Paper Types

A photographic paper is one coated in a light sensitive chemical formula for photographic use (3). All papers are measured/weighed in GSM (Grammes per Square Metre), and in some cases the type of the paper can effect the quality of the print.

I have been using DS Colour Labs in Didsbury/Reddish for well over two years now. I started using the Glossy paper they offer because- from my novice's point of view- it "looked better" when I first started off (1). However, since toward the end of the Level 2 course, I started using their Lustre (Matt) paper. Both papers are manufactured by Fujifilm, and reading from the data sheets that come with the paper when ordered (or in my case, provided on the website for information), they are also both Silver Halide (2) Colour papers. The only difference being, that the lustre is designed solely for digital, whereas the glossy can be used for both darkroom and digital (Fujicolor Crystal Archive). DS provide downloadable profiles for both of these papers on their website, which is automatically installed into Photoshop, allowing the photographer to convert all images into this prior to printing. I'll never forget the first time I compared the results of this to not using it. I was blown away at the difference.There is also a third paper type offered by DS: Fuji Pearl Specialist paper, which apparently has chemicals in it to produce a more metallic look, whilst making the most of saturated colours. All of these use known C-Type Prints, which is a shortened version of Chromogenic Colour Print.

Speaking of exhibitions, this is a good starting point for discussing other types of papers available. Most galleries exhibiting photography are good enough to provide the viewer with information as to what the image was printed on.

Giclee Fine Art

The word Giclee comes from the French "to spray", but more-often-than-not the word is used to describe any print that is of a higher quality than any other inkjet paper. Many printers claim the process involves a more sophisticated process that means the ink is digitally sprayed on to the paper, making better use of the full range of colours, with a sharpness and clarity unrivalled with any other inkjet papers. For this reason, the paper/process is regularly used in the exhibition of fine art prints in galleries. I cannot count the amount of times I have seen this word on the information panel that accompanying a framed print.

Gelatin Silver Prints

These are resin-coated, usually for Black and White film photography. Traditionally, the process of creating the prints was known as dry-plate, which is what replaced wet-plate in the 1880s. It is basically a photographic process, rather than a printing process, but these days a gelatin silver print can be made from a digital file, made by specially designed printers filled with silver chemicals and then washed and sealed at the end.

Textured Papers

These are papers that are textured with the use cotton woven into each sheet for extra quality. One of the best papers for exhibiting is Museum Etching, which used 100% cotton and is fit for any sort of photography exhibition. Perhaps the most professional brand is Hahnemühle (German), but Canon also run a line of this type of paper.

Watercolour Paper can also be used for photographic printing; again offering a greater texture than the ordinary inkjet papers. These are also for Fine Art/exhibition prints, and as one would imagine from their name, they are waterproof.

Satin Papers 

These have a special polyethylene coating to ensure optimum ink control and absorption. They are also resistant to ozone light and scratches. One specialist I was looking at (4) offers Satin papers at various strengths, and with different coatings/finishes. For instance, the Microporous coating makes the ink dry quicker, which would increase the printer's turnaround. They also offer one with a polypropylene finish for extra high quality. by the looks of other suppliers I have been perusing, Pearl is just another name for Satin.

Baryta Coated

Not necessarily a type of paper, and more a specific coating that allows for greater expressions of colour, greater sharpness and colour graduation. This makes it perfect for fine art and limited edition prints.





1)  The biggest drawback of glossy for me is that it is obviously a reflective surface, meaning any lights would distract one from the image whilst looking at it.
2)  A compound formed between Silver and one of the halogens (silver bromide, chloride, iodide etc.).
3)  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photographic_paper
4)  http://paper-graphics.com/en/products/all_ranges/c/22/photographic