When it comes to Giclée printing, your choice of paper is just as important as your artwork. The right paper can elevate a piece, bringing out depth, texture, and vibrancy — while the wrong one can flatten or dull your image.

Whether you’re a painter, photographer, illustrator, or digital artist, understanding the differences between Giclée papers will help you make the best choice for your work. In this guide, we’ll break down the most popular fine art and photographic papers used in Giclée printing, and help you decide which is right for your next project.

📜 What Makes Giclée Paper Different?

Giclée printing requires archival-quality, acid-free paper to ensure longevity and colour accuracy. These papers are made from 100% cotton rag or alpha cellulose, and are designed to hold pigment inks without fading or yellowing over time.

Key features of Giclée paper:

  • Acid-free and pH-neutral (for archival durability)

  • Textured or smooth surfaces for artistic variation

  • Compatible with pigment inks (not just dye-based)

  • Available in various weights (typically 240gsm – 340gsm)

🖼️ How Paper Affects Your Final Print

Different papers interact with ink and light in unique ways. The surface texture, weight, and base colour of a paper can all affect the final appearance of your print:

 

Paper Characteristic Effect on Print
Texture Adds depth and a tactile quality; can enhance or soften details
Finish (matte/gloss) Influences contrast and perceived colour richness
Base Colour (warm/cool) Affects the overall tone of the image
Weight (gsm) Impacts durability and handling; heavier paper feels more premium

🧾 Our Most Popular Giclée Papers at Giclée UK

We’ve curated a small selection of high-quality papers that we trust for both art and photographic printing. Each one has its own character — here’s a breakdown of our most popular choices:

1. Hahnemühle Photo Rag (308gsm)

Finish: Smooth matte
Base Tone: Natural white
Best For: Photography, high-detail artwork, black & white prints

Photo Rag is one of the most trusted papers in the fine art world. It has a smooth, velvety surface and excellent ink absorption, resulting in rich blacks, deep shadows, and strong contrast. Its natural white tone provides a soft, elegant finish — perfect for both colour and monochrome.

“Ideal for photographers or illustrators looking for true-to-life colour and subtle tonal transitions.”

2. Canson Rag Photographique (310gsm)

Finish: Smooth matte
Base Tone: Bright white
Best For: Clean modern artwork, flat colour illustrations, digital art

This 100% cotton paper has a crisp, clean finish and is slightly brighter than Photo Rag. The bright white base allows colours to pop with more intensity, making it a popular choice for artists working with bold palettes and sharp lines.

“If you want maximum colour contrast without texture interfering, this is your go-to.”

3. Epson Cold Press Natural (340gsm)

Finish: Textured matte
Base Tone: Warm, off-white
Best For: Traditional paintings, textured digital art, watercolour reproductions

With its strong, tactile texture, this paper is ideal for artwork that mimics traditional painting surfaces. The warm tone gives your work a softer, more classical feel. It’s also one of the thickest papers available, giving a luxurious feel in the hand.

“Perfect for artists who want their prints to feel like original paintings.”

4. Epson Enhanced Matte (192gsm)

Finish: Matte
Base Tone: Neutral
Best For: Posters, proofing, budget-friendly art prints

Though not as heavy as the others, Enhanced Matte is an affordable, versatile paper for less formal printing. It handles detail well, making it ideal for prints sold at markets, test runs, or promotional pieces. Still archival, but with a lighter touch.

“Great for artists on a budget or those offering open-edition prints.”

5. Hahnemühle German Etching (310gsm)

Finish: Heavily textured matte
Base Tone: Warm white
Best For: Charcoal-style sketches, traditional etchings, expressive line work

This paper has one of the most noticeable textures, with a coarse, fibrous surface that adds a tactile richness to printed work. It’s a great choice if you want your piece to feel hand-crafted, especially for monochrome or fine line illustrations.

“Best for artists who want to give collectors a print that feels like the real thing.”

💡 How to Choose the Right Paper for Your Work

Still unsure? Here are a few quick ways to narrow it down:

🎨 For Artists:

  • Want texture? Try German Etching or Cold Press Natural

  • Prefer smooth? Go with Photo Rag or Canson Rag

  • Selling premium limited editions? Use heavy, cotton rag papers like Hahnemühle

  • Offering open editions or posters? Try Enhanced Matte for affordability

📸 For Photographers:

  • For crisp detail and depth: Photo Rag is the most popular

  • For vibrant colour contrast: Canson Rag gives colours a lift

  • For a soft, vintage vibe: Cold Press Natural provides warmth and texture

🧪 Requesting Test Prints

We strongly recommend ordering a test strip or proof print if you’re unsure how your artwork will look on a particular paper. At Giclée UK, we’re happy to provide guidance or run a small sample so you can compare papers side by side.

If you’re selling limited edition prints, we also recommend standardising your paper choice across all editions to keep things consistent for buyers and collectors.

🖨️ Paper and Printing Go Hand-in-Hand

Remember: paper is only one half of the equation. Even the best paper won’t save a poor-quality print. That’s why we combine our curated paper range with professional Epson printers, pigment inks, and colour calibration tools to ensure that every print is gallery-ready.

Our Giclée printing process includes:

  • High-resolution output (up to 2880 DPI)

  • X-Rite i1Pro colour calibration

  • Pigment-based UltraChrome HDX inks

  • Clean, archival handling and packaging

📦 Ordering Giclée Prints Online

We’re in the process of launching our new one-page ordering system where you can:

  • Choose your paper type

  • Upload your file

  • Specify size, quantity, and border options

  • Place your order for local collection or delivery

Until then, just send your files and preferences to info@gicleeuk.com, and we’ll take care of the rest.

✉️ Need Help Choosing?

Not sure which paper to use for your next project? Drop us a message or call the studio — we’re always happy to help guide you. Choosing the right paper is an art in itself, and we’re here to help make sure your prints look exactly the way you imagined.