The Best Paper for Art Prints (Canvas, Glossy, Matte + More)

It’s no secret that people love art! Whether it’s a painting, sculpture, or photograph, or even AI generated art, there’s something about art that just speaks to us on a deep level.

But if you’re an artist, you know that finding the right paper to print your work can be a real challenge.

There are so many different types of paper out there, and it can be hard to know which one is going to give you the best results.

That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive comparative guide to help you choose the best paper for printing art.

We’ll discuss the different types of paper available and what factors you need to consider when making your decision.

So whether you’re an experienced artist or just getting started, this guide will help ensure that your prints look their absolute best!

What are the best types of paper for printing art?

When it comes to printing art, the paper you use can make all the difference in the world and what paper you use depends on what kind of art you’re printing.

Here are some of the different types of paper you can use for printing art:

1. Photo paper

(Best for printing pictures for albums or portraits)

If you’re printing photographs, then photo paper is the way to go. It’s designed to give you the best possible image quality, so your photos will look their best.

Photos will also have a glossy, high-quality look which makes a big difference compared to other paper when you’re framing or including pictures in an album.

We recommend buying the Amazon basics photo paper. It’s cheap but has the same quality as some of the more expensive brands.

2. Watercolor paper

This type of paper is made specifically for printing watercolors. It’s usually thicker than normal paper, which helps to prevent the colors from bleeding through.

This can be useful when printing artwork or digital watercolor art.

We recommend buying the Epson Velvet Fine Art Paper if you want the finest quality art prints at a reasonable price.

3. Canvas paper

Canvas paper is another great option for printing art. It’s thick and durable so that it can stand up to a lot of abuse.

Canvas is especially useful when printing digital art that you want on to hang on your wall. For example, if you buy custom pet portrait art for your living room, Canvas paper would be a good option for printing a large high-resolution file.

Plus, Canva has a nice texture that can really make your artwork pop.

We recommend the PPD Inkjey Canvas with real printable cotton.

4. Matte paper

Matte paper is a good choice if you want your artwork to have a more muted look. It’s not as glossy as other types of paper so that it won’t reflect as much light.

This is good if you plan on recording videos of your pictures. With a matte look, the light won’t reflect on the camera when recording.

Pro tip: You can also remove the glass of pictures when recording to remove the reflection.

I recommend going with either HP or Epson Matte printing paper for best results.

5. Glossy paper

Glossy paper is the opposite of matte paper. It’s very shiny and reflective, so it will make your artwork really stand out.

However, just keep in mind it might reflect on the camera if you’re recording photos with glossy paper.

No matter what type of artwork you’re printing, there’s a type of paper out there that’s perfect for it.

For glossy paper, I’d recommend either HP or Canon for best results.

How to Choose the Best Paper for Your Art Prints

When it comes to choosing the best paper for your art prints, there are a few things you need to take into account. The type of paper you choose can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of your prints, so it’s important to choose wisely!

Here are a few tips to help you choose the best paper for your art prints:

Consider the Type of Art You’re Printing.

Are you printing photographs or digital artwork?

If you’re printing photographs, you’ll want to choose a photo-quality paper that will make your prints look their best.

If you’re printing digital artwork, you can choose a less expensive paper since the quality of your print will be determined by the quality of your artwork, not the paper.

Consider the Size of Your Prints

The size of your prints will also affect the type of paper you choose. If you’re printing large prints, you’ll want to choose a heavy-duty paper that can handle the weight and size of your prints.

If you’re printing smaller prints, you can choose lighter-weight paper that won’t cost as much.

Consider the Finish of Your Prints.

The finish of your prints can also be a factor in choosing the best paper for your art prints. If you want your prints to have a glossy finish, you’ll want to choose glossy paper.

If you want your prints to have a matte finish, you’ll want to choose matte paper.

Consider the Price

Of course, the price of the paper is also a factor to consider. If you’re on a budget, you’ll want to choose a less expensive paper.

