
On the left we have the old FCS, in the center are prints from another company, and on the right is the new FCS.
Please note that for some reason the new FCS color palettes were printed sideways, which is why you see more printing lines there.
Old FCS:
+ Pro: Good black, good strength
- Con: Poor white, dark colors, sometimes blurred colors, sensitive surface
Other vendor:
+ Pro: Good white, strong surface
- Con: Poor black, inconsistently applied gloss-y surface coating
New FCS:
+ Pro: Good white and black, brightly vivid colors, strong surface
- Con: Poor surface finish in a specific case
Check out that contrast!
The new FCS is lying on top, if you didn't notice from the great quality.
Now, the only killing issue that occurred in this specific test. The surface which, I assume, was resting on the table, while the print was drying from it's finishing process, has random blobs of stuff and other dust on it. This is something you should take into account, as a designer, as it's not possible to have it floating around to dry. It seems to be an issue only when your resting area is large and flat, if you put an extruded border on the plane it will not be a noticeable issue.
Here follows, uncensored, all detailed pictures from the entire test range with relevant comments where needed.
The stuff clearly visible above.
Below, same item, other side, no issue of course.
(Splitting across posts due to image count limit.)