When it comes to printing art, the paper you choose is just as important as the artwork itself. The weight, texture, and finish of the paper can all significantly impact the final appearance of your print. In this article, we’ll explore the best GSM/LB paper weights and types for various art prints, ensuring your work is displayed at its best.
Digitally Restored Vintage Art
When it comes to digitally restored vintage art, the choice of paper can greatly influence the authenticity and aesthetic of the print. For example, for a large print of Ramon Casas’s “Decadent Woman,” a matte finish is essential to maintain the integrity of the original work. The matte surface minimizes glare, allowing viewers to appreciate the subtle details that are characteristic of Casas’s style.
A paper weight of 230 GSM (85 LB) is recommended for both home and professional prints. This weight ensures that the print has a substantial feel, reminiscent of the canvases used during the time of Ramon Casas. It also provides enough sturdiness to support the size of a large print without sagging or warping.
“Decadent Woman” is a captivating piece that portrays a sense of elegance and introspection. The woman’s gaze, directed away from the viewer, along with the intricate play of light and shadow, are rendered beautifully on a high-quality matte paper. The heavier paper weight gives the print a presence and durability that enhances the viewing experience, making it a perfect choice for those who appreciate the depth and history of vintage art.
For digitally restored vintage art, choosing the right paper is crucial for conveying the original spirit of the artwork. With “Decadent Woman” by Ramon Casas, a matte finish on a heavier paper weight will provide a timeless look that honors the artist’s legacy and brings a piece of history into your home gallery wall.
Typographic Prints
For typographic prints, which often feature bold letters and sharp lines, a heavier paper weight is ideal. A matte finish is preferable for its non-reflective qualities, allowing for easy reading. Consider a paper weight of around 170 GSM (65 LB) for small prints and 250 GSM (90 LB) for larger prints from online printers.

Printable Movie Posters
When it comes to printable movie posters, the paper choice should reflect the cinematic experience. Movie posters are designed to be eye-catching and to evoke the mood of the film, so the paper type and weight are crucial in bringing these designs to life.
For home printing, a satin finish is recommended as it provides a slight sheen that enhances the vivid colors without the glare of a glossy finish. A paper weight of 180 GSM (70 LB) is ideal for capturing the detail and vibrancy of movie posters on a smaller scale.

For larger, professional prints, a glossy finish can be more impactful, especially for posters with high-contrast graphics or dark backgrounds. The gloss finish will make the colors pop and give the poster a polished, theatrical look just like in our digitally remaster printable poster of King Kong. A heavier paper weight of 220 GSM (80 LB) is suitable for these larger prints, providing the necessary sturdiness to prevent curling and to withstand handling.
Illustrations for Children’s Rooms
Illustrations for a child’s room or nursery should be vibrant and playful. A satin finish strikes a good balance between color vibrancy and low glare, with a paper weight of 160 GSM (60 LB) being suitable for home prints – just like in the print of the Lambton Worm by Cheryl Olver. For larger prints, a weight of 230 GSM (85 LB) will provide durability and a professional feel.

Cityscapes and Architectural Prints
City and architectural prints often have fine details that benefit from a glossy finish, accentuating the sharpness and contrast. A weight of 170 GSM (65 LB) works well for home printers, while 230 GSM (85 LB) is recommended for larger, professional prints.
Take this large print of the iconic Tyne Bride in Newcastle upon Tyne by Michael Paul Bennett during the evening. The sky is dark, and the grandeur of the bridge and the Quayside is illuminated by lights that cast a glow on the waters below. The reflection in the river creates a stunning mirror image, doubling the visual impact of the bridge’s majestic presence.

The glossy finish of the paper accentuates the lights and reflections, making the colors more vibrant and the contrast sharper. For such a print, a heavier paper weight of 230 GSM (85 LB) would be ideal, providing a high-quality feel and ensuring the print remains flat and smooth when displayed.
This type of print would not only capture the architectural details but also the serene and reflective mood of the evening, making it a stunning addition to any space
Floral Prints
Floral prints, like the one below by Bobo Hui, are full of delicate details and soft colors and best printed on matte paper to avoid any shine that could detract from the subtleties of the artwork. Opt for 170 GSM (65 LB) for smaller, home prints and 230 GSM (85 LB) for larger prints.

Modern Digital Abstract Art
For modern digital abstract art, which often features a kaleidoscope of bright, shiny colors, the paper type can make a significant difference in how these colors pop. A glossy finish is ideal for these types of prints as it reflects light and adds a luminous quality to the vibrant hues, giving the artwork a dynamic and energetic feel.
When printing at home, a paper weight of 200 GSM (80 LB) will provide a good balance between durability and print quality. For larger prints produced by online printers, a heavier paper weight of 250 GSM (90 LB) is recommended to ensure the colors remain vivid and the paper maintains its shape, especially if the artwork will be displayed without a frame.

Take a look at this abstract piece by Duncan Young with with swirls of blues and oranges intermingling in a dance of color on the canvas. The glossy finish not only enhances the visual intensity of these colors but also adds a sense of depth, making the artwork appear as if it’s in motion.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right paper for your art prints is crucial. Whether it’s typographic, illustrative, architectural, floral, vintage, or modern digital abstract art, the paper you select will affect the overall impression of the artwork. By considering the recommendations provided for each art type, you can ensure that your prints are showcased to their fullest potential, captivating viewers with their beauty and professionalism. Happy printing!