ABX IMAGING · PAPER & PRINT RESOURCES
Fine Art Paper Guide:
Hahnemühle & Canson
The paper becomes part of the image.
A photograph, a pencil drawing and a watercolour reproduction can change dramatically when printed on different papers. This guide introduces fine art papers to discuss with ABX IMAGING and explains how to compare their surfaces, materials and visual character.
We are based in the province of Antwerp, Belgium, and work with artists and photographers across Europe and internationally. The papers below are selection references; available papers, weights and print formats are confirmed for your project.
Start with the result you want.
Smooth matte
Explore a smooth matte paper when you want a restrained surface. This can be a useful direction for delicate linework, fine detail or images in which a pronounced paper texture would become distracting. Smooth does not mean completely textureless: compare the actual sheets.
Textured matte
A felt-marked or watercolour surface gives a print a stronger tactile character. It can complement painterly work and expressive drawings. If the file already contains canvas or paper texture from the original, check that the additional texture creates the effect you want.
Pearl, satin and baryta
These surfaces introduce different degrees and types of sheen. They offer alternatives for photographic artwork and images where a reflective presentation is desirable. View a sample from different angles and under the light intended for the finished work.
Hahnemühle fine art paper options
Photo Rag 308
308 gsm · cotton · smooth matte. A versatile starting point when comparing matte fine art papers. Explore it for photography, drawing reproductions and digital artwork where a relatively quiet surface suits the image.
Hahnemühle Photo Rag specifications →
German Etching
310 gsm · alpha cellulose · textured matte. Its felt structure offers a tactile presentation. Compare it for art reproductions and images that benefit from a visibly textured sheet, paying particular attention to fine lines in a proof.
Hahnemühle German Etching specifications →
Museum Etching
350 gsm · cotton · natural white · textured matte. A substantial sheet to discuss for editions and artwork where the feel of the paper matters. Its natural-white base offers a different presentation from a bright-white paper.
Hahnemühle Museum Etching specifications →
William Turner
Mould-made cotton paper · pronounced watercolour texture · matte. Consider William Turner when a traditional watercolour character supports the artwork. Compare the treatment of small details and the texture of empty areas.
Hahnemühle William Turner specifications →
Albrecht Dürer
210 gsm · cotton and alpha cellulose · watercolour texture · matte. A lighter sheet with a traditional artist-paper character. It offers another route for expressive drawing and painting reproductions.
Hahnemühle Albrecht Dürer specifications →
FineArt Pearl
285 gsm · alpha cellulose · bright white · pearl finish. Compare this paper for photographic work and art that suits a subtly reflective surface. Its paper white differs from the warmer appearance of Photo Rag Pearl.
Hahnemühle FineArt Pearl specifications →
Photo Rag Pearl
320 gsm · cotton · natural white · pearl finish. A cotton alternative with a gently textured surface. Assess its warmer paper shade alongside the colours and unprinted areas of your artwork.
Hahnemühle Photo Rag Pearl data sheet →
Photo Rag Baryta
315 gsm · cotton · high-gloss baryta coating. An option for a more reflective fine art presentation. Compare dark tones, highlights and the surface under the lighting in which the print will be displayed.
Hahnemühle Photo Rag Baryta specifications →
Canson Infinity fine art paper options
Rag Photographique II
Cotton · smooth surface. A paper to compare for photographic prints, detailed illustrations and art reproductions where the surface should remain restrained. Ask which weight and format suit the intended print.
Canson Rag Photographique II specifications →
Edition Etching Rag II
A fine art paper to explore alongside smoother rag options when a traditional printmaking character appeals to you. Use the same image for both proofs so you can isolate the effect of the paper choice.
Canson Edition Etching Rag II specifications →
ARCHES Aquarelle Rag
310 gsm · cotton · textured matte. This paper uses a mould-made watercolour base. It can be a useful comparison for watercolour reproductions and work where a traditional artist-paper surface is part of the intended result.
Canson Infinity ARCHES Aquarelle Rag specifications →
Platine Fibre Rag
310 gsm · cotton · satin. A photographic presentation to compare with matte papers. Consider how the satin surface works with the image and the finished framing or display.
Canson Platine Fibre Rag specifications →
Hahnemühle or Canson: how do you choose?
Neither brand is the best choice for every image. Begin with the intended appearance, then compare papers with similar characteristics. If you change texture, shade and finish at the same time, it can be harder to understand which difference you prefer.
