Types of Papers

Paper choices abound in today’s printing world, and it’s easy to get confused or lost between manufacturers, finishes, textures, and size options. The paper you choose will have a direct and immediate impact on the quality and perception of your prints. Paper influences the feel and perception of an image, helps to convey the photographer’s intent, and provides the viewer with a physical representation of a photograph. For us this is the final version of our vision, and unlike a digital display which can potentially change the look of an image, a print “locks in” the way I want others to see my photographs.

Because of this, the paper needs to be chosen carefully and aesthetically. The more you know about the different types of papers, the better you’ll be at selecting the proper substrate for your images.

Paper construction

Fine art inkjet papers are composed of a base layer and an inkjet receptive coating. The base layer is the actual “paper” that is produced at a paper mill, and the inkjet receptive coating is added afterwards for compatibility with inkjet printers. Without the coating, the microscopic ink drops laid down by the printer would bleed into the paper causing smearing and lack of detail, and would produce less than desirable results.

There are two types of base layers used today — cotton and alpha cellulose.

• Cotton —100% cotton rag fibers, highest quality and longevity, most expensive.

• Alpha cellulose — wood cellulose fibers, cheaper to manufacture, less expensive.

These two base layers can also be used in any combination to reduce costs. On either of these base layers, a microporous coating is used to absorb the ink laid down by the printer. This coating preserves very fine detail, helps the ink to dry quickly, has a fine art feel and finish, and is water resistant.

Another popular type of paper is resin coated paper — more commonly called “RC” papers. These are typically known as “photographic papers” and have a plastic feel because the base is made of a resin instead of paper.

While not a traditional “fine art paper,” RC papers are great for proofs and less critical printing situations.