© Scot Weir
Fine art printing is more than just replicating an image—it’s about preserving the essence of your artwork with the highest quality materials and techniques. Whether you’re an artist looking to reproduce your paintings or a photographer wanting to offer professional prints, understanding the fundamentals of fine art printing can help you make informed decisions and achieve outstanding results.
What is Fine Art Printing?
Fine art printing refers to high-quality printing methods used to create long-lasting, archival-grade reproductions of artwork and photography. Unlike standard prints, fine art prints are crafted using premium materials, advanced printing technologies, and meticulous attention to detail.
The Magic of Giclée Printing
Giclée printing is the gold standard for fine art reproduction. This process uses high-resolution inkjet printers and pigment-based inks to produce rich, vibrant colors and smooth tonal transitions. Giclée prints offer superior color accuracy, making them a top choice for artists and photographers who want museum-quality reproductions of their work.
Why Archival Quality Matters
Archival quality ensures that prints stand the test of time. Using acid-free, high-quality papers and pigment-based inks helps prevent fading, discoloration, and deterioration. If you want your prints to maintain their beauty for decades, choosing archival-grade materials is essential.
Selecting the Right Paper for Your Prints
Paper choice can significantly impact the final look and feel of your print. Here are some of the best options for fine art printing:
Canvas Options
- Epson Exhibition Satin Canvas – A heavyweight cotton-poly blend with a semi-gloss satin surface, bright white point, and excellent color depth. Its elasticity ensures flexibility for gallery wrapping without cracking.
- Epson Exhibition Matte Canvas – Similar to the satin version but with a non-reflective matte finish, offering a softer aesthetic while maintaining color vibrancy and archival durability.
- Hahnemühle Cezanne Canvas – A heavyweight, natural white cotton canvas with a finely woven texture and matte coating, delivering exceptional color, detail, and deep blacks with excellent elasticity for stretching.
Watercolor & Art Paper
- Epson Cold Press Natural – A 100% cotton rag paper with a warm, natural tone and textured matte finish, ideal for soft, painterly reproductions.
- Epson Cold Press Bright – Similar to Cold Press Natural but with a brighter white base, making colors pop with added contrast.
- Epson Somerset Velvet – A soft, textured fine art paper with a luxurious feel, perfect for detailed prints that require a painterly touch.
- Epson Ultra Smooth – A hot-pressed, ultra-smooth cotton rag paper designed for crisp detail and a modern, sleek aesthetic.
- Hahnemühle Photo Rag Satin – A premium, delicately textured paper made from 100% cotton, known for its excellent color depth, soft sheen on printed areas, and archival longevity.
- Hahnemühle Photo Rag Metallic – A natural white, silvery-shimmering paper with a high-gloss metallic effect, ideal for bold colors, deep blacks, and high-contrast images.
- Hahnemühle Photo Rag Baryta – A natural white, pure cotton paper with a high-gloss baryta coating, offering stunning color and detail reproduction, deep blacks, and an elegant sheen.
Gloss & Lustre Paper
- Ilford Galerie Prestige Smooth Pearl – A standout choice for photographers, offering sharp clarity, vibrant colors, and a photo-like finish. Its resin-coated base prevents glare and fingerprints, while the “touch dry” feature ensures excellent performance right after printing.
- Ilford Galerie Prestige Smooth Gloss – Similar to the Smooth Pearl but with a smooth bright white gloss finish, creating the look and feel of a superior photographic print.
Matte Paper
- Epson Enhanced Matte – A bright-white paper perfect for images that do not require gloss. It yields highly saturated images while maintaining excellent highlight and shadow detail.
Each paper type offers unique characteristics that can enhance the look and feel of your artwork. The best choice depends on your artistic style and the final presentation you desire. Reach out to us for expert guidance in selecting the perfect paper for your art prints.
See the table below for more details on paper options.
Understanding Print Resolution and File Preparation
Ensuring your artwork is printed with clarity and accuracy starts with the right resolution and file setup. Using high-resolution files and properly formatted color profiles can make a significant difference in the final print quality. Check out our blog on Print Resolution and File Preparation, where we dive deeper into file preparation best practices to help you get the best possible results.
Custom Framing for a Professional Touch
Once your prints are ready, custom framing can enhance their presentation and protect them from environmental factors. A well-chosen frame complements the artwork and adds a polished, gallery-quality finish.
Benefits of Professional Fine Art Printing Services
Investing in professional fine art printing offers several advantages:
- Superior Color Accuracy – Achieve true-to-life color reproduction with expert calibration.