If you’re willing to spend more, you can choose a higher-quality paper.

Consider the Shipping

When you’re ordering paper for your art prints, you’ll also want to consider the shipping. If you’re ordering paper from a local store, you can usually pick it up the same day.

If you’re ordering paper online, you’ll need to pay for shipping, which can add to the cost of your prints.

But if you’re shipping the paper anyway, you should consider designing your project online and having a company print it for you.

For example, Mixbook is incredibly easy to use, and you’ll receive a printed version of the finished project within a few days.

Consider the Turnaround Time

When you’re ordering paper for your art prints, you’ll also want to consider the turnaround time. If you need your prints quickly, you’ll want to choose a paper that can be shipped quickly.

If you’re not in a hurry, you can choose a paper that takes a little longer to ship.

Consider the Quality

Of course, the most important factor to consider when you’re choosing paper for your art prints is the quality. You’ll want to choose a paper that is high quality and will make your prints look their best.

Key Takeaway: When choosing paper for art prints, consider the type of art, size, finish, price, shipping, and turnaround time.

What Factors to Consider When Choosing Papers for Printing Art

If you’re an artist who loves to print your own work, you know that choosing the right paper is essential to getting the perfect print. But with so many different papers on the market, it can be tough to know which one is right for your project.

Here are a few factors to consider when choosing papers for printing art:

The Type of Project You’re Printing

Are you printing a photo or a painting?

If you’re printing a photo, you’ll want to choose a glossy paper that will make the colors pop. If you’re printing a painting, you might want to choose matte paper that will allow the texture of the paint to show through.

The Size of the Project

Will your art be framed or displayed on its own?

If it is framed, you’ll want to make sure the paper you choose is the right size for the frame. If it is displayed on its own, you can choose any size of paper you like.

The Printing Method You’re Using

Are you printing with an inkjet printer or a laser printer?

Inkjet printers work best with glossy papers, while laser printers work best with matte papers.

The Quality of the Paper

Not all papers are created equal! If you’re looking for a high-quality print, you’ll want to choose a heavy-weight paper that’s made for printing.

Your Budget

Paper can be expensive, so it’s important to consider your budget when choosing a paper for your project. No matter what type of project you’re printing, there’s a paper out there that’s perfect for it.

By considering these factors, you can be sure to choose the best paper for your needs.

Key Takeaway: The type of project, size, printing method, quality, and budget are all important factors to consider when choosing papers for printing art.

Tips on Storing and Displaying Your Printed Arts

As an artist, you want your work to look its best at all times. This means taking care of it – storing it and displaying it properly.

Here are some tips on how to do just that:

Store your artwork in a cool, dry place

This will help prevent it from fading or becoming damaged.

Display your artwork in a way that will show it off to its best advantage

Hang it at eye level, for instance, or use proper lighting to highlight its features.

If you’re not sure how to best store or display your artwork, consult a professional. They can help you make the most of your investment.

How to Preserve Your Printed Arts

We all know how important it is to protect our art. Whether it’s a painting, a photograph, or a print, we want to make sure it lasts for as long as possible.

But what is the best way to preserve your art?

One way to help preserve your art is to use the Best paper for printing art. This will ensure that your art is printed on high-quality paper that will not yellow or fade over time.

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the best paper for printing art.

The weight of the paper

Heavier papers are more durable and will last longer.

The brightness of the paper

A bright paper will help to make your art pop and will make it easier to see.

The finish of the paper

A glossy finish will help to protect your art from fingerprints and smudges. Once you have chosen the best paper for printing art, you need to make sure you store it properly.

The best way to do this is to keep it in a cool, dry place. You should also avoid exposing your art to direct sunlight or heat.

These can cause the colors to fade and the paper to warp.

Key Takeaway: To protect your art, use the best paper for printing art and store it in a cool, dry place.

FAQs for the Best Art Paper