Learn About Inkjet Art Papers & Art Inkjet Papers

BACKGROUND ON INKJET ART PAPERS
& ART INKJET PAPERS 

Giclee printing is the reproduction of fine art on paper using an inkjet printer. Different types of digital art paper are widely available now for printing paintings, digital art, even for T-shirts and fridge magnets. For printing paintings, the inkjet art paper has finishes like matte photo paper finish and watercolor finish. There are different textures too, like velvet, pearl, satin, smooth and so on.

Some of the leading manufacturers of inkjet art papers (also known as "art inkjet papers") are Breathing Color, Hahnemuhle, Epson, Intelicoat, Strathmore and Arches.

The longevity and resolution of the print depends on the paper, paper coating and ink used. Giclee prints made using pigmented ink could last for up to eighty years. While choosing the inkjet art paper one has to be aware of the dot gain. Dot gain is the extent to which an ink droplet spreads on a paper. The less it is, the better the resolution and the better the resulting print quality. Some brands have inkjet art papers with very less dot gain, but if it is not archival it cannot be used for fine art printing.  All of this must be considered when choosing which inkjet art papers you will want to use for your own work.  

Inkjet art paper is available in different thicknesses. The standard measurement of fine arts paper thickness is in terms of grams/square meter. While a normal paper used for typing is 80 gsm, the thickness of typical fine arts paper falls between 120 to 310 gsm. Cost of the paper is always proportionate to the thickness. For museum quality fine arts giclee printing, the costlier archival inkjet art paper is used, such as Breathing Color's Elegance Velvet and Optica One. This would be free from acid, with a neutral pH, and 100+ years archival certified. The problem with cheaper papers is that they break down eventually, discharging acid that eats into the print, causing it to turn yellow and/or fade the ink. This type of media would be best suited to print banners and signs that are not expected to last long, and not for fine arts. The best fine art paper is made from 100% cotton rag. As a result it's price is much higher.

 Inkjet art paper is not just limited to making prints of art work. They can also be utilized to make greeting cards, invitation cards, portfolios and limited edition books. These papers might be coated on either or both sides. The different textures are helpful in accentuating the required feel of the print – classic, antique and so on. 

HELPFUL VIDEOS ON INKJET ART PAPERS & ART INKJET PAPERS 

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