Choosing Between Smooth and Textured Paper

This article will help you understand the differences between smooth and textured papers for fine art printing, and how to choose the best option for your artwork. Both surfaces are archival and professional, but they offer different visual and tactile results.

What Is Smooth Paper?

Smooth papers have an even surface with no visible texture. They are ideal for reproducing digital artwork, photographs, or illustrations that require precision and clarity. The flat surface allows ink to sit cleanly on top, resulting in crisp details and vibrant color reproduction.

Best For:

• Digital art and illustrations
• Photography with sharp details and clean gradients
• Designs requiring high contrast and precision

Examples at The Stackhouse:

• Hot Press Bright (Epson): Smooth matte finish with a bright white tone for maximum detail.
• Photo Rag (Hahnemühle): Velvety matte surface offering deep blacks and soft transitions.
• Photo Matte Fibre: Natural matte finish for a modern, non-reflective look.

What Is Textured Paper?

Textured papers have a visible grain or tooth that mimics traditional art papers, like watercolor or handmade cotton papers. The added texture scatters light softly, giving artwork a natural, organic look that closely resembles original paintings or drawings.

Best For:

• Watercolor, gouache, or mixed media reproductions
• Paintings and hand-drawn artwork
• Artists who want a more traditional, tactile presentation

Examples at The Stackhouse:

• Cold Press Bright (Epson): Subtle watercolor texture ideal for traditional paintings.
• William Turner (Hahnemühle): Deeply textured surface that adds visual depth.
• FineArt Baryta (Hahnemühle): Glossy with a slight texture for dimensional photo reproductions.

How to Choose Between Smooth and Textured Papers

When selecting a paper surface, think about the style of your artwork and how you want it to feel in person:

• Choose smooth paper for digital art, photography, or clean modern designs.
• Choose textured paper for paintings, sketches, or work that benefits from added depth.

We recommend testing both finishes to see how they complement your work. The tactile difference can be significant, and personal preference often plays a big role in your final choice.

Try Before You Print

To see and feel the difference between our smooth and textured papers, you can order our free media sample set. It includes all of our fine art papers and canvases, helping you decide with confidence before placing a full print order.

Additional Resources

• Choosing the Right Media for Your Art Prints
• What is Giclée Printing?
• Smooth vs. Textured Paper (Blog)

Need More Help?

If you're still unsure which paper to choose, contact our support team for personalized recommendations based on your artwork style and printing goals.