I'm SO excited to show you guys the difference that paper can make when printing art at home. Forget dropshipping, forget Staples, quality paper can really make all the difference in the world when printing art at home! Not to mention, if you print from home, the amount of cost you can cut down is actually mind-blowing.
This process takes a lot of trial and error, so let me help you! I did a ton of research on printers, even though I'm not going over them, I've linked you with my favorite affordable printer because I know how much of a headache it can be to find one. I bought my printer 5 years ago and it STILL works like it did on day one. Love love love this electronic thing of mine!
Some of these images will be hard to see the major differences between the papers so if that's a concern for you, I recommend scrolling to the bottom to view the video!
Supplies
Epson Premium Presentation Paper MATTE (spoiler alert: NO)
I wanted the BEST possible prints for artwork so I purchased this paper. It was recommended on an insane amount of forums so imagine my surprise when my art print came out looking so dull. So disappointed with this outcome!
This led me to a lot of trial and error before I came across THE JACKPOT OF PAPER JACKPOTS...
Red River Paper
Left: Epson paper vs. Right: Red River Paper
I stumbled upon this heavenly paper supplier and now it's ALL I USE. If you've known me for 5 minutes, you know I'm a Red River Paper fanatic. This paper is everything and more! I'm going over three different red river paper types just to show you guys how my print looks on each one separately.
Spoiler alert: The quality seriously holds up.
I always think the sample kit is worth the purchase just so you can see which paper you love the most, but I'll go over how these babes printed so you can get a general idea.
60 lb River Linen 2.0
This paper has a really beautiful natural texture to it, it's almost like a canvas material. I love that even though this paper has that texture to it, it doesn't interrupt the crispness of the print!
Sorry for this meh photo that I totally took a screenshot of from the video... watch the video for the full effect!
Even though this a watercolor print, the small grits on the paper don't affect the piece itself. I'm a huge fan of this type of paper when you're looking for a paper that will hold up in a fine art way.
64 lb Aurora White
Again, sorry for this meh photo that I totally took a screenshot of from the video... watch the video for the full effect!
Aurora white comes in different weights and shades. There's also an Aurora natural which is more of an ivory than a white. It just depends on the look that you're going for with your prints. This paper printed nice and crisp, when compared with the linen there isn't a ton of difference.
Even with the Aurora natural, the print still came out super vibrant, regardless of the white tone on the paper. Pretty great all around!
60 lb Canvas White
Again, sorry for this meh photo that I totally took a screenshot of from the video... watch the video for the full effect!
The Canvas paper is similar to the River Linen but the texture of the paper is a little larger than the River Linen. The Canvas is also a little more expensive than the River Linen, but honestly, the River Linen is sufficient enough for me.
Again, sorry for this meh photo that I totally took a screenshot of from the video... watch the video for the full effect!
60 lb Premium Matte Plus
Again, sorry for this meh photo that I totally took a screenshot of from the video... watch the video for the full effect!
This is similar to the Aurora but brighter white and is 60lb instead of 64. The print is still really nice and vibrant with a matte finish so can't really go wrong with this option either!
66 lb Palo Duro Satin
Again, sorry for this meh photo that I totally took a screenshot of from the video... watch the video for the full effect!
Palo Duro Satin has almost a metallic sheen to it. In my opinion, this paper is more for photos, which, it's probably fantastic for photos, just not for printing.
75 lb Arctic Polar Luster
Again, sorry for this meh photo that I totally took a screenshot of from the video... watch the video for the full effect!
The same thing with this paper, it has that sheen that I personally just don't love on prints. This paper is thicker than the Palo Duro Satin. The luster is just a little too much for my liking. The paper itself is a lot more matte than the Palo Duro Satin but the sheen still comes through.
But it's really just personal preference so if you like a little sheen to your prints, I highly recommend this paper! It does print beautifully!
88 lb Polar Matte Magna (50 sheets - 8x10)
Again, sorry for this meh photo that I totally took a screenshot of from the video... watch the video for the full effect!
This paper has a TON of different weights, the one I use is the 88 lb, which by the way, IS SO THICK. I prefer to use this paper because it feels so high quality and I love sending high-quality prints to all my lovely customers! High quality for a great price because I'm printing from home, winning.
Arctic Polar Satin
This satin paper prints elegantly, but if you're like me and don't love the sheen - I don't recommend using this paper for your prints. BUT, if you love that shiny goodness, I highly recommend using this paper because it's gorgeous!
Again, sorry for this meh photo that I totally took a screenshot of from the video... watch the video for the full effect!
When compared to the Arctic Polar Luster, it's shinier but not as thick!
Again, sorry for this meh photo that I totally took a screenshot of from the video... watch the video for the full effect!
All in all, the Arctic Polar Satin and the Arctic Polar Luster feel the most photo finish and the Palo Duro Satin is more of an eggshell color.
I'm super biased because I've used the River Linen for so long and just love it to pieces! I recently switched over to the 88lb because it feels so luxurious in its thickness and I'm all about that life.
All I'm saying is forget any other paper except Red River paper because you're going to love it. It's unbeatable, unstoppable, and cannot be beaten! TRUST ME, TRUST ME, AND TRUST ME! RUN!!! Don't walk to get Red River Paper!
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