In my leisure time, I enjoy watercolor painting in a quaint corner of the city. But on days when I’m not feeling creative enough to paint, I resort to creating art prints at home. However, not all printing paper types can reproduce digital artworks as vividly as they may appear on the screen. So, in today’s article, I’ve listed the best types of paper for art prints, considering factors such as color accuracy, texture, and archival quality.
Best Paper for Art Prints
1. Epson Premium Presentation Paper MATTE – Best Heavyweight Matte Paper
Being one of the world’s largest manufacturers of electronic printers and imaging-related tools, it is no surprise that Epson reigns on my list of the best paper for art prints!
I especially like how this matte finish paper offers a non-reflective yet soft look to the printed artwork. Plus, this heavyweight paper weighs 600 grams, making it ideal for professional work that’s sure to last for ages.
One of the main benefits of matte papers from Epson is that they resist fading for up to 72 years. And considering our modern-day unhealthy lifestyles, it’s safe to say that your art prints will last a lifetime! Besides, this bright white, double-sided fine art paper is suitable for all types of inkjet papers, allowing complete versatility and convenience.
The matte paper further boasts a 93% opacity and an ISO brightness of 103, thereby producing vibrant and accurate colors. Its high-quality coating allows quick ink absorption, resulting in sharp and vivid colors that are true to the original artwork.
What We Like
- Thick, heavyweight stock for professional-looking art prints
- Bright white base for vivid color reproduction
- Fade resistance
- Double-sided matte finish
What We Don’t Like
2. River Linen Paper 60lb. – Best Acid-free Paper
Right off the bat, I was drawn to the luxurious texture and archival quality of this paper, which makes it ideal for printing vintage art. I also like how it’s neither completely matte nor very glossy, thanks to the high-performance photo matte layer embossed with the surface finish.
The unique linen finish of the paper gives it a tactile look and feel, enabling you to create stunning art prints full of depth and dimension. Additionally, the linen paper is made of pure alpha-cellulose, so it is completely acid-free, making art prints last long and resistant to yellowing/fading.
Moving on, this Red River Paper is compatible with both dye and pigment-based inks, so it will be able to handle multiple layers of ink without bleeding or feathering.
What We Like
- Durable, acid-free composition
- Luxurious linen texture
- Compatible with aqueous ink
- Bright color paper for professional-quality prints
What We Don’t Like
3. Hahnemuhle FineArt Inkjet Paper – Best for Beginners
This product is a game-changer for artists looking to experiment with different textures and finishes for their art prints. I say this because the sample pack contains a mix of six different papers, ranging from matte to glossy – each with its own unique texture and feel. This variety allows both professionals and amateur artists to try different surfaces and choose the one that suits their artwork best.
On trying this product, it was compatible with my inkjet printer and produced some of the most vivid art prints in my collection. From stunning detail and saturation to crisp contrasts – the art prints reproduced on this paper have not yellowed or faded to date.
I also appreciate how some papers in this pack work best with dye-based inks while others are more suitable for pigment-based inks. And this flexibility is exactly what draws me back to these fine art papers each time!
What We Like
- Versatile mix of different types of papers
- Archival quality matte finish
- Long-lasting prints
- Vibrant color payoff
What We Don’t Like
4. Epson Velvet Fine Art Paper – Best Matte Paper for Fine Art
Since I had already tried my hand at Epson Premium Presentation Paper, I was unwilling to check out yet another product from the same brand. But after putting the Epson Velvet Fine Art Paper to the test, I was impressed by its unique texture and exceptional color reproduction capabilities.
Available in two sizes, this museum-quality acid-free fine art paper ensures that your favorite prints look vibrant for ages. Plus, the 100% cotton rag promises impeccable archivability, further adding to the durability of your art prints.
I further appreciate how the white paper dries instantly and offers enhanced 1440 dpi printing for high-quality color output.
What We Like
- Acid-free construction
- Cotton rag paper (suitable for archival fine art reproduction)
- Bright white surface with matte finish
- Quick drying
What We Don’t Like
5. Aurora Art White 300 – Best Eco-friendly Fine Art Paper
This semi-smooth paper for fine art prints is made of cotton linters that once became waste, thereby ensuring a win for the environment and a win for you! Boasting a 300 gsm construction, I prefer this cotton paper over canvas paper, especially for printing art (portraits, landscapes, etc.).
Based on my first-hand experience, I was able to achieve a colorful image on both sides. The acid-free base stock and coating further ensure that the ink is absorbed evenly, resulting in a stunning color gamut and outstanding color accuracy.
Further, I was impressed knowing that the paper is ISO 9706 and ANSI Z 39.48-1992 certified, which speaks volumes for its quality.
What We Like
- Acid-free coating
- Eco-friendly construction (made of “recovered fibers”)
- Bright white finish with optical brightening agents
- 100% cotton-made with a semi-smooth finish
- Suitable for double-sided printing
What We Don’t Like
6. Premium Arctic Matte Inkjet Photo Paper – Compatible With Most Inkjet Printers
The smooth white color and matte finish of this inkjet printing paper ensure that your photography gets a non-reflective surface.
Like most of my recommendations, this paper for printing art is also acid-free and meets the ISO 9706 standards. Also, it is compatible with pigment, dye, solvent, latex, and oil-based inks – giving you complete freedom of creativity.
