4 Best Papers for Making Art Prints at Home Today

Let’s take a moment to appreciate the wonder-workings of art printing papers. Thanks to these carefully-formulated papers, we get the best quality art prints, even by doing it ourselves, with fine art prints we can create our own gallery, at home.

Anyway, not all art-printing papers can produce prints of superior quality.

Therefore, after a long search for the best printing papers, we have come down to a total of 4 today. According to seasoned artists, these 4 are simply the best papers for making fine art prints at home today.

So, what are we waiting for? Let’s go ahead and take a look at the list!

Best Art Paper for Art Prints

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Here is a list of the 4 best papers for art prints that will help you achieve the highest quality results.

1. Hahnemuhle Photo Rag

This Hahnemuhle pack contains 25 sheets of printing paper. All the sheets are 100% rag and acid-free.

These particular ones are 8.5” x 11” in size and are made ideal for producing vibrant photo prints. They receive both inkjet and pigment dye processes.

Hahnemuhle Matte Photo Rag, 100 % Rag, Smooth, Bright White Inkjet...
  • Smooth bright white 100% rag based paper
  • Acid free paper designed specifically for optimum...

Experience

First of all, the surface of the paper is soundly smooth. It can project all your prints and make them appear flawless – no harsh lines; nothing.

The colors on the print will last for a pretty long time because the sheets are rag-based. Moreover, they are acid-free, which means your art will not face discoloration or abrasion for a long period of time.

With these, you will be able to produce images with a matte finish print.

Pros
  • Very smooth surface
  • Acid-free sheets
Cons
  • A potential frail surface can happen after printing

2. Hahnemuhle Museum Etching Paper

We have here another Hahnemuhle pack of art-printing paper. These sheets are also 8.5” x 11” each and are rag-based as well.

The paper wonderfully accepts inkjets and other dye-based inks and is OBA-free.

This pack also comes with 25 sheets of printing paper.

Hahnemuhle Museum Etching Paper (8.5 x 11 in.)
  • 100% rag fine art paper
  • Subtle surface texture

Experience

The paper produces high-quality classic photo prints.

Once printing is done, the paper yields a matte-coverage finish. If you prefer matte to gloss finish, then this would be ideal for your projects.

Similar to the display you get from glossy papers, this matte sheet can also blend together vibrant saturations with adequate highlights.

The sheets are also created to be OBA-free (optical brightening agents). This truly provides the “long-lasting” feature to your prints.

Pros
  • Superior quality prints
  • OBA-free papers
Cons
  • Expensive

3. Epson Ultra Premium Presentation Paper

If you’re looking for heavyweight tracing papers, we have the Epson Ultra Premium Presentation Paper.

The package contains 50 sheets of printing paper 8.5” x 11” each.

This paper gives prints a matte texture and it accepts all sorts of inks.

Epson Premium Presentation Paper MATTE (8.5x11 Inches, 100 Sheets)...
  • Perfect for non-glare photographs, craft projects...
  • Resists fading up to 72 years.

Experience

Epson has come up with these papers to target professional photographers and artists to create an extraordinary digital matte effect on paper.

Yes, the papers work with any sort of ink and still produce high-quality images. Its receptibility is super incredible. From experience, they also work marvelously with Epson Archival inks.

Pros
  • Has great ink receptibility
  • A large number of sheets
Cons
  • Consumes a lot of time to dry

4. Moab Entrada Rag Natural 300 [150]

Now we have one that is made purely from cotton, hence, the name “Moab Entrada Rag Natural 300”.

They are acid and lignin-free and allow a clean blend of different picture effects to all projects.

There are 25 sheets of 8.5” x 11” inches inside the package.

Experience

The Moab Entrada Rag Natural 300 is smooth and produces crisp and fine photos. This is perfect if you want to create sharp and professional images all the way!

Inks such as pigment and dye-based inks can be used on paper. The outcome will still be as anticipated.

We like that the paper is lignin-free (lignin is an element present in wood that can cause discoloration of paper in the long haul). Therefore, there is no need to worry about the colors fading or the paper developing blemishes. It will stay fresh for a lifetime.

Pros
  • Lignin-free
  • 100% Cotton
Cons
  • Require extra care because it’s made of cotton
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Buying Guide For The Best Paper for Your Art Prints


When it comes to choosing the best type of paper for your artwork prints, it’s important to consider a few key factors.

Things like printer type, the type of art you’re printing, size, finish, quality, and price can all make a difference in the final product. In this article, we’ll go over the different types of paper you’ll need to consider and how to choose the right one for your artwork.

Printer Type


The type of printer you’re using will determine what type of paper you’ll need to use. If you’re using an inkjet printer, you’ll want to use fine art paper or matte paper. If you’re using a laser printer, photo paper or a thicker paper like cardstock or a flyer is recommended.

Be sure to check your printer’s specifications for the best possible paper for printing art prints.

Type of Art You’re Printing


The type of art you’re printing will also make a difference in the paper you choose. If you’re printing a photograph, you’ll need to consider a different paper than if you’re printing a piece of artwork.

For photographs, the glossy or semi-glossy paper will give you the best colour and will make the print really stand out. For artwork, matte paper is usually the best choice as it gives the artwork a more classic, timeless look.

Size of Your Prints


The size of your prints will also be an important factor when it comes to choosing the right paper. If you’re printing large prints, you’ll want to make sure you’re using thicker paper that won’t curl or warp when it’s printed. For smaller prints, thinner papers will work just fine.

Finish


The finish of your paper can make all the difference when it comes to your artwork’s overall look and feel. Choose wisely and make sure to take into account the different finishes available.

Glossy papers will give you a brighter, more vibrant look, while matte papers will give your prints a more subtle, understated look.

Quality


When it comes to paper quality, you want to make sure you’re using a paper that won’t yellow or fade over time. We recommend using acid-free paper as it is designed to last longer and won’t yellow or fade.

Price


Finally, you’ll need to consider the cost of the paper. Depending on the type of paper you’re using, the price can vary. We recommend using the highest quality paper you can afford so you can create stunning art prints that will last for years to come.

Choosing the right paper for your art prints can be a challenge, but if you take into account the different factors mentioned above, you’ll be sure to make the best possible choice. With the right paper, you can create beautiful prints that you’ll be proud to show off.

Frequently Asked Questions

What photo paper is better, matte or glossy?

It depends on what you are looking for in a photo. Glossy photo paper has a high shine, making colors appear more vibrant and intense. Matte photo paper has less shine, giving photos a softer, more muted look and reducing glare and fingerprints.

What does the pearl finish on photos look like?

Pearl finish photos have a subtle iridescent sheen and a smooth, velvety texture. The pearl finish is designed to bring out the color and contrast of a photo while reducing glare and fingerprints.

How do I print high-quality photos?

To print high-quality photos, you will need to ensure you have the right equipment and materials. A good printer with quality paper will make a big difference. You should also make sure that your digital photos are of high resolution and are properly edited before printing.

What do professional photographers use to print photos?

Professional photographers typically use professional-grade photo printers and high-quality paper. Some may also use specialty papers such as canvas or fine art papers to create unique prints. 

Is it worth printing your own photos?

It can be worth printing your own photos if you have the right equipment and materials. Having the ability to print photos at home can be a great way to save money and time and create unique prints.

Conclusion

We have come to the end of our printing paper journey and we hope that you found this review helpful. We also hope you find the best printing paper for your masterpieces!

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For artists everywhere, on Architecture Lab we have also reviewed the Best Paper for Prismacolor Pencils, cast a glance!

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