How We Choose Our Fine Art Paper - Epson Hot Press and Hahnemühle

Choosing paper is crucial when producing fine art prints. Low‑quality stock feels flimsy in the hand and can’t match the weight or texture that signals fine‑art quality. After years of trial and error, and (absolutely endless amounts of testing!), we now rely on three museum‑grade cotton papers that keep colours true, have the appropriate textures for my artwork, and and are robust enough to last.

What We Need From Paper

1. Archival longevity – Colours should hold for decades, not seasons.

2. Accurate colour reproduction – Subtle shifts matter when fur, feathers, and shadows do the storytelling.

3. Inviting surface feel – A paper that reads as art, not poster stock.

4. Pure cotton base – Naturally acid‑free and bright.

Why acid‑free matters

Most mass‑market paper is made from wood pulp that contains acid. Over time that acid causes yellowing, brittleness, and colour shift—the same look you see in an old paperback. Cotton paper is naturally acid‑free, so it stays bright and stable for decades. Museums insist on it, and so do we.

What does “gsm” mean?

GSM stands for grams per square metre. It’s a quick way to describe paper weight and, by extension, how sturdy it feels in the hand. Anything around 300 gsm has the heft of lightweight card stock—rigid enough to resist warping inside a frame, yet thin enough to sit under a mat without bulking.

Each of the three papers below meets those standards. Which one you receive depends on the print itself and the production workflow at the time—our Watercolour Animals collection always runs on German Etching for its texture, while other pieces are printed on Epson or Photo Rag according to studio‑partner stock. No matter the match‑up, you get museum‑grade cotton paper and archival pigment ink.

Epson Hot Press Bright White

Why it earns a spot in our roster

• Extra‑bright base keeps saturated colours vivid without oversaturation.

• Smooth surface locks fine lines and small text in place—handy for detailed drawings.

• Independent lab tests rate its fade resistance at 70+ years under UV‑filtered glass.

Hahnemühle Photo Rag 308

Why it earns a spot in our roster

• Gentle, velvety texture adds depth without distracting from line work.

• Slightly warmer base tone keeps earth palettes rich and blacks deep.

• Holds FineArt certification that many collectors know and trust.

Hahnemühle German Etching 310

Why it earns a spot in our roster

• The pronounced texture enhances soft gradients and edges, perfect for our Watercolour Animals collection.

• Slightly warm white balances bright washes without muting contrast.

• Highly respected in the fine‑art print world; collectors recognise the feel immediately.

What Decides Which Paper Ships?

• Watercolour Animals → always printed on German Etching 310 for the texture it deserves.

• All other collections → printed on Epson Hot Press Bright White or Photo Rag 308, depending on which stock the closest partner studio has on hand.

Keeping multiple top‑tier options lets us print closer to you, trim shipping time, and avoid ever downgrading to lower‑grade paper.

Caring for the Print

• Use UV‑blocking glazing if the piece hangs in direct daylight.

• Keep humidity moderate—no steamy bathrooms, please.

• Dust with a soft, dry cloth; avoid cleaning sprays.

Treat the art gently and the paper will do the rest.

Final Note

Paper choice here isn’t about better or worse; it’s about matching surface to artwork while maintaining archival standards. Whichever sheet lands at your door, it’s 100 % cotton, acid‑free, and rated to outlast passing trends—and probably us as well.

— Catherine