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Digital Photo Papers Explained

Wendy Thompson • Mar 13, 2019

Digital Photo Papers Explained

Glossy Paper - This widely used finish comes in degrees of glossiness from normal to high glossy. The shine from the chemical coating helps distinguish the smallest details of the photograph. Smooth to touch, the sheen on a glossy photo enhances colours and gives the impression of a more vibrant, brighter image. Glossy paper is also more susceptible to dust and fingerprints, which isn't ideal if the photograph will be frequently handled and the reflection from the high sheen finish can make viewing the print from certain angles challenging.

Try Fotospeed PF Gloss 270 or view our range of gloss photo papers here and gloss fine art papers here


Matte Paper
- When printing on matte photo printing paper there is no shiny layer, which means that any smudges or fingerprints are much less likely to occur. The lack of expensive finish makes the photo paper slightly cheaper to produce and so lower in price.

Photographs printed on matte paper don’t have the same colour vibrancy as glossy as the paper does’t reflect the light, they provide a natural looking, textured print which lends particularly lends itself to black and white images.

Try Fotospeed Matt Ultra 240 or view our range of matt photo papers here and matt fine art papers here

Lustre and Pearl - These papers offer a satin finish with a textured feel. The normal satin or semi-gloss finish is flat, but these two include a delicate texture to give the print a high-quality feel, helping images look sharp and with an added depth.

Try Fotospeed PF Lustre 270 or Fotospeed Photo Smooth Pearl 290

Why not experiment with different finishes by buying the Fotospeed Photo Range Test Pack , a mixture of 16 x A4 sheets of digital photo paper including the bestselling Fotospeed Matt Ultra 240 and Fotospeed PF Lustre 275. Hahnemühle and Canson Infinity photo paper test packs also available here

By Wendy Thompson 06 Oct, 2022
Baryta paper refers to a paper with a barium sulphate layer that is applied to a fibre photo paper before the ink receiving layer is applied, just like a traditional darkroom paper. All Baryta papers will have some sheen and the level of this will vary from one manufacturer or paper type to another. They will typically have a higher DMAX allowing for printing deeper blacks and giving more detail in dark shadows and bright highlights which is a reason that it’s commonly used in black and white prints. That being said, it’s also very popular for producing colour prints as it has a wide colour gamut and the bright white undertones typically associated with a paper of this type can really bring colours to life. Being fibre based, Baryta papers have a good weight and thickness with a slight texture and so are a good choice for photographers wanting a fine art result. We offer a number of Baryta paper’s, the range can be seen on by clicking here . Baryta papers not only look great but when used with pigment inks ensure long lasting archival prints that can last hundreds of years. One of our most popular products is Fotospeed Platinum Baryta Signature Paper which at 300gsm isn’t the heaviest Baryta paper around but feels weighty. It has a subtle sheen that resists finger marks well but also limits reflections and has a warm tone. Printed results using the paper exhibit a high DMAX for deep blacks and a great tonal range as well as fine detail. Approved by the Fine Art Trade Guild, it has a guaranteed print life in excess of 85 years when used with pigment based inks. Explore the paper here .
By Wendy Thompson 07 Apr, 2021
This new addition to the Canson Infinity portfolio has been produced in the iconic Arches paper mill, where ARCHES® master papermakers have been producing superbly high-quality fine art papers since 1492. Today, ARCHES® is the only paper mill in France using a traditional cylinder mould process for all its papers. The papers below are available in all paper sizes and rolls. ARCHES® Discovery packs are also available allowing you to sample this new, quality paper. For more information follow the links below: Canson Infinity Arches 88 310gsm Canson Infinity Arches Aquarelle 310gsm Canson Infinity BFK Rives White 310gsm Canson Infinity BFK Rives Pure White 310gsm
By Wendy Thompson 03 Oct, 2020
Hahnemühle Bamboo is the world’s first FineArt inkjet paper made from 90% bamboo fibres and 10% cotton, for a natural look and environmentally friendly paper production. The natural white, warm-toned bamboo paper is OBA free, and stands out thanks to its soft, lightly textured felt structure and sensual feel. Hahnemühle Hemp uses one of the oldest and most diverse natural fibres and is made of 60% hemp fibre. Thanks to the bright white natural tone of the hemp fibres, no optical brighteners are required. The lightly textured surface gives the paper a pleasing, silky feel. Hahnemühle Agave is a FineArt inkjet paper that is produced using agave fibres. 70% of this unique, environmentally friendly FineArt inkjet paper is made from sisal fibres. The base material stands out with its bright white natural tone and does not contain optical brighteners. The rough, yet delicately defined surface texture gives the subject a sense of depth and impresses with a pleasing, soft feel. Each of the papers in The Natural Range has the option of a Portfolio Box too! Click here for further information and pricing ...
By Wendy Thompson 23 Jun, 2020
Hahnemühle Photo Range now available from Photopaper.co.uk
Fotospeed Platinum Baryta 300
By Wendy Thompson 26 Feb, 2020
Fotospeed announce the release of their new and improved Platinum Baryta 300 paper.
By Wendy Thompson 20 Jan, 2020
Situated in the ancient Cathedral City of Wells in the southwest of England, St Cuthberts Mill has been making paper since the 1700's, taking advantage of the pure waters of the River Axe. St Cuthberts Mill manufacture smooth and textured fine art inkjet papers of exceptional quality. From the beautiful Bockingford Inkjet paper, allowing the reprouction of fantastic prints to the Somerset Photo and Somerset Enhanced range designed as a fine art inkjet paper with superb colour rendition. Now available from https://www.photopaper.co.uk/st-cuthberts-mill-paper
glassary of terms
By Wendy Thompson 25 Sep, 2019
A useful list of terminology covering all aspects of photo printing.
Camera Club Exclusive Offers
By Wendy Thompson 21 May, 2019
Camera Club Exclusive Offers
Fotospeed Legacy Gloss
By Wendy Thompson 04 Mar, 2019
New product launch - 100% cotton, OBA free and unglazed fine art inkjet paper.
Brand new website
By Wendy Thompson 01 Mar, 2019
photopaper.co.uk launch the new website.
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