There is a certain honesty in paper.
It doesn’t call attention to itself, yet it shapes everything we see. The weight, the texture, the way light settles on its surface — all of it becomes part of the image. When chosen well, paper becomes a partner in the work. When chosen poorly, it becomes a distraction.
At Imprint, we think of paper as the foundation of good printing. Before frames, before glass, before the final presentation, there is the simple sheet that holds the image. This guide is a brief introduction to the papers we use, and why they matter.
Why Paper Choice Matters
Most people look at an image and see colour, contrast, and composition. Fewer notice the character of the paper beneath it. Yet paper changes how an image feels.
A matte sheet softens edges. A textured surface adds depth. A bright-white stock makes colours stand tall. A warm-tone stock gives photographs a sense of age and calm.
Paper is not decoration. It is interpretation.
Our Papers
1. Hahnemühle Photo Rag (Matte • Museum Grade)
A classic in the world of fine-art printing. 100% cotton, softly textured, and known for its ability to hold detail without glare.
Images printed on Photo Rag feel grounded — almost tactile — with a quiet depth that suits archival work, black-and-white photography, and portraits.
Best for:
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Archival photographs
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Landscapes
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Soft, natural colour palettes
2. Hahnemühle FineArt Baryta (Semi-Gloss • High Definition)
Baryta papers have roots in traditional darkroom printing. They offer deep blacks and a subtle sheen without the harshness of modern gloss.
Colours appear crisp, and shadows carry more weight.
Best for:
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High-contrast images
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Rich colour photographs
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Photographs that need clarity and definition
3. Mohawk Superfine Eggshell (Warm-Tone • Textured)
Used for certain print editions, inserts, and text-based pieces. Its subtle texture gives language and illustration a more human presence — warm rather than clinical.
Best for:
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Typography
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Illustrations
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Notes, captions, and limited-edition inserts
4. Archival Matte (Smooth • Everyday Fine Art)
Our everyday workhorse. Smooth, neutral, and dependable.
Archival Matte is ideal for customers who want museum-quality prints at a more accessible price. The finish is understated and works well across a wide range of images.
Best for:
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Most photography
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Minimalist prints
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Everyday framing
How We Choose the Right Paper
We select paper based on three things:
• The image — tone, contrast, colour, subject
• The intention — what the print is meant to communicate
• The setting — where the final piece will live
A photograph meant for quiet study asks for a different surface than one meant to stand out in a living room. Paper guides that conversation
Care, Longevity & Archival Standards
All our papers are acid-free, archival, and designed to last for decades. When paired with conservation-grade framing and UV-protected glazing, your print is protected from yellowing, fading, and humidity.
Closing Note
Paper rarely speaks, but it always influences. It is the quiet architecture beneath every print we make.
When you choose a piece from Imprint, you’re not only selecting an image — you’re choosing the surface that carries it forward