Print paper guide
What Paper Is Best for Art Prints?
The best paper depends on the image, viewing light and the finish you want. Matte paper is quiet and forgiving, lustre balances color with reflection control, and glossy paper makes contrast feel more immediate.
01
Choose matte for a calm, art-led finish
Matte paper minimizes reflections and gives illustrations, drawings and soft photography a gentle surface. It is often the easiest paper to live with in a room that has windows or lamps facing the wall.
Because matte paper does not bounce as much light toward the viewer, subtle shadows and pale tones can feel more controlled. Pair it with a mat when you want the piece to read like artwork rather than a glossy photo product.
02
Use lustre when you want color and control
Lustre or satin surfaces sit between matte and glossy. They can give portraits and colorful photography a little more depth while remaining easier to view than a high-gloss sheet under a lamp.
Order a sample when the paper choice affects a collection or product listing. Screens cannot show surface texture and reflection behavior reliably.
03
Let the frame finish the decision
Paper is only one part of the presentation. A mat, glazing and moulding change the perceived contrast and scale of the same image. A bright graphic print may need a quiet black frame, while a soft landscape may benefit from natural wood and a warm white mat.
See it before you order
Put the advice into a real frame.
Upload your picture, compare frame profiles and mats, and check the finished proportions before you commit.
Open the frame builderCommon questions
Is matte or glossy paper better for art prints?
Matte is usually more forgiving for framed wall art because it reduces reflections. Glossy can make color and contrast feel vivid, but it needs a more controlled viewing position.
What paper is best for a framed photograph?
Matte or lustre is a strong starting point for framed photographs. Choose based on the room’s light, the image’s contrast and how much surface sheen you want.