How to Choose the Perfect Paper for Your Art Prints
Choosing the right paper and finish is one of the most important steps in producing professional art prints. The paper you select affects the look, feel, and perceived value of your artwork. Whether you sell online, at art markets, or through galleries, selecting the best combination of size, paper, and finish ensures your prints make the right impression and appeal to buyers.
Matte vs Gloss vs Satin Paper
Different finishes serve different purposes and buyer preferences:
- Matte: Soft, less-reflective, highlights fine details and textures. Perfect for illustrations, watercolors, and hand-drawn art. Shop 8×10 Matte Prints
- Gloss: Bright, vibrant colors with a polished look. Ideal for photography and bold digital artwork. Shop 11×14 Gloss Prints
- Satin/Semi-Gloss: Balanced between matte and gloss, offering subtle shine while preserving texture. Our matte prints are similar to satin.
Other Paper Types & Materials
Beyond the above finishes, the other types of paper can also dramatically impact your art prints. Consider:
- Archival Paper: Acid-free, long-lasting, and ideal for fine art prints that collectors will treasure. All papers in the fine art collection are rated as archival and acid-free.
- Textured Paper: Adds depth and character to watercolors, illustrations, or sketches.
- Canvas or Specialty Papers: Linen, watercolor, or handmade papers create a premium feel and make your prints stand out.
- Metallic and Pearl - These variants offer great ways to add vibrant and wild limited edition prints to larger sets of the same artwork.
- Photo Papers - Photo gloss and photo matte papers are available for large-format printing, like large posters.
Choosing the right material communicates professionalism and can justify higher pricing. Explore premium print options.
How Finish Affects Color and Detail
The finish you choose influences how your art is perceived. Glossy prints intensify color saturation and contrast, making digital art or photography pop. Matte prints preserve subtle textures and fine lines, perfect for sketches and hand-rendered art. Satin finishes strike a balance, maintaining color while reducing glare. Matching finish to artwork type ensures your prints look their best and appeal to buyers.
Matching Paper & Print Size
Selecting the right paper often depends on the print size. For example, 8×10 prints work well on standard matte or satin paper for small illustrations, while 11×14 or larger prints look impressive on satin or gloss paper for photography and detailed artwork. Properly pairing size and paper enhances both presentation and perceived value.
Framing & Display Tips
Buyers often want prints that are ready to frame. Standard sizes like 8×10 and 11×14 fit most pre-made frames, making it easy to display artwork immediately. Larger prints may require custom frames, but they create a bold visual impact. Offering framing suggestions or displaying prints in frames can increase customer confidence and sales. Shop framed-ready 11×14 prints.
Shipping & Handling Tips
Proper packaging protects prints and ensures customer satisfaction. Thicker matte papers resist bending, while glossy or satin prints benefit from protective sleeves or tubes. Smaller sizes like 5×7 are easy to bundle or ship in envelopes, while larger prints require reinforced tubes. Guiding buyers or preparing prints for safe shipping reduces damage, returns, and negative reviews.
Art Card & Bundle Suggestions
Pairing larger art prints with smaller 5×7 prints or art cards encourages add-on sales. Bundles provide buyers with more options and increase average order value. For example, selling an 8×10 print alongside a matching 5×7 card set creates a complete product experience.
Ready to Print Your Art?
Upload your artwork today and choose the perfect combination of size, paper, and finish to create professional art prints that sell. Start Printing Your Art Prints Now
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What paper is best for watercolor or hand-drawn art prints?
For watercolor or hand-drawn artwork, matte or textured archival paper is ideal. Matte paper preserves subtle details and prevents glare, while textured papers add depth and enhance the original artwork’s feel. Shop 8×10 Matte Prints or see all fine art prints.
Should I choose gloss, matte, or satin for digital artwork?
Gloss finishes enhance bright colors and contrast, making digital and photography prints pop. Matte finishes preserve subtle textures and are perfect for illustrations. Satin offers a balance between the two, with reduced glare and good color vibrancy. Choosing the finish depends on your artwork style and how you want buyers to perceive it.
Which print sizes sell best online?
Sizes like 8×10 and 11×14 consistently sell well because they fit standard frames, are familiar to buyers, and are easy to ship. Smaller prints like 5×7 and art cards are great for add-ons and impulse purchases, while larger prints (12×18, 16×20) serve as premium or statement pieces.
Do larger prints require special shipping?
Yes. Larger prints are more prone to bending and damage, so they should be shipped in reinforced tubes or flat with protective packaging. Using thicker paper or archival stock also helps prevent damage and keeps prints in pristine condition. See our large print options.
Can I bundle prints and art cards together?
Absolutely! Bundling larger prints with smaller 5×7 prints or art cards increases order value and gives buyers a complete set. Bundles are particularly effective at online shops, markets, and gallery events.
How do I choose the right combination of size, paper, and finish?
Start by considering your artwork type and target buyer. Small illustrations often work best on matte or satin paper in 8×10 sizes, while photography or detailed digital art may shine on 11×14 gloss or satin prints. Offering multiple sizes and finishes provides options, improves conversions, and encourages upsells. Learn more about choosing the right print size.