Choosing the Right Paper for Giclée Prints

Picking the right paper for a giclée print might sound like fussing over which gravy to pour on your chips — but trust us, it makes all the difference. The paper (or canvas) is half the magic that gives giclées their rich look and long life.

Most giclée prints come on either smooth matte paper, textured watercolour-style paper, or canvas.

● Matte papers are great for crisp detail and soft, even colour. Perfect if you love clean lines or photographic prints.
● Textured papers, like fine art rag or mould-made watercolour papers, bring a bit of depth. The texture catches the light and gives your print a subtle painterly feel — ideal for artworks originally done in oils or acrylics.
● Canvas adds another layer of character, especially if you stretch and frame it like an original painting.

Whatever you choose, always make sure it’s acid-free, archival quality. That means the paper won’t yellow or become brittle over time, keeping your print bright for decades. Combine that with pigment inks, and you’re talking about artwork that could outlive your sofa (and possibly you).

If you’re buying a print, think about the style of the artwork and where you’ll hang it. A misty Scottish landscape might look incredible on a lightly textured rag paper, while a bold graphic piece could pop best on a smooth matte.

Want to explore some options? Have a look through our giclée art prints collection to see different papers in action. Or if you fancy the full lowdown on how these prints are made, nip over to our guide to giclée prints.

Still weighing up the difference between giclées and your typical poster? this article spells out why giclée is worth it — from the paper right down to the last drop of ink.

At the end of the day, the right paper brings your art to life. Choose wisely, and you’ll have something on your wall that keeps turning heads for years.