Paper Selection in Fine Art Printing: A Comparison of Poster Paper, Hahnemühle Matt Studio, William Turner, Matt Fibre, and Photo Rag
Jan 12, 2026
Paper Selection in Fine Art Printing: A Comparison of Hahnemühle Matt Studio, William Turner, Matt Fibre, and Photo Rag
The most important factor determining fine art print quality is the paper used. Hahnemühle is one of the world's oldest and most respected brands in this field and produces a variety of papers for different uses.
Today, both options like Hahnemühle Matt Studio and William Turner , as well as 350 g/m² matte art poster papers, are frequently used. However, not all of these papers aim for the same printing standard.
In this article, we compare different paper types, specifically Hahnemühle Matt Fibre and Hahnemühle Photo Rag, which are preferred at Gige Gallery, and explain why we choose these papers for true fine art printing.
350 g/m² Matte Artistic Poster Paper
These types of paper are generally used for "artistic posters" or "decorative prints".
- Cellulose-based structure
- Flat, matte surface
- It gives the feeling of being heavier in weight.
- Archival durability is limited.
It is suitable for short-term decoration; however, it does not meet the expectation of long-lasting fine art printing.
Hahnemühle Matt Studio · Nonwoven
Hahnemühle Matt Studio is one of the brand's entry-to-mid-level printing papers. It is primarily preferred for studio printing and decorative applications.
- Smooth and non-textured surface
- Cellulose-based structure
- Clean and simple look
- Color depth and black density are limited.
It offers a fine art feel; however, it does not aim for collection or museum standards.
Hahnemühle William Turner · Textured
Hahnemühle William Turner is a fine art paper with a distinctive texture, produced to evoke a classical artistic feel.
- Strong, perceptible texture.
- Watercolor and drawing paper feel
- It highlights the artistic character.
- Texture can suppress some fine details.
While it might be a characteristic choice for certain works, it's not ideal for every visual.
Preferred Papers at Gige Gallery
Hahnemühle Matt Fibre
Hahnemühle Matt Fibre is a balanced and timeless option for fine art printing.
- Cotton fiber structure
- Soft, natural matte surface
- High detail clarity.
- Balanced color saturation.
- Archival quality
It is a safe and long-lasting choice for both classic and modern works of art.
Hahnemühle Photo Rag
Hahnemühle Photo Rag is the world's leading reference paper for fine art printing.
- 100% cotton fiber structure
- Velvety, natural textured surface.
- High-level black depth.
- Soft yet powerful color transitions.
- Museum and archive standards
The difference between poster printing and fine art printing is apparent at first glance.
Paper Comparison Chart
| Feature | 350 g/m² Matte Poster | Hahnemühle Matt Studio | Hahnemühle William Turner | Hahnemühle Matt Fibre | Hahnemühle Photo Rag |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface | Flat / matte | Plain / non-woven | Distinct texture | Soft mat | Velvety, finely textured |
| Fiber Structure | Cellulose | Cellulose-based | Cellulose-based | Cotton fiber | 100% cotton |
| Clarity of Detail | Low-medium | Middle | Tissue-bound | High | Very high |
| Color Depth | Annoyed | Middle | Middle | Balanced | Senior |
| Black Density | Weak | Middle | Middle | Strong | Very powerful |
| Archival Durability | Low | Middle | Middle | High | Very high |
| Target Use | Poster / decorative | Decorative / Studio | Character art print | Fine art print | Museum-quality fine art. |
Why Gige Gallery?
Gige Gallery selects from Hahnemühle's diverse range of papers that truly meet fine art standards .
- Production with Matt Fibre and Photo Rag.
- Fully compatible with pigment inks.
- High-resolution giclée printing
- Long-lasting fade resistance.
This approach transforms the prints from temporary decorations into permanent works of art.
Price-Quality Balance: Why It's Actually More Economical?
More affordable papers may seem attractive at first glance. However:
- Shorter lifespan
- Loss of color and contrast
- Need for reprinting
It increases costs in the long run.
Prints produced with Hahnemühle Matt Fibre and Photo Rag maintain the same quality for years. This makes them an economical choice in terms of quality .
Conclusion: Paper Selection is Not a Detail, It's a Decision
Hahnemühle Matt Studio and William Turner offer suitable options for specific applications. However, for a true fine art printing experience, Matt Fibre and Photo Rag represent the pinnacle, both technically and aesthetically.
At Gige Gallery, each print is produced not as a temporary decoration, but as a long-lasting art experience.