- Archival Durability – Ensure your prints last for generations without fading.
- Customization Options – Choose from a variety of papers, finishes, and framing styles.
- Consistent Quality – Maintain a high standard for selling prints or exhibiting artwork.
Why Choose MasterLab for Fine Art Printing?
At MasterLab, we’ve been specializing in fine art printing in Utah for nearly 30 years, offering giclée printing, custom art prints, artwork framing, and card printing services. Our extensive industry experience, attention to detail, and use of premium materials ensure your prints look stunning and last a lifetime.
Ready to Elevate Your Prints?
If you’re looking for high-quality fine art printing services near Salt Lake City, we’re here to help! Contact us today to discuss your project, explore paper and framing options, and bring your artwork to life with exceptional quality prints.
Get in touch: Contact Us
Explore Paper and Finishing Options
Canvas
Canvas:
Epson Exhibition Satin Canvas:
An acid-free, lignin-free heavyweight cotton-poly blend, this elegantly textured canvas features a semi-gloss satin surface with a bright white point, exceptionally high Dmax and wide color gamut. The canvas base is enhanced with elastic polymers, providing high tensile strength and flexibility for gallery-wrap stretching without cracking.
Paper Specifications:
- Satin Surface
- High Dmax
- Wide Color Gamut
- 430 gsm Weight
- 23 mil Thickness
Epson Exhibition Matte Canvas:
An acid-free, lignin-free heavyweight cotton-poly blend, this elegantly textured canvas features a matte non-reflective surface with a bright white point, exceptionally high Dmax and wide color gamut. The canvas base is enhanced with elastic polymers providing high tensile strength and flexibility for gallery wrap stretching without cracking.
Paper Specifications:
- Matte Surface
- High Dmax
- Wide Color Gamut
- 395 gsm Weight
- 23 mil Thickness
Hahnemühle Cezanne Canvas
A heavyweight, natural white cotton canvas with a finely woven texture and matte coating, delivering exceptional color, detail, and deep blacks with excellent elasticity for stretching.
Paper Specifications:
- Basis Weight: 430 gsm
- Thickness: 52 mil
- Whiteness: 87.5%
- Opacity: >98%
- Base Material: 100% cotton
- Surface Finish: Matte
- Natural white, without optical brighteners
Watercolor & Art
Watercolor & Art Paper:
Epson Cold Press Natural
An acid-free, 100% cotton rag media with a natural textured finish. This paper has an extremely high color gamut and black density.
Paper Specifications:
- Textured Matte Finish
- 19 mil
- 98% Opacity
- 90 ISO Brightness
- Acid Free
- pH Buffered
Epson Cold Press Bright
An acid-free, 100% cotton rag media with a bright textured finish. This paper has an extremely high color gamut and black density.
Paper Specifications:
- Textured Matte Finish
- 19 mil (roll)
- 98% Opacity
- 96 ISO Brightness
- Acid Free
- pH Buffered
Hahnemuhle Photo Rag
Photo Rag® – a white, 100% cotton paper with a smooth surface texture – guarantees archival standards. With its premium matte inkjet coating, Photo Rag® meets the highest industry standards regarding density, color gamut, color graduation, and image sharpness while preserving the special touch and feel of genuine art paper.
Paper Specifications:
- Basis Weight: 308 gsm
- Thickness: 19 mil
- Brightness: 92.5%
- Opacity: 99%
- Base Material: 100% cotton rag
- Surface Finish: Matte
Hahnemuhle Photo Rag Satin
Photo Rag® – a white cotton FineArt paper with a delicately textured surface and a unique satin-gloss coating, delivering exceptional depth, rich blacks, and brilliant contrasts with museum-quality longevity.
Paper Specifications:
- Basis Weight: 310 gsm
- Thickness: 50 mil
- Brightness: 92%
- Opacity: 99%
- Base Material: 100% cotton rag
- Surface Finish: Satin
Hahnemühle Photo Rag Metallic
A natural white, silvery-shimmering paper with a high-gloss metallic effect, ideal for bold colors, deep blacks, and high-contrast images.
Paper Specifications:
- Basis Weight: 340 gsm
- Thickness: 47 mil
- Whiteness: 88%
- Opacity: 99%
- Base Material: 100% cotton rag
- Surface Finish: High-gloss metallic
Hahnemühle Photo Rag Baryta
A natural white, pure cotton paper with a high-gloss baryta coating, offering stunning color and detail reproduction, deep blacks, and an elegant sheen.
