Our Photo Printing Papers
Photo Print Paper Guide
All the papers below are archival in nature and printed with archival Epson pigment inks. Epson papers are tested with the Epson inks in an independent lab study, but the results of non-Epson papers should do quite well. Please keep in mind that archival paper does not mean some thick, hand-made paper. It is how a paper is made and with what. How you handle and store them can make a difference.
I get asked a lot on which paper should be used. The answer is based on your personal preferences more than anything else.
*Available up to "17 x 22" on special order
++Limited quantities available. Future uncertain
Standard Photo and Art Papers
Epson Ultra Premium Luster Paper
Our most popular paper, wedding, portrait and school photographers have traditionally used luster paper for their photos.. This paper produces vivid, lifelike images that rival those of traditional silver halide prints. Premium Luster Photo Paper delivers highly saturated prints by offering maximum ink coverage and a high D-Max for true photographic reproductions. Its 10-mil RC base gives prints a photographic feel, and keeps the paper cockle-free.
Paper Specifications:
- Basis Weight: 240 gsm
- Thickness: 10 mil
- ISO brightness: 97%
- Opacity: 97%
- Base Material: Polyethylene Encapsulated Paper
- Surface Finish: Luster
Premium Semimatte Photo Paper
Epson Premium Semimatte Photo Paper offers professional photographers and graphic artists an additional option in resin coated photographic paper. Highly saturated, high resolution images can now be displayed on an elegant, understated semimatte finish that minimizes glare, while maximizing presentation quality. Its 10 mil thickness and extremely wide color gamut will make this paper a favorite among discerning professionals, while its instant drying and non-cockling characteristics make use, handling, and display of finished output trouble-free. It creates highly saturated prints by offering maximum ink coverage and a high D-Max for true photograph productions.
Paper Specifications:
- Basis weight: 258 gsm
- Thickness: 10.7 mil
- ISO brightness: 94%
- Opacity: 96%
- Base material: Resin coated paper
- Surface finish: Semimatte (low gloss)
Epson Premium Photo Paper Glossy
Premium Photo Paper Glossy has a high gloss finish that is perfect for printing your favorite cherished photos and enlargements for use with glass frames and photo albums. This paper is smudge and water-resistant with a smooth, bright white, resin coated stock.
Paper Specifications:
- Basis Weight: 68 lb. (252 g/m²)
- Thickness: 10.4 mil
- ISO Brightness: 92
- Opacity: 97%
- Surface Finish: High Gloss
Epson Watercolor Paper Radiant White – uncoated, matte
A thick, heavyweight paper with a coated matte surface, this affordable media has the look and feel of fine art paper. Perfect for presenting photographic reproductions and graphic designs on matte textured surfaces, this media offers a different look from resin coated photo papers.
Paper Specifications:
- Thickness: 11.5 mil
- Basis weight: 51 lb. (190 gsm)
- Opacity: 96%
Ultra Premium Papers
Epson Exhibition Fiber Paper
Exhibition Fiber Paper is a breakthrough paper, designed exclusively for use with Epson's UltraChrome K3 ink and was developed in collaboration with many of the industry's leading professional photographers to ensure it meets their most discerning requirements. Many who have contributed to the development of Exhibition Fiber Paper have commented that it not only reminds them of revered silver halide papers, but also offers greater creative control due to extraordinary D-Max and tonal transition in B&W and the ability to print extraordinary color with the same paper, something that was not possible to do with traditional fiber based papers.
Paper Specifications:
- Basis Weight: 325 g/m2
- Thickness: 13 mil
- Base Material: Fiber
- Surface Finish: Gloss
Hot Press Natural – Smooth – uncoated, matte
For fine art photographers looking for a matte medium that can deliver a wide color gamut with a natural color, Epson has developed Hot Press Natural Paper. Made from 100% cotton rag and using a hot press production technique, this paper features a smooth matte finish. By forgoing the use of optical brightening agents, this media will offer a warmer, more natural coloration that is less prone to degradation over time. Designed for longevity, Hot Press Natural is free of acid, lignin, and chlorine and is pH buffered.
