What is Fine Art Paper? A detailed explanation of the paper chosen by professionals to preserve the value of your artwork for a long time.

Carefully selected fine art paper that enhances the expression of your work

For artists, photographers, and illustrators who want to "express their work in the best possible way" and "maintain the value of their work for a long time," the choice of printing paper is a crucial factor that will determine the finish and longevity of their work. Of the many types of paper available, "fine art paper" in particular is chosen by many professionals for its excellent expressive power and durability.

In this article, we at PHOTOPRI will explain in detail what fine art paper is, its characteristics, how to choose it, and why it may be the best choice for your artwork. Let's uncover the secrets that will take your artwork to new heights.

What is fine art paper? ~Exploring its essence and appeal~

Fine art paper is a special canvas for artworks that cannot be described simply as "paper." With the remarkable evolution of inkjet printing technology, it has become possible to reproduce high-resolution, high-quality digital images that rival or even surpass traditional silver halide photography, and its value has rapidly been recognized in the art industry.

Main features of fine art paper: "archival durability" and "texture"

The main feature that sets fine art paper apart is that it combines outstanding durability with a rich texture that adds depth to artwork.

1. Excellent "storage"

Many fine art papers use high-quality cotton or alpha cellulose (high-purity wood pulp) as their main raw materials. Cotton-based fine art papers in particular contain no or very little lignin (one of the main components of wood, a substance that causes paper to deteriorate and yellow). This prevents acid-induced deterioration of the paper (acid-free), allowing for the long-term preservation of artworks. Historically, its excellent durability is attested to by the fact that many valuable works written on cotton-based paper, such as Renaissance paintings and the Gutenberg Bible, remain in good condition even after hundreds of years.

High-quality raw materials ensure the long-term preservation of fine art paper.

2. Rich texture and expressiveness

One of the attractions of fine art paper is its surface texture. There are a variety of types, from smooth to textured, with a painterly texture. By choosing the right type to match the theme and atmosphere of your work, you can enjoy not only the visual appeal but also the tactile feel as part of the piece. This "texture" affects how ink adheres and how colors sink, bringing a unique depth and warmth, or sharpness, to your work.

Fusion with inkjet technology

Modern fine art paper is designed to be optimized for the latest inkjet technology. Combined with high-quality pigment inks, it offers a wide color gamut, rich gradation, and astonishing high resolution, faithfully reproducing even the subtle nuances of digitally created artwork. At PHOTOPRI, we offer ultra-high-resolution printing at 2880 x 1440 dpi , maximizing the potential of fine art paper.

Why do artists choose fine art paper? - Reasons that increase the value of their work

There's a clear reason why professional artists and photographers choose fine art paper.

• Faithful color reproduction and rich gradation: Accurately reproduces the colors intended by the artist and smooth gradations from shadow to highlight.
• High-quality reproduction of every detail: Captures every detail of the artwork vividly, leaving a deep impression on the viewer.
• Long-term preservation and value maintenance of artworks: Museum-quality preservation ensures that artworks retain their beauty and value for a long period of time.
• Diverse expressive possibilities: Choose from a variety of paper textures, thicknesses, whiteness levels, and more to give your work a unique character.

PHOTOPRI's carefully selected fine art paper lineup

At PHOTOPRI, we carefully select fine art paper from world-renowned manufacturers to maximize the expressive potential of your work. We stock the most representative papers from each brand, including Germany's Hahnemuhle, France's Canson, and Japan's Epson and PICTORICO.

Examples of PHOTOPRI recommended fine art papers:

• Hahnemuhle Photo Rag : A representative matte fine art paper. Made from 100% cotton, it features a soft texture and excellent color reproduction. Ideal for photographs, illustrations, and black-and-white works.
• Hahnemuhle FineArt Pearl : The pearlescent luster creates a deep color expression. Ideal for fine art photography and exhibitions.
• [EPSON] Velvet Fine Art Paper : The smooth, velvet-like texture is perfect for artwork and photographs that require a luxurious finish.
• [PICTORICO] Semi-Gloss Paper (Pictorico Pro Semi-Gloss Paper) : This popular paper boasts a refined semi-gloss finish and is easy to handle. Recommended for portraits and other versatile projects. (Although technically based on RC paper, its expressive power makes it a popular choice for fine art applications.)
• [PICTRAN] Kyokushi (Pictran Kyokushi) : A glossy matte paper with a traditional Japanese feel. Ideal for expressing warmth and creating Japanese-style art.

We also have a wide variety of other paper types available, including matte paper and glossy fine art paper .

Why not try it out and feel the texture for yourself?

If you're unsure which paper to choose, we recommend first checking the actual texture and thickness of all our paper samples (23 types in total) . We also offer trial prints so you can check the finished product using your own data.

PHOTOPRI all paper sample set *The number of papers may vary depending on the time of year.

Check all paper samplesRequest a trial print

How to Choose the Best Fine Art Paper for Your Artwork

There are many different types of fine art paper, so you may be unsure which one to choose. Here are some tips on how to choose the right paper for your project.

• For photographic works:
  • Landscape photography: If you prioritize color depth and gradation, we recommend Hahnemühle's Photo Rag or FineArt Pearl.
  • Portraits: If you want to express smooth or soft skin texture, Velvet Fine Art Paper or silk-like fine art paper would be a good choice.
  • Monochrome photography: Rich blacks and tonal gradation are required. Photo Rag Baryta and Mono Silk Warmtone (ILFORD) are effective.
• For illustrations and CG art:
  • Watercolor-style, light touch: A matte paper like Photo Rag, which gently adheres to the ink, is suitable. Washi-based paper can also create a unique atmosphere ( see Washi list ).
  • Digital art requiring vibrant colors: FineArt Pearl or glossy fine art paper will enhance the vibrancy of colors.
• For a classic look and a subdued finish: cotton-based matte paper (e.g. Photo Rag, Velvet Fine Art Paper) is ideal.
• For a painterly texture: consider canvas paper ( see canvas section ) or textured fine art papers such as Hahnemühle German Etching or Torchon.

Ultimately, it's up to the artist to choose the one that best suits their own preferences and the concept of their work. We encourage you to take advantage of the trial print and see for yourself.

PHOTOPRI's commitment to fine art paper

At PHOTOPRI, we don't just provide paper, we also provide support in terms of both technology and services to help artists maximize the potential of fine art paper.

Summary: Take your artwork to new heights with fine art paper

With its excellent archival properties, rich texture, and high expressive power, fine art paper is an important choice for maximizing artists' creativity and preserving the value of their works for the future. In today's digital world, the value of "daring to print" and the unique appeal of physical prints are increasing.

At PHOTOPRI, we have a deep commitment to "giving form to your work" and solid technical skills backed by many years of experience, helping you realize your work in the best possible form.

We encourage you to experience the power of fine art paper with our full range of paper samples and trial prints . We hope you will choose PHOTOPRI as your partner to elevate your artistic expression to new heights.