Paper white
Unprinted areas are the colour of the paper itself. A warm or bright-white sheet can change the impression of pale colours and borders. Compare paper white alongside the artwork, particularly for delicate watercolour and botanical illustration.
Surface texture
Look at both the printed and unprinted parts of a sample. Texture can add character but also compete with marks already present in the image. Inspect the print at a normal viewing distance as well as close up.
Weight and handling
Gsm describes weight per square metre. It does not by itself tell you the paper thickness, stiffness or print quality. Think about how the finished sheet will be handled, signed, packed and framed.
Finish and light
View reflective papers at different angles. Compare samples in the kind of light where the finished work will hang. The same print can feel different under strong directional light and softer room lighting.
A practical proofing process
Choose two or three relevant papers and use the same image area for each comparison. A small overview helps assess the whole composition; a crop at final scale helps assess detail.
Include the difficult areas: pale marks, saturated colours, deep shadows, gradients and fine text. Write down your observations and keep the approved print as a reference for the edition.
Before production, confirm the artwork version, image size, overall sheet size, borders, paper and finishing. If a paper changes in a later run, review a new proof rather than assuming it will behave identically.
Paper care and presentation
Handle prints by the edges and protect the printed surface from abrasion and moisture. Discuss suitable mounting, framing and packaging for the chosen material. Display conditions and care contribute to how a print ages; a paper name alone is not a guarantee of a fixed print lifespan.
More Hahnemühle & Canson papers — printing on request
Looking for a paper that is not featured in the comparisons above? We can also print on other Hahnemühle and Canson papers on request. Explore the wider inkjet paper ranges below and contact us with your preferred paper.
Tell us the exact product name, paper weight, print size and quantity. We will confirm the available format, production options and timing for your project. Product ranges can change, so contact us even if your preferred paper is missing from this list.
Hahnemühle · Matt FineArt Smooth
Photo Rag, including Photo Rag 308; Photo Rag Deckle Edge; Photo Rag Ultra Smooth; Photo Rag Bright White; Photo Rag Matt Baryta; Photo Rag Book & Album; Photo Rag Duo; Rice Paper.
Explore the manufacturer’s Matt FineArt Smooth range →
Hahnemühle · Matt FineArt Textured
German Etching; Museum Etching; Museum Etching Deckle Edge; William Turner; William Turner Deckle Edge; Albrecht Dürer; Torchon.
Explore the manufacturer’s Matt FineArt Textured range →
Hahnemühle · Glossy FineArt
FineArt Pearl; Photo Rag Pearl; Photo Rag Satin; Photo Rag Baryta; Photo Rag Metallic; FineArt Baryta; FineArt Baryta Satin; Baryta FB.
Explore the manufacturer’s Glossy FineArt range →
Hahnemühle · Natural Line
Bamboo; Hemp; Agave; Sugar Cane; Bamboo Gloss Baryta; Hemp Gloss Baryta.
Explore the manufacturer’s Natural Line →
Hahnemühle · Photo papers
Photo Gloss Baryta X 320; Photo Silk Baryta X 310; Sustainable Photo Glossy 220; Sustainable Photo Satin 220; Photo Matt Fibre 200; Photo Matt Fibre Duo 210; Photo Glossy 260; Photo Luster 260/290; Photo Pearl 310.
Explore the manufacturer’s Photo paper range →
Canson Infinity · matte fine art papers
Rag Photographique II; Rag Photographique; Rag Photographique Duo; Edition Etching Rag II; Edition Etching Rag; ARCHES 88; ARCHES Aquarelle Rag; ARCHES BFK Rives Pure White; ARCHES BFK Rives White; Somerset Enhanced Satin; Somerset Enhanced Velvet; Somerset Enhanced Watercolour Rag.
Canson Infinity · photographic and baryta papers
Platine Fibre Rag; Baryta Photographique II; Baryta Photographique II Matt; Baryta Prestige II; PhotoGloss Premium RC; Photo Lustre Premium RC; PhotoSatin Premium RC.
Explore the manufacturer’s Canson Infinity range →
Both original and newer product names may appear in the manufacturer’s catalogue during range changes. Please specify the exact version if you are matching an existing edition. This section covers inkjet papers; ask us separately about canvas and other print media.
Request printing on your preferred paper →
Find the right paper for your project.
Tell us what you create, the intended print size and how the work will be presented. We can help narrow down a useful paper comparison.
Continue with printing for artists, printing for illustrators, printing for photographers or fine art printing in Belgium.