Which Paper Type Is Best for Your Art Print? A Guide to My Artworks

When someone buys one of my posters, one of the most important decisions (in addition to design and size!) is the paper it's printed on. It affects how the colours pop, how the print feels, and how long it lasts.

I offer three different paper types (matte poster, semi-glossy poster, and matte art print), but it's not obvious to everyone what the differences are. In this blog post, I'll walk you through the options to help you pick the one that's right for your wall.

Matte Poster: Affordable and Smooth

If you’re looking for a clean, subtle finish that works in any room, the Matte Poster is a great choice. It’s the most budget-friendly option, but still offers strong print quality.

Paper weight: 170 gsm / 65 lb, so light but sturdy.
Surface: Uncoated matte with a smooth, glare-free finish.
Colour feel: Soft and natural, with crisp lines and gentle gradients.
Eco-info: FSC-certified paper.

Floral design on a paper poster with text indicating paper details.

Because the surface doesn’t reflect much light, it’s ideal for bright rooms or minimalist designs. It works beautifully with typographic art, softer photo prints, and retro designs with muted colours.

Best for: minimalism, soft tones, and buyers looking for quality on a budget.
👉 Explore matte paper prints.

Semi‑Glossy Paper: Vibrant with a Touch of Shine

If you want colours to stand out just a bit more, the premium Semi-Glossy Poster gives you that extra pop. It’s coated with a subtle sheen that catches light without becoming reflective. It strikes a balance between matte and glossy: colours appear richer and blacks deeper, yet reflections are minimal.

Paper weight: 200 gsm / 80 lb – thicker and more premium.
Surface: Silk-coated semi-gloss.
Colour feel: Richer colours and deeper blacks.
Eco-info: FSC-certified paper.

Floral design on paper with pink, orange, and yellow flowers.

This finish is a great middle ground between matte and glossy. It brings out highlights in colourful illustrations and sci-fi-inspired designs, but still keeps a soft, elegant look.

Best for: vibrant posters, bold colours, and a slightly more premium feel.
👉 Shop glossy-look art prints.

Art Print: Archival and Luxurious

For the best overall quality, I also offer Art Prints, which are printed on matte museum-quality paper. This is the kind of thick, robust paper you’ll find in professional art portfolios and galleries. The is a natural, off-white and uncoated paper, giving a luxurious texture reminiscent of fine art prints.

Floral design on a sheet of paper with text indicating paper type and weight.

Paper weight: 250 gsm / 110 lb thick, textured, and heavy.
Surface: Uncoated, natural white.
Colour feel: Elegant, natural tones with deep contrast.
Archival quality: Acid-free and buffered to prevent yellowing over time.
Eco-info: FSC-certified paper.

The texture and weight give it a fine art feel.

Best for: gallery-style art, fine art reproductions, and long-term display.
👉 Browse museum-quality prints.

Quick Comparison Table

Paper Type	Weight	Finish Type	Colour Look	Best For
Classic Matte	170 gsm / 65 lb	Uncoated Matte	Soft, muted, natural	Typography, minimalist art, light rooms
Premium Semi‑Glossy	200 gsm / 80 lb	Silk-Coated Semi‑Gloss	Rich colours, deeper blacks	Bold illustrations, vibrant photo work
Museum‑Quality	250 gsm / 110 lb	Uncoated Natural	Elegant, archival, gallery-level	Fine art prints, gifts, and long-term display

Wooden Frames

All of my posters and prints are available on their own, but I also offer them with wooden frames. These frames are made from pine wood and come in two different colours: black and wood. Each comes with shatterproof plexiglass, hanging hardware, and a sturdy backboard.

Materials: Solid pine (black or natural wood).
Glass: Clear acrylic glass (safer and lighter than real glass).
Depth: 20–25 mm deep and 10–14 mm wide.
Packaging: Robust and protective, shipped with the print already inside.

Frames are a great way to give a gift-ready finish or to match your print to your interior style.

Framed Art Prints come ready-to-hand, while Framed Matte Posters and Framed Semi-Glossy Posters come unassembled and require some simple, quick assembly before they can be hung.