Paper Selection: A Quick Guide
By Cassie Stone, Founder of REvisART · · Updated
Which Paper Should I Use? A Quick Guide
If you're unsure where to start, use this as your baseline. There's no "best" paper — only the right paper for your work.
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## Use LexJet Premium Archival Matte Paper - If your work is clean, graphic, digital, or illustrative - If you want crisp detail and a smooth, modern finish - If you're printing posters, decor, or accessible fine art prints - 230gsm smooth matte finish, acid-free archival quality - A lightweight paper with a smooth, matte surface that produces clean, high-resolution prints with solid color accuracy. Great for open editions, portfolio prints, and work that leans graphic rather than painterly.
## Use Sunset Cold Press Textured Bright White - If your work has visible brushstrokes, watercolor texture, or organic movement - If you want a tactile, textured surface that adds depth and dimension - If your colors are vibrant and you want a wide color gamut with strong contrast - 300gsm textured matte, 100% cotton, acid-free archival - A bright white cotton paper with a textured, matte surface that creates visible texture in the print itself. Produces stronger contrast than standard papers. Ideal for watercolor reproductions, mixed media, and work with visible mark-making.
## Use Moab Entrada Rag Natural - If your work is painterly, layered, soft, or expressive - If you want a warm, natural white tone with a subtle matte finish - If your originals are acrylic, oil, or mixed media and you want a step above standard archival - 290gsm textured matte, 100% cotton, museum-grade quality - A premium natural white cotton rag paper with a softer, more painterly profile. Produces rich tonal range with warmth and subtlety. Made with high-quality ingredients that go beyond standard archival papers — a strong choice for collectors and galleries.
## Use Hahnemühle Fine Art Baryta - If you're printing photography or high-contrast digital work - If deep blacks, sharp detail, and darkroom-style richness matter most - If you want impact with a smooth glossy finish - 325gsm smooth glossy finish, 100% alpha-cellulose with barium sulphate coating - A premium fine art paper with a baryta coating that replicates traditional darkroom-style prints. Produces extremely deep blacks and high contrast. Best suited for gallery exhibitions, collectors, and photographers who want presence without the feel of standard glossy photo paper.
## Use Hahnemühle Fine Art Pearl - If you want vibrant, sharp reproductions with a semi-gloss finish - If your work has high contrast and you want enhanced color depth - If you prefer a reflective pearl luster that adds energy to the piece - 285gsm glossy pearl finish, 100% alpha cellulose, museum quality - A high-end semi-gloss paper with a reflective pearl luster that enhances vibrancy and sharpness. Produces superior color reproduction and tonal depth. Best for high-contrast photography and gallery-level reproductions of detailed artwork.
## Use Sunset Select Matte Canvas - If you want texture, depth, and presence without glass - If the piece is bold, expressive, or meant to stand alone - If you're offering gallery-wrapped, rolled, or statement pieces - 408gsm poly/cotton blend, matte finish, 18 mil thickness - A bright-white, matte-coated canvas with a smooth Oxford 2-over-1 weave ideal for art reproduction and photo printing. Available rolled with stretch allowance or with border options including Image Extend, Mirror Wrap, or White borders.
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If you're still torn between two options, that's normal. Paper choice isn't about guessing — it's about intention. As your work evolves, your paper choices often evolve with it.
And if you need guidance, that's part of what we do at REvisART. Paper isn't just a print decision. It's part of how collectors experience your art.