We post here a list of fine art papers that we used and liked. There are certainly many more papers available that have high standards and good quality.

We started with the paper list from our book "The Art of Fine Art printing 2006" DOP3003 which also contains a lot more useful information on papers (properties, trade-offs and more).

Paper Categories

• Matte papers
• Matte fine art papers

• Satin/glossy coated rag papers (new emerging category)
• Satin papers with a very soft gloss finish
• Luster/pearl papers
• High gloss papers

• Specialty papers and canvas

• Papers for fine art proofs (not proofing for printing press)

Matte papers

• Epson Enhanced Matte: Very nice, smooth paper that is even quite inexpensive. But be aware that the paper may turn yellow due to use of quite strong brighteners. This paper is also very thin, so that in some cases warping may occur.

Matte Fine Art Papers

• Hahnemuehle Photo Rag: Very popular, but expensive. Paper are available in different weight (from 188 g/m2 to 460 g/m2. Photo Rag is also well suited for B & W prints. You have to watch for scuffing and cotton dust and should in any case wipe the paper with a soft brush before printing.
• Somerset Velvet Photo Enhanced: Very nice paper. One of our favorites.
• Moab Entrada Natural: Excellent, reasonably priced paper.
• Epson Ultra Smooth: Top paper, that is also archival. Watch for cotton dust, however.
• Crane Museo II: Very fine paper.
• Innova Art Photo FibaPrint: Nice fine art paper

Satin/glossy coated fibre/rag papers (new emerging category, especially for B&W)

• Crane Museo Silver Rag: Nice for B&W
• Hahnemuehle Fine Art Pearl: Nice satin surface
• Innova Art Fiba Print Gloss: Slightly more glossy than the above papers

Satin or soft gloss papers

Most of these papers have a plastic feel (RC papers). More an issue in open portfolios than behind glass.

• HP Premium Plus Satin: Very nice satin surface (for HP Designjet 30/90/130 and 8450/8750 printers only).
• Epson Premium Semigloss: Comes close to the Epson Premium Semimatte paper, but maybe not quite as nice.

Luster/pearl papers

Most of these papers have a plastic feel (RC papers). More an issue in open portfolios than behind glass.

• Epson Premium Luster: popular paper with good Dmax and Epson K3 inks. Some don’t like the surface which is no problem behind glass.
• Ilford Galerie Classic Pearl: a popular alternative to Epson Premium Luster

High Gloss papers

Most of these papers have a plastic feel (RC papers). More an issue in open portfolios than behind glass.

• Epson Premium Glossy: Some bronzing can show. The bronzing may largely be reduced using the new Epson K3 inks.
• HP Premium Plus Gloss: Very nice glossy paper surface (for HP Designjet 30/90/130 and 8450/8750 printers only).
• Pictorico Photo Gallery Hi-Gloss White Film: Very special paper, that has an ultra smooth surface and also a lot of contrast and depth. It is rated to be very archival.

Specialty papers and canvas

We have no recommendations for this category

• All sorts of canvas
• Rice paper
• Coated Aluminum
• Many more variations

Papers for fine art proofs

This category is for papers that you may use for first test prints. These papers should be close to the top papers but way less expensive. Proofing on top papers cost you an arm and a leg.

We like feedback from our readers about:

• Paper used (original paper names and not OEM)
• Sizes used (sheet or roll)
• Comment on paper
• Qualification of the surface
• Printers used
• Matte or Photo Black used
• Issues with this paper (scuffing, thickness, curl, ...)
• Handling recommendations
• Profiles used (custom or stock)
• Your real first and last name (in case we want to quote you)