Learn About Fine Art Printing
This page provides an overview of the materials, processes, and considerations involved in producing high-quality fine art prints. All prints are created in-house using archival pigment inks and professional Fotospeed papers, ensuring excellent colour accuracy, tonal depth, and long-term stability.
Whether you are new to fine art printing or simply want to understand how your print is made, the information below explains the key elements of paper choice, archival quality, colour management, printing methods, and how to choose the right option for your image or display space.
What Is Fine Art Printing?
Fine art printing refers to the use of archival-grade materials—papers, inks, and colour-managed workflows—to produce prints with exceptional detail, colour fidelity, and longevity. Compared with standard consumer printing, fine-art processes prioritise accuracy, permanence, and a tactile, gallery-quality finish.
Archival Pigment Inks
All prints are produced using professional Canon PRO-series printers with pigment-based inks. These inks offer:
• Museum-grade permanence
• Excellent resistance to fading
• Deep blacks and rich tonal separation
• Accurate, repeatable colour reproduction
Pigment inks are designed for stability and are widely used for gallery, exhibition, and collectible prints.
Fine Art Papers
The choice of paper is one of the most important factors in the final appearance of a print. Fine-art papers have distinct characteristics that influence texture, contrast, colour, and the overall feel of the finished work.
Common Paper Types
Baryta Papers
Feature a smooth, semi-gloss finish with rich blacks and strong contrast. Ideal for images with depth, definition, and fine detail.
Textured Matte Papers
Gently textured surfaces with a natural white tone. Excellent for painterly, atmospheric photographs and images with soft transitions.
Both types are acid-free, archival, and designed for long-lasting display.
Signature Papers I Use
I primarily use two Fotospeed papers chosen for their tonal accuracy and fine-art quality:
Fotospeed Platinum Baryta 300
A classic baryta-based paper offering high contrast, deep blacks, and a traditional darkroom-style finish.
Fotospeed Natural Soft Textured 315
A gently textured matte paper with a natural white tone, ideal for subtle, atmospheric, or painterly images.
Alternative papers may be available on request.
Colour Management
Accurate colour reproduction is essential in fine-art printing. All prints are created using a colour-managed workflow that includes:
• Calibrated monitors
• ICC paper profiles
• Controlled viewing conditions
• Printer-specific calibration
This ensures that what you see in the final print closely matches the intended tones and colours of the image.
Choosing the Right Paper
Different images suit different paper types. As a general guide:
Choose Baryta Papers for:
• High-contrast images
• Strong detail and depth
• Rich colours
• Dramatic wildlife, street, or portrait work
Choose Textured Papers for:
• Soft, atmospheric images
• Subtle tones and painterly scenes
• Landscapes with gentle light
• Creative or artistic photographs
If you are unsure which paper best suits your chosen image, I’m always happy to recommend one.
Print Longevity
Fine art prints created using archival pigment inks and acid-free papers can last for decades when displayed correctly. To maximise longevity:
• Avoid strong direct sunlight
• Frame using UV-protective glazing
• Keep prints away from damp or humid environments
• Handle using clean, dry hands
Proper presentation ensures your print remains vibrant and stable over time.
What Affects Print Appearance?
Several factors influence how a print looks:
• Paper texture
• Paper brightness or tone
• Surface finish (baryta vs matte)
• Lighting conditions in the display space
• Surrounding mount and frame colour
These elements contribute to the overall mood of the final piece.
When to Choose Custom Options
Custom sizing or alternative papers may be appropriate when:
• You need a print to fit a specific frame
• You want a different surface texture
• You require a unique presentation style
• You are ordering a large, statement piece
Enquiries are welcome.
Related Information
For additional details about print options and ordering, please see:
• Print Prices
• Print Care Instructions
• Print Options & Sizing Guide
• Shipping & Delivery
• Licensing