1 Smooth Cotton Rag (archival)

What it is: 100% cotton fibre papers with a smooth, matte surface. Museum-grade, excellent longevity, very stable colour.

Best for

• Graphite, charcoal, pen & ink
• Digital illustration and vectors (clean edges)
• Photography where a calm, fine-art matte look is preferred
• Editions where archival permanence is important

Our examples

• Hahnemühle Photo Rag 188gsm — classic smooth rag feel, natural white.
• PermaJet Omega Smooth Cotton Rag 310gsm — heavier weight, smooth rag surface.

2 Textured Rag & Cotton-Enhanced Papers

What it is: Rag or cotton-enhanced papers with a visible tooth (mould-made style). The texture becomes part of the print.

Best for

• Watercolour reproduction
• Pastel, gouache and traditional media
• Artworks that benefit from a tactile paper presence

Our examples

• Hahnemühle William Turner 190gsm — pronounced texture, classic mould-made character.
• PermaJet Museum Heritage 310gsm — cotton-enhanced alpha cellulose with refined mould-made texture.

3 Watercolour-Style Alpha Cellulose

What it is: High-quality wood-pulp (alpha cellulose) base with a watercolour-like texture. More economical than pure cotton rag, still very capable for editions and studies.

Best for

• Sketches, studies and open editions
• Artwork that needs texture without the cost of heavy rag

Our example

• PermaJet Artist Watercolour 250gsm — natural textured surface, good colour hold for the class.

4 Modern Photographic Papers (coated)

What it is: RC or fibre-style coated papers for a contemporary photographic look. Higher perceived contrast, crisp detail, and different surface sheens.

Best for

• Photographic work needing a “photo” finish
• High-contrast digital art and CGI
• Images where micro-detail sharpness is a priority

Our examples

• PermaJet Ultra Pearl 295gsm — RC pearl/lustre surface, modern photographic feel.
• PermaJet Matt Plus 240gsm — smooth coated matte; clean, contemporary presentation.

5 Canvas

What it is: Matte inkjet canvas for large display pieces or artworks originally painted on canvas. Softens grain and adds a painterly presentation.

Our example

• PermaJet Matte Canvas 390gsm — robust, matte finish; ideal for wall display.

6 How to Choose (quick tips)

• Match the original: traditional media often feels most authentic on textured or cotton-enhanced papers; digital/photographic work can shine on smooth rag or photographic coated papers.
• Think finish: matte papers give a calm, glare-free look; pearl adds punch and apparent sharpness.
• Want to be sure? Ask for a small swatch selection — or order a thumbnail proof or proof strip on your chosen stock.

7 Related Topics

• Printer & Inks
• Proofing Options
• Preparing Files
• Back to FAQs