Paper Specifications:
- Basis Weight: 330 gsm
- Thickness: 15 mil
- ISO Brightness: 90%
- Opacity: 98%
- Base Material: 100% cotton rag
- Optical Brighteners: None
- Surface Finish: Smooth Matte
Exhibition Watercolor Paper – Textured – uncoated, matte
Artist and professional photographers require archival print media for their digital fine art and photography. This is an acid free, 100% cotton rag fine art paper. Available in 225 g/m2 rolls for flexibility and 425 g/m2sheets for a museum quality feel, this egg shell colored cold press paper has the look and touch of Old World handmade paper. Capable of creating 1440 dpi, high-resolution prints this paper yields brilliant colors and deep blacks.
Paper Specifications:
- Basis Weight: 225 gsm
- Thickness: 15 mil
- ISO Brightness: 89%
- Opacity: 98%
- Hot Lamination : No
- Base Material: 100% cotton rag
- Surface Finish: Textured Matte
Note: The following are not Epson papers but are archival grade papers and should last for a long time, though no testing has been performed.
Palo Duro Smooth Rag 310 – uncoated, smooth matte
Made from 100% cotton rag, Palo Duro Smooth Rag 310 gives you the classic look of a fine photographic art print. The surface adds just the right amount of texture to your print and will not distract from the details you worked so hard to capture. This OBA-free archival paper is ideal for museum quality and conservation grade prints.
Museum Grade - This means a museum curator would be comfortable putting this paper on display. The keys to museum quality are 100% cotton fiber, acid-free, lignin-free, and optical brightener (OBA) free.
NOTE: Available in 17" x 25" sheets, only available in print sizes 11" x 14" to 17" x 25"
Paper Specifications:
- Base Stock: 100% cotton rag content.
- Brightness: 90 brightness.
- Paper Weight: 310gsm (82lb.)
- Thickness: 18 mil
- Coated: Microporous coated one side
- Back: Printable plain paper
- Paper Tone: Natural (warmer) white
- Surface: Smooth matte
- Archival Characteristics: Acid free base stock and coating. Internally buffered. No optical brighteners present.
Palo Duro Baryta Fiber 300 – coated, semi-gloss
Palo Duro Baryta Fiber 300 offers all of the rich tonality, depth, and feel of a traditional wet darkroom fiber paper. It has a lightly textured semigloss surface, which adds depth and an elegant reflectivity to the finished print. Palo Duro Baryta Fiber is a pleasant neutral white that adds natural richness to portraits and landscapes. Black & White images also benefit from Palo Duro Baryta Fiber's deep blacks and exceptional contrast.
Paper Specifications:
- Surface: Semigloss with light texture and medium reflectivity
- Made From:100% alpha-cellulose base stock
- Paper Weight: 300 gsm
- Thickness: 13.8 mil
- Coated: Microporous with baryta coated one side
- Paper Color: Slightly neutral white
- Archival Characteristics: Acid free, lignin free, buffered with calcium carbonate, FOGRA Certified ISO 9706 (paper aging standards)
Red River Palo Duro Etching 315 – uncoated, matte
Palo Duro Etching 315 gives you the classic look of a fine photographic art print. The surface adds just the right amount of texture to your print and will not distract from the details you worked so hard to capture. This OBA-free archival paper is ideal for museum quality and conservation grade prints.
Paper Specifications:
- Surface: Textured matte
- Made From: 100% Cotton rag
- Paper Tone: Natural (warmer) white
- Paper Weight: 315gsm (84lb)
- Thickness: 21 mil
- Optical Brighteners: None
Red River Polar Matte – uncoated, matte
At 14mil thickness, 88lb. Polar Matte Magna Card Stock is the heaviest and thickest photo matte stock on the market today. Red River Paper's Polar Matte raises the bar for imaging excellence. This paper brings you professional quality in every sense of the meaning. From the coating to the base stock, Polar is the go-to photo matte when you want the best. Polar features a beautiful soft white printing surface with outstanding ink holdout capabilities. Polar Matte is acid-free and its heavy 88lb. weight makes perfect for projects where you need prints to convey quality that you can feel.
Paper Specifications:
- Paper Weight: 88 lb
- Thickness: 16 mil
- acid free coating and paper stock
- ultra smooth, white surface