Lastly, Finestra Art offers a lifetime warranty on all its paper products, so take advantage of this deal while you can!
What We Like
- Lifetime warranty
- Compatible with different types of inks
- Matte finish with acid-free construction
- Ensures long-lasting, high-resolution printing
What We Don’t Like
7. Canon Luster Photo Paper – Best Glossy Paper for Photographic Prints
Available in two sizes, this glossy finish paper is ideal for professional photographers, as it provides an elegant lustrous surface that effectively resists fingerprints. Unlike other glossy papers, I also like how this product eliminates glare while producing a subtle sheen – just right for reproducing your special moments on paper.
Moreover, this photo paper offers enough thickness and weight for creating high-quality prints that are durable and resistant to damage from handling. As such, it is an excellent option for professional photographers and artists seeking to produce prints that will stand the test of time.
What We Like
- Heavyweight paper suitable for photo books
- High gloss finish yet resists fingerprint marks and glares
- Durable
- Outstanding color reproduction and even tonality
What We Don’t Like
Quick Comparison For The Top Fine Art Prints Papers
| Top Paper For Art Prints | Color | Paper Finish | Sheet Size | Sheet Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epson Premium Presentation Paper MATTE | Bright White | Matte | 8.5 x 11 inches | 1.3 lbs. |
| River Linen Paper 60lb. | Bright White | Linen Texture | Available in various sizes | 60 lbs. (may vary with size) |
| Hahnemuhle FineArt Inkjet Paper | Multicolor | Matte | 8.5 x 11 inches | 0.54 lbs. |
| Epson Velvet Fine Art Paper | White | Matte | 8.5 x 11 inches, 13 x 19 inches | 0.8 lbs., 2.2 lbs. |
| Aurora Art White 300 | Bright White | Semi-Smooth | Available in different sizes | 80 lbs. (may vary with size) |
| Premium Arctic Matte Inkjet Photo Paper | White | Matte | 8 x 10 inches | 3 lbs. |
| Canon Luster Photo Paper | Black | Glossy | 13 x 19 inches | 2 lbs. |
Best Paper For Fine Art Prints Buyer’s Guide
1. Paper Material
Having paper with a two-layer structure (base and coating) is essential, especially for printing large prints (e.g., posters, architectural drafts, etc.). The highest quality paper bases are made from cotton (rag) fiber, wood cellulose, or a combination of both.
Notably, rag paper contains 100% cotton or linen, so its price is also the highest in the lot. It is also important for the paper to be acid-free, with a pH value of 7.0 or higher, if you want your paper to resist fading and discoloration.
2. Paper Weight
For printing art, it’s best to opt for heavier paper as it provides rigidity and prevents curling and warping. That said, the weight of the paper is usually measured in gsm (grams per square meter), and photographers often choose paper of 230gsm or heavier.
A heavier paper also makes handling a lot easier when mounting or framing. But you must note that not all printers can handle thick and heavy paper.
3. Whiteness And Brightness
A bright white paper is a must if you want vibrant colors and sharp detail in your art prints. Interestingly, inkjet photo papers are typically rated in the mid to high 90 range, with 100 being the highest on the brightness scale.
Although most manufacturers use chlorine bleach or Optical Brightening Agents (OBA) to brighten the art paper, I recommend steering clear of those products. This is because chemically treated paper can lead to color shifts over time.
4. Paper Finish/Surface
The paper finishes available for printing include glossy, semi-gloss, luster, satin, and matte. I recommend glossy and semi-gloss paper for printing art as they offer the best saturation. However, matte paper is my preference for black-and-white prints, especially vintage art.
5. Coating Technology
The most common coating technologies are microporous, swellable, and resin-coated (RC).
Drawing from experience, microporous coated paper is not suitable for dye-based inks, as it leads to discoloration over time. However, it works well with pigment-based inks.
RC paper, on the other hand, is fiber-based and coated with a swellable or microporous coating. This makes it suitable for printing and offers a durable finish. But some photographers are not fond of its “plastic” feel.
Finally, you have a swellable paper that goes with dye-based inks. It also produces a very crisp, fade-resistant print.
Which fine art papers are the best – matte or glossy?
Depending on the look you want, you can choose between matte and glossy paper. As I explored both, I recommend the glossy paper for a bold and vivid look, especially for photographic prints.
Conversely, matte photo paper has a low-reflective surface that results in a more subdued appearance while preventing glare and fingerprints.
Besides using fine art papers, what else is required for printing high-quality photos?
or high-quality photos, it is imperative for you to use a good printer. I suggest an inkjet printer if it’s compatible with the type of paper you choose.
You should further ensure that the artwork or photograph you wish to print is of high image resolution.
Conclusion
After a thorough inspection of the aforementioned products, I highly recommend the Epson Premium Presentation Paper MATTE for its bright white, fade-resistant base. Another one of my favorites is the 60lb. River Linen Paper for its unique textile texture.
However, at the end of the day, it comes down to the look you want to go for. So, make sure you research well, choose the best art paper wisely, and let your creativity shine!
For artists everywhere, on Architecture Lab we have also reviewed the Best Paper for Prismacolor Pencils, cast a glance!
Related Articles
15 Best Canvas Printing Service Providers
The Best Websites to Get Your Art Framed Online
