Paper for Art PrintsNot sure how to choose the best paper for art prints? Then this article will be useful for you.

Paper types

What is the best paper to print digital art? What paper to use for art prints? Everyone who wants to choose the best paper for giclée prints or fine art print paper is interested in these questions

Therefore, it is important to choose fine art photo paper. We have identified three types of art print paper.

Let's start with Alpha-Cellulose paper for art prints. This paper is made of high-quality wood pulp. Various acids and lignin were removed from them, and the paper is matte. This paper looks stronger and cheaper than cotton rag paper. This is one of the best papers for quality printing.

Next will be cotton rag fine art paper printing. This type of paper impresses with its durability and, consequently, strength. Cotton cloth papers are considered to be of the highest class. This paper is made of cotton lining or rag. Sometimes you can find paper made in a mixed way, from rags and cotton lining. Thanks to printing on this paper, you can reproduce paintings close to the original. The result will impress you. Cotton - is characterized by relative cheapness, elasticity, and smooth texture. However, the cotton base does not tolerate the effects of humidity and temperature changes.

RC paper is resin-coated paper. One of the features of this paper is that it is waterproof and does not curl when dried. If you compare it with fiber-based paper, the time for its processing is significantly reduced. Preferably, about 30 minutes are spent on processing. It has a low price, resistance to external influences, uniform texture. It can have a variety of textures, including cotton and linen. This option is used in photo printing most often.

Weight

This value indicates the thickness of the photo paper. The unit of measurement is grams per square meter (g / m 2). The higher the density, the more durable and high-quality the printed image, because thick paper does not lose its appearance due to the ink. However, as the density increases, the cost of photo paper increases as well.

The thin sheet gets wet when printed and is strongly deformed. Therefore, such photo paper should be covered with ink as little as possible.

Be aware that not every printer is capable of working with very thick photo paper. Most printing devices are designed for paper with a density not exceeding 300 g / m 2.

Approximate density of photo paper:

  • 80-100 g / m 2– printing of text information (abstracts, reports), maximum resolution - up to 720 t / d (dpi);

  • 100-150 g / m 2– printing of printed products (leaflets, booklets), maximum resolution - 1440-2800 t / d (dpi);

  • 160-300 g / m 2 - photo printing, maximum resolution - 5760 dpi (dpi). Especially popular photo paper with a density of 230 g / m 2.

Texture

Paper for art prints can be smooth or textured. Extraordinary quality photos can be created with smooth paper. The colors and contrast are very clear. The main disadvantage is that the paper is too thin. In turn, the textured paper gives more volume to your image, it skillfully highlights different elements and colors of the image. So, textured - has a surface that mimics the texture of wood, leather, and other materials. It is used for making postcards, business cards, creating art photos, design works, reproductions of paintings. There is matte and glossy textured photo paper.

Paper whiteness

The whiteness of the paper is measured as a percentage, and the leader in this indicator is coated paper, the more layers of a special coating (consisting of white pigment adhesives) the greater the percentage of whiteness.

Finish

The coated paper can have a glossy or matte finish, the choice depends on the requirements for the products to be manufactured and, accordingly, on the result expected.

Matte

Matte - does not shine, differs in roughness, the raised linen. Matte paper is relatively inexpensive, resistant to mechanical impact. Allows printing with water-soluble, pigment, and sublimation inks. In comparison with the glossy analog, the matte paper transfers thin transitions of shades worse, and the paint on it dries longer.

Scope:

  • photo printing for further lamination;

  • creation of large-format calendars and posters;

  • small print printing;

  • production of printed products in which textual information dominates.

Glossy

Glossy - smooth and shiny. This paper perfectly conveys the subtlest gradations of shades and bright colors, provides high contrast.

Glossy photo paper has a relatively high cost, gives glare, and is sensitive to mechanical influences (fingerprints, scratches). Only water-soluble inks are required for printing. The perfect choice for printing bright pictures and professional-level photos.

Scope:

  • printing of posters, photo calendars, posters, high-quality advertising products;

  • amateur and professional photo printing of portraits, landscapes, and other images with realistic color reproduction;

  • production of printed products with bright illustrations.

SuperGlossy is an improved version of glossy photo paper. It is even more smooth and shiny and better conveys the shades and colors of the picture. The result is a detailed and colorful image comparable in quality to photos from professional laboratories. Pigment ink is used for printing.

Scope:

  • making business cards;

  • creation of high-quality printing products and advertising materials;

  • professional-level photo printing.

Luster/pearl

Luster/pearl or Semi-Gloss / Semi-Matte is an intermediate between a glossy and matte finish. It is characterized by soft gloss, resistance to scratches, compatibility with various inks, and rather a low price. At the same time, the paper transmits color gradations well.

Semi-gloss / semi-gloss photo paper handles the transfer of shades and bright colors worse than its glossy counterpart.

Scope:

  • amateur and semi-professional photo printing;

  • interior graphics;

  • production of booklets, brochures, leaflets.

Metallic

Now printing on metal has become fashionable. It has become an integral part of many pubs, cafés, or home decor. Printing of this type is clear, shiny, and durable. So, based on these facts, you need to choose an image with the maximum resolution before printing, then the work of art will look clear and professional. Otherwise, you may be disappointed. Well, to the advantage mentioned above, after printing on metal, the image does not lose its quality for many years. You also don't need anything for processing. Image can be used immediately after printing

Metal paintings are resistant to water and scratches. The image can be placed in any part of the house, even in the damp room. Well, now consider the ways of printing:

The first way is a polished metal surface. By choosing this printing method, you make the colors of the image duller.

The second way is a real colored surface. The surface is covered with a base silver coating, and therefore the image will radiate its colors to the maximum.