Choosing the Right Photo Paper

With the rise in self-printed photography and fine art reproduction, technology has made photo printers readily available to novice printers and professionals alike. With that technology expansion, new media have been produced on which to print those treasured memories. Because of the many choices, however, consumers may be confused as to which paper might best capture their photos. Allow us to explain how some different types of material might produce the results you seek.

Glossy Photo Paper

Most of us have, at one time or another, received a holiday or greeting card in the mail adorned with a family photo. Those are likely produced by printers with not much more power than yours at home. Because they are printed on glossy paper, the photos “pop out” at you in bright hi-res colors. Freedom Paper offers high-end, pressed microfiber glossy paper, in large format rolls, designed with state of the art inkjet-receptive coating over barite or titanium-dioxide sealed fiber construct. You will not be disappointed at the rich colors and striking clarity of this medium. Because of its high reflectivity, glossy paper may not be as preferable for framed or displayed photography. However, it does produce an effect that is eye-catching and professionally finished.

Matte and Semi-Matte Photo Paper

Versatility makes matte photo paper the go-to choice when you need a strong alternative to the glossier media. Designed for high quality fine art and photographic reproduction print applications, especially those employing giclée (fine-art inkjet) technology, matte paper is often used on professional displays because it captures much of the color depth found in glossier products. This paper displays well, maintaining its robust clarity in many types of lighting. As with most of our paper, Freedom Paper’s matte products are available in large format rolls.

Canvas Paper

A bit of a misnomer, most of Freedom Paper’s line for this material is actually closer to an artist’s canvas than to a traditional paper product. Maintaining the stretch and fibrous structure of a traditional art canvas, this product is optimized for use on printing devices. Most types are water resistant, all are durable. Canvas is used in lithography, photographic reproductions and portraiture. Similar in sheen to matte paper, canvas is resilient and excellent for wall-display, framing and preservation. As its name implies, this material combines the convenience of printing with the style of artistry.

Pearl Photo Paper

Perhaps you want to produce keepsake pictures such as those you can get from a photo-lab. Consider using pearl photo paper. Boasting rich color contrast against its bright white surface, pearl papers provide the high-end benefit of high opacity, glare reduction and finger print resistance. It is durable and doesn’t suffer as much ink-fade as lesser print media. For pictorial depth in black-and-white, as well as color photography, finished with a soft pearl sheen, browse through our Sihl (large format roll) and Hahnemuhle (single unit) lines of pearl papers.

Soft Gloss Photo Paper

Easy to manipulate, with excellent resolution, many brochures are printed on soft gloss photo paper. Its unique surface produces the effect of a matte finish in the copy area, making the text and detail easy to differentiate. But the pictorial portion on the same printed page reflects a glossier sheet, almost as if the printer had spot-brushed this section with a clear-coat finish. With the rise in scrapbooking, this product has found a niche in creating album photos, printed on an affordable, higher quality alternative to plain computer paper.

Luster Photo Paper

This material bridges the gap between glossy photo paper and matte. With a bold finish, luster photo paper grabs ink and preserves it within its texture. Again, durability is a selling-point for this medium. Its pebbled surface is why you’ll likely find this medium use in professional portraiture and wedding photos. Don’t be intimidated by its high-grade finish, however. If your goal is to add depth to your photos, this product is an excellent choice for everyday use.

Satin Photo Paper

A close cousin to the pearl finished papers, satin photo paper produces similar finishes to the luster grade as well. Though its surface is less textured than luster papers, satin finishes offer similar fingerprint resistance. Like pearl papers, the reflection is softened by light diffusion.

Why Choose Photo Paper by Freedom Paper

As you narrow your choices, based on your needs, you want to know that whatever kind of paper you select will be both available and of the highest quality. Freedom Paper offers a wide assortment of photo printing supplies and media. Best of all, we offer most of our finishes, grades and lines in both small and large-format options.

Peruse our website, read the recommendations and match your needs to our offerings. It is our goal to match your print needs to the right product.

We also offer excellent service for the savvy internet shopper. Free ground shipping, low prices and high quality. Our shopping tools are easy to use and ready to bring the right paper for the right job, straight to your doorstep. We know that not everyone can get everything they need all at once. Build a wish list for easy access and prioritization. Let our site work for you and let our photographic paper products capture and preserve your favorite art and photography.