PICTORICO Fine Art Smooth - High-quality matte paper with a cotton-like texture

"I want to express my work with a calm, refined texture."

To all artists who share this same aspiration, we at PHOTOPRI confidently recommend "Fine Art Smooth," one of PICTORICO's fine art series.

This cotton-blended fine art paper is different from ordinary glossy paper or RC paper.

Its extremely smooth, matte surface makes use of the texture of the paper itself, elevating the work to a natural yet profound appearance.

In this article, we will introduce in detail the unique charm of Fine Art Smooth from the perspective of our staff.

What is Fine Art Smooth? Getting to the heart of it

First, let's look at the basic specifications of the Fine Art Smooth.

Fine Art Smooth - Specs

What is particularly noteworthy is its outstanding thickness of 390 μm .

When you pick it up, you can feel that it is even sturdier than thick drawing paper. This physical weight gives the work a certain dignity.

Four charms of Fine Art Smooth

1. Cotton blend creates a warm and natural texture

The base material contains cotton, giving it a soft and moist feel.
The natural texture of paper fibers gives the work a warmth and a definite physical presence.

2. Absorbs light with deep blacks and rich gradation

One of the issues with matte paper is that it renders dark areas shallow, but Fine Art Smooth is a paper that produces vivid colors while still retaining a deep black.

The smooth gradation and solid contrast make photos and illustrations stand out even more.

3. Smooth surface that doesn't kill details

The "smooth" surface, which is also the name of the product, comes from the fact that the texture of the paper does not interfere with the work.

It faithfully reproduces all details, such as the sharp lines of architectural photographs, the subtle touches of illustrations, and the texture of skin in portraits, without any blurring.

4. Excellent cost performance, suitable for everyday use

One of its attractions is that it is a high-quality fine art paper, yet its price makes it easy to incorporate into everyday printing.

It can be used without hesitation not only for full-scale exhibition works but also for test printing during the production process, so it is also recommended for those printing on matte paper for the first time.

[Example Commentary] See the appeal of Fine Art Smooth with prints

Seeing is believing.
Let's take a look at some actual printed materials to see what kind of expressions this paper actually enables.

Makes skin texture soft and elegant.

Fine Art Smooth expresses the texture of skin smoothly and softly. Because it does not have the strong reflection of glossy paper, the viewer's eyes are naturally drawn to the subject.

The delicate details of each individual hair are reproduced without being crushed, resulting in a soft, calm, and very elegant finish.

In addition, since the work does not reflect light from lighting in the exhibition space, it can be viewed as a flat print.

From bright highlights to deep shadows, the smooth gradation of tones is expressed, conveying the atmosphere of the scene, creating an immersive experience that draws you into the world of the work.

Summary - A high-quality presence that breathes in silence

Fine Art Smooth, which was only recently launched by manufacturers in 2022, has a solid thickness and texture and light and dark reproduction that is comparable to fine art paper made overseas.

This paper is affordable and excels at producing vivid colors, so I think it is a paper that can be recommended for both illustrations and photographs.

Print now with Fine Art Smooth

Q&A - Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Won't the color be weaker on matte paper?
Fine Art Smooth has an extremely high density of black and is very good at expressing highly saturated colors compared to other matte papers. It also has superior color depth and richness of gradation compared to regular matte paper, making it a favorite among many artists.

Q2. Is it suitable for long-term storage of artwork?
A2. Yes. Fine Art Smooth's durability meets the high standards required by museums and galleries (quote from the manufacturer). When combined with the genuine pigment inks used by PHOTOPRI and stored in an appropriate environment, such as framing , the beauty of your artwork can be maintained for a long time.

Why not try it out for yourself first?

There are many aspects of the paper's texture and color that are difficult to understand until you actually hold it in your hands.

PHOTOPRI offers two convenient services to help you choose the best paper for your work.

All paper samples

You can actually touch and compare all 29 types of paper we have carefully selected, including Fine Art Smooth.

Order all paper samples

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Trial Print

Using your own design data, we will print it in A5 size on the paper of your choice. You can then check the actual color and texture for yourself.

Request a test print