Why Bother With Premium-Quality Paper?
There are a number of important reasons to insist on premium-quality paper when ordering photo enlargements and canvas prints.
Let us first discuss what is meant by "premium-quality" paper.
It is generally agreed that premium-quality paper has, as a minimum, the following characteristics:
- A weight of no less than 240gsm.
- Acid-free composition.
- Capacity to support a print resolution of 1200 dots-per-inch or more.
- Suitability for photographic printing applications, in terms of dynamic range capabilities. The paper should be capable of supporting a wide-enough range of tone and colours (and colour gradations) suitable for the printing of photos. To a large degree, the paper's weight and the quality of its coating determines the range of tones and colours that it can support.
Here at Giantprint, our entire paper and canvas range exceeds these specifications. Our paper and canvas range has, as a minimum, the following additional characteristics:
- A weight of no less than 260gsm.
- Optical-Brightener-free (OBA-free).
- Capacity to support a print resolution of at least 2880 dots-per-inch.
- Suitability for professional photographic printing applications, in terms of dynamic range capabilities.
The table below provides some explanation as to why the above characteristics are important:
Heavier Weight & Higher Quality Coating
Paper is more resistant to physical damage such as tearing. Somewhat more resistant to the effects caused by the absorption of damaging airborne contaminants. Paper can accept a greater amount of ink, which is absolutely critical in terms of the range of tone and colours that can be reproduced. Less ink means less saturation, muddier blacks, etc.
Acid-Free
Print will last longer. Print will be more resistant to fade. Paper or canvas that contains acid will tend to fade quite quickly. You can read more about the effect of acid [HERE].
Optical-Brightener-Free
Print will be more resistant to fade. You can read more about the effect of optical brighteners [HERE].
Supports High-Resolution
Sharper photo. Finer detail can be seen.