Types of Paper Prints: 4 Beautiful Options to Consider

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Types of Paper Prints 4 Beautiful Options to Consider image

I’ll admit I love looking at my own photography. Hey, it’s ok to enjoy what you do! I also enjoy seeing other fantastic images from the many talented photographers I have met through the years.

When I was primarily involved in film photography, I made many of my own paper prints with an enlarger in a darkroom. At one time, there were as many types of paper prints as there were types of films.

Now that my work is primarily digital imaging, I still have a lot of different types of paper prints from which to choose for physical copies of my images. Here’s a look at the paper prints available from one of my preferred online printing companies, Artbeat Studios.

Types of Paper Prints

Types of Paper Prints image

When I talk about the types of paper prints that we can use, I’m referring to material and the sheen of the types of paper prints. Materials include rag-style paper, bamboo fibers, linen paper, smooth uncoated paper, textured paper, plasticized paper, and more.

The sheen of the types of paper prints refers to the reflectivity of the paper but can also include the surface texture. Think of it like wall paint. Glossy paint is shinier than flat or matte paint. It works the same for the different types of paper prints.

Introduction to Artbeat Studios

Introduction to Artbeat Studios image I use Artbeat Studios for a lot of my physical printing, especially their amazing metal prints and acrylic prints.

Who is Artbeat Studios? They are a medium-sized printing company that aims to provide the highest quality prints of your images. Instead of simply churning out high volumes of good enough prints, Artbeat Studios wants to print your images in a way that enhances your fine work.

Using a blend of high technology and old-world photography know-how, Artbeat Studios adds an amazing level of customer service to create just the right print for you.

Take a look at this video with Artbeat Studio testing how big a print you can make from an iPhone 14 Pro. While you’re on their YouTube channel, check out all of the featured artists' interviews.

And now, let’s see the four types of paper prints available from Artbeat Studios.

Learn More:

Types of Paper Prints - Glossy

Types of Paper Prints Glossy image First up is the Glossy print. Glossy has a high sheen and can show the maximum image resolution and color gamut. It’s a smooth traditional look and looks good as small prints or large framed enlargements.

This paper type is well suited to general photography and for use in portfolios to show potential clients.

Types of Paper Prints - Luster

Types of Paper Prints Luster image Luster prints combine a matte texture with a gloss finish for paper prints that look great framed as wall art or as individual prints and in traditional photo albums.

This type of paper makes portraits and wedding images shine while keeping the traditional charm of textured prints.

Types of Paper Prints - Metallic

Types of Paper Prints Metallic image Artbeat Studios’ metallic prints are printed on Moab® Slick Rock metallic paper for a dramatic look and a high perceived value. These prints have a slight iridescence, and the colors remain true to what you delivered from post-processing.

Nature scenes, astrophotography, and high-contrast images look great as metallic prints.

Types of Paper Prints - Fine Art

Types of Paper Prints Fine Art image Printed on Breathing Color® paper, this museum-grade paper is acid-free, archival quality, and made from 100% cotton fiber. It has a unique extra-smooth surface and is ideally suited to any style of photography that you consider fine art.

More Print Styles

More Print Styles image

In addition to the four types of paper prints available from Artbeat Studios, you can also use them to print metal, acrylic, and canvas. Whether printing for yourself or as a business creating fine photography for various clients, check out the Professional Services offered by Artbeat Studios.