Guide to Photo Paper Types
Printing your photos isn't just about what you see - it's about what you feel. With so many different emotions, people, and memories captured in your photos, choosing the right print and paper for your photo project is no small task. As your dedicated printing expert, we're here to make sure you find the right style, finish, and size to give your photos their proper due. This guide includes everything you need to know about our unique paper types and finishes so you can feel confident when you send your photos to the printers.
What's the difference between Photo Prints & Giclee Prints?
For starters, these are two distinctly different printing methods. Giclee, derived from the French word meaning "to spray", is a high-quality inkjet printing process where water-based inks are sprayed onto archival paper (or canvas) to produce a precise, color-accurate print designed to last for generations. Photo Prints, on the other hand, are produced with the silver-halide printing method. Silver halide is a traditional photo printing process using light-sensitive paper and chemicals to develop your photo (like a darkroom). Both options feature state-of-the-art image stability with certified archival values of 100+ years.
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Photo Paper Types
E-SURFACE PHOTO PAPER
Our top-rated photo paper for over 20 years, E-Surface Photo Prints set the gold standard for sharp color, unrivaled detail, and exceptional image stability with a certified archival value of 100+ years. Using the time-honored silver halide printing method, this timeless photo paper is the perfect entry point for those who value high-quality photo prints with a traditional semi-gloss finish. Available in a variety of standard sizes with professional mounting, framing, lustre coating, and matting.
Best for:
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Wedding and family portraits from a professional photographer
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Everyday photos from your camera roll
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Highlighting a milestone moment in a custom frame or scrapbook style album
METALLIC PHOTO PAPER
Specifically engineered for enhanced color with a unique “3D” appearance, Metallic Photo Prints are perfect for high-contrast photos with eye-catching depth and detail. The silver halide printing process allows metallic-like crystals to form on the surface resulting in a striking glowing look. Upload with our mobile app to easily print photos right from your phone.
Best for:
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Landscape photos
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Bold, colorful portraits
Giclee Paper Types
FINE ART GICLEE PAPER
A thick matte paper suitable for galleries and professional portfolios, Fine Art Giclee Prints are acid-free featuring a subtle watercolor texture and a smooth matte finish. Featuring neutral tones and deep blacks, each print is produced with a specialized, high-resolution inkjet printer utilizing pigment based inks. The weight is 200 GSM.
Best for:
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Fine art photography, wedding photos, and artwork
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Exhibitions and galleries
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Displaying behind a frame at your next gallery show
SEMI GLOSS GICLEE PAPER
Capture every detail with true-to-life color and enhanced resolution with Semi Gloss Giclee Prints. Highlighted by a beautiful luster finish with great color saturation, our giclee printing process delivers a wider color range, smooth gradations, and a high-quality tactile feel. The weight is 254 GSM. Choose from popular sizes like 4x6”, 5x7”, and 8x10” or make a statement with an impactful 30x40”.
Best for:
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Portraits and landscape photography
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Everyday photos from your camera roll
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Celebrating a cherished memory in a Tabletop Frame
HIGH GLOSS GICLEE PAPER
If bold, vibrant color and ultra-high contrast is what you’re looking for, High Gloss Giclee Prints are the perfect match for your photos. The reflective, glossy coating provides added sharpness and saturation. The weight is 276 GSM.
Best for:
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High-impact, colorful photos
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Small prints
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Sharp detail
DEEP MATTE GICLEE PAPER
From intimate elopements to fine art portraits, the velvety tactile feel of Deep Matte Giclee paper will keep you coming back for more. This lustreless paper eliminates distracting glare and offers a refined, sophisticated look. Available in a variety of sizes ranging from 1.75x2.5” to 30x40”.
Best for:
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Fine art photography and black & white photos
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Preserving your timeless wedding day in a handcrafted album
BLACK & WHITE GICLEE PAPER
Designed for black and white photography, our Black & White Giclee paper offers deep, neutral blacks with rich detail and a semi-gloss finish. Whether you’re printing an old photograph or a dramatic landscape, our modern inkjet printing technique allows us to print your image large (up to 30x40”) without compromising quality. Add a white border for composition and aesthetic appeal.
Best for:
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Landscape photos, pictures of children, and everything in between
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Framing a special moment or milestone
What Photo Paper Should I Choose?
E-Surface Photo paper
High Gloss Giclee paper
Frame your E-Surface photo paper with non-glare acrylic and add lustre coating for extra protection. Please note, even with these extra precautions sunlight will cause damage to your photo over time.
E-Surface, Semi Gloss, and Deep Matte papers are recommended for framing to reduce glare and reflections.
Our Giclee papers are available in large sizes up to 30x40.
Our Black & White, Fine Art, and Deep Matte Giclee papers are popular among artists and photographers. Ideally, you will select a paper based on your subject and overall artistic style.
Our Semi Gloss and Deep Matte papers are ultra durable and designed to resist fingerprints, smudges, and gentle handling.
Our photographic & giclee paper collections set the gold-standard for image stability. With proper care and conditions, these papers offer 100-year archival stability for in-home displays.
Still have questions? Reach out to our team via online chat and we’ll provide further assistance.