Paper Specifications:
- Basis Weight: 300 gsm
- Thickness: 37 mil
- Whiteness: 92%
- Opacity: 98%
- Base Material: 100% α-cellulose
- Surface Finish: Satin
Epson Somerset Velvet
Somerset Velvet for Epson is a 100% cotton, acid-free paper that delivers long-lasting prints when printed with EPSON Archival™ Ink or UltraChrome™ Ink.
Paper Specifications:
- Basis Weight: 255 gsm
- Thickness: 19 mil
- ISO Brightness: 96%
- Opacity: 95%
- Hot Lamination: No
- Base Material: 100% cotton rag
- Surface Finish: Velvet
Epson Ultra Smooth
An acid-free,100% cotton hot press paper coated on both sides for extra versatility. This cylinder mould-made product features an ultra-smooth finish on two sides (sheets) optimized for Epson Photographic Dye, Epson UltraChrome™, and Archival™ Inks. It’s offered in a variety of sizes and formats, this fine art paper is not only acid, lignin, and chlorine free, but it’s also pH buffered with calcium carbonate for a true archival sheet.
Paper Specifications:
- Basis Weight: 250 gsm
- Thickness: 15 mil
- ISO Brightness: 90%
- Opacity: 98%
- Base Material: 100% cotton rag
- Surface Finish: ultra smooth hot press
Gloss & Lustre
Gloss & Lustre Paper:
Ilford Galerie Prestige Smooth Pearl
GALERIE Prestige Smooth Pearl paper features the very latest HDR (High Dynamic Range) optically clear coating, and, coupled with recent advancements in inkjet receiving layer design, makes this the reference media for producing images with superb clarity, high sharpness, and excellent color gamut.
The high-density, resin-coated, heavyweight base, and smooth pearl finish not only eliminate glare and fingerprints but with its natural photographic white tint, produce prints with the true look and feel of a photograph. For outstanding imaging performance, combined with the benefit of “touch dry” from the printer, this pearl surface media is the “choice of professionals.”
Paper Specifications:
- Weight: 310gsm Surface Pearl
- Opacity: 99% Caliper 310 micron (12mil)
- Media: Type Photo paper
Ilford Galerie Prestige Smooth Gloss
GALERIE Prestige Smooth Gloss paper features the very latest HDR (High Dynamic Range) optically clear coating and, coupled with recent advancements in inkjet receiving layer design, makes this the reference media for producing images with superb clarity, high sharpness, and excellent color gamut.
The high-density, resin-coated, heavyweight base and smooth “bright white” gloss finish create the look and feel of a superior photographic print. With the added benefit of being “touch dry” from the printer, this gloss media is the “choice of professionals.”
Paper Specifications:
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- Weight: 310gsm Surface Gloss
- Opacity: 99% Caliper 310 micron (12mil)
- Media: Type: Photo Paper
Matte
Matte Paper:
Epson Enhanced Matte
This bright-white paper is perfect for images that do not require gloss. It yields highly saturated images while maintaining excellent highlight and shadow detail. Designed primarily for use with UltraChrome™ Inks, EPSON Archival™ Inks, and DuraBrite™ Inks, this versatile paper can also be used with dye-based inks. Hobbyists, professional photographers, and digital artists alike will find EPSON Enhanced Matte Paper a remarkable solution for any project.
Paper Specifications:
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- Thickness: 10.3 mil
- Basis weight: 192 gsm
- Opacity: 94%
- ISO brightness: 104%
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Finishing Options
Canvases:
All canvases are sprayed with an archival spray which includes UV inhibitors, which increase the archivability of each print.
Canvases can be mounted, stretched, or gallery-wrapped.
Mounting:
Canvases are mounted to an archival acid-free board.
Finishing: Ready for framing.
Stretching:
Canvases are stretched by hand using the industry’s finest stretcher bars—formulated to give each stretch the best possible result. 5/8” and 1” bar used.
Finishing: Ready for framing.
Gallery Wrapping:
Canvases are wrapped by hand using the industry’s finest bars—formulated to give each wrap the best possible result. 5/8”, 1”, 1.5”, 2”, and 3” inch bar available.
Finishing: Ready for hanging.
Watercolor, art paper, gloss, lustre, and matte paper:
Mounting:
All materials are mounted to an archival acid-free board.
All materials can be framed using our large selection of mats, glass, and frames.
