The Paper We Print On

The Paper We Use

Every print we make is produced on archival, acid-free paper, through fine art printers in Ireland, the UK, the EU, the US and Australia. The paper is the part most people never think about and the part that decides whether a print still looks right in twenty years.

Close-up of Buy Irish Art archival matte paper, 250 gsm (110 lb)

Matte (Uncoated) Paper

Matte paper has no shine to it, so nothing bounces back at you from across a room and the surface reads as paper rather than as a screen. It is what most galleries hang.

  • Archival and acid-free, ensuring long-lasting preservation.
  • Soft, uncoated finish that suits painting and drawing.
  • Absorbent surface, not recommended for designs with very heavy ink coverage.
  • Availability may vary depending on printing location.

Semi-Gloss (Silk Coated) Paper

Silk coated paper carries a slight sheen that lifts colour and fine detail without the mirror finish of full gloss. It suits work with dense, saturated colour.

  • Balanced finish, sitting between glossy and matte.
  • Handles heavy ink coverage without flooding, so colour stays even.
  • Can be finished with matte or glossy protection for added durability.
  • Smooth surface, not intended for handwritten notes or signatures.

Protection for Lasting Quality

To protect your print from scratches, scuffs, and fading, we recommend a protective finish, especially for pieces with strong colours or heavy ink coverage.

  • Gloss protection: maximises colour depth and brilliance.
  • Matte protection: maintains a softer, understated finish.

These finishes extend the life of your print and preserve its visual impact over time.

Understanding Paper Weight

Paper weight directly affects how a print feels and how it displays. In the printing world, weight is measured in two different systems:

  • North America: pounds (lb).
  • Worldwide: grams per square metre (gsm).

We print on 200–250 gsm archival paper. Below that a print feels flimsy in the hand; above it, framing gets awkward.

Why Paper Quality Matters

A cheap poster is printed with dye inks on wood-pulp paper, and both of those decisions show within a few years: the paper yellows at the edges and the colour drifts. We use pigment inks on acid-free archival paper, which is why these are rated to hold their colour for decades rather than seasons.