When it comes to print, choosing the right paper can make a bigger difference than the camera or file itself. Paper affects colour, contrast, texture and how an image is viewed by people in the real world. The same image printed on two different papers can look completely different.
Here's how our paper on offer can affect your final print.
Lustre Paper
Lustre paper isn't strictly glossy, it's a semi gloss paper with a very subtle sheen. It increases contrast and sharpness and makes colours appear more vibrant. Another plus of its semi gloss nature is that it reduces glare a lot more compared to glossy paper. This paper is great for vibrant photography, posters, graphics and everyday wall art.
If you're looking for the paper with most versatility Lustre is the easiest option.
Matt Fine Art Papers
Matt papers have little to no shine on the surfaces, they create softer more natural looking prints and feel more like gallery pieces. They're best for fine art photography, illustrations and exhibitions, and usually placed in mounted frames.
At Tek A Look, we currently offer 2 types of fine art Giclée Matte Paper.The Hahnemühle Photo Rag (308gsm) Smooth Fine Art and the Hahnemühle German Etching (310gsm) Textured Fine Art.
Hahnemühle Photo Rag is a smooth 100% cotton fine art paper with matte finish. This paper type produces soft natural colours with excellent tonal gradation. Great for a classic gallery style appearance. Because of the smooth surface fine details remain clear, while highlights remain quite gentle, rather than harsh. This paper type is best suited for fine art photography, landscapes, black and white prints, gallery work and prints frame with a mount.
Photo Rag is our most popular fine art option and the safest choice if you want a premium timeless look.
Hahnemühle German Etching is very heavily textured with a matte finish. The paper interacts strongly with the image meaning it becomes part of the artwork rather than just the surface it's printed on. This means it also softens finer details of artwork slightly. But the surface also adds depth and character and creates a tactile feel. It's best suited for illustrations, atmospheric landscapes and images with strong mood and texture. German Etching is perfect if you want your print to feel expressive and handcrafted rather than perfectly smooth.
How Paper Affects Colour
Different papers absorb ink differently. Bright white papers make colours pop. Warm-toned papers soften highlights and skin tones. Textured papers slightly reduce saturation. This isn’t a flaw, it’s part of the paper’s character.
How Paper Affects Sharpness
Sharpness changes with surface texture. Lustre paper appears the sharpest, smooth matte papers are slightly softer, textured papers intentionally soften detail. If your image relies on extreme sharpness, lustre or smooth matte papers are best.
Choosing Paper Based On Where The Print Will Be Displayed
Ask yourself: Will it be framed behind glass? Will it be mounted? Will it be viewed close-up?
General guidance:
- Behind glass: Lustre or smooth fine art
- Mounted / no glass: Fine art papers shine
- Bright rooms: Matte reduces reflections
- Low light: Lustre adds contrast
There’s No “Best” Paper, Only The Right One
Paper choice is subjective. Two people may choose different papers for the same image, both can be correct. The goal is matching the paper to the image and the space it will live in.
If you’re unsure:
- Lustre is the safest option
- Photo Rag is the safest fine art choice
Can you help me choose?
Absolutely.
If you’re not sure which paper suits your image:
- Tell us what you’re printing
- Let us know where it will be displayed
- We’ll recommend the best option
Thanks for Reading! - Jordan
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