TL;DR: Canvas, photo paper, and giclée fine art materials each affect the texture, color, and longevity of your prints. Understanding the differences helps you choose the perfect medium for your photography or artwork.
Many factors influence how your printed photos will look and feel, but the media you select has the biggest impact. Each surface—canvas, photo paper, or fine art paper—adds a unique character. Understanding your options ensures your photos look exactly how you envisioned.
Below, the team at The Stackhouse explains the most common print materials and how to choose the right one for your work.
Canvas Photo Prints
Canvas offers a textured, painterly look that’s both durable and artistic. Its matte surface minimizes glare, making it perfect for bright rooms and gallery displays. Our Gallery Wrapped Canvas Prints include protective coatings in satin or matte finishes to enhance color and shield against moisture and UV light.
Learn more about professional canvas finishes in Satin vs. Matte Finish for Canvas Prints.
Paper Photo Prints
Paper prints offer an incredible range of finishes—from glossy and vibrant to matte and soft. The quality of the paper and ink defines the outcome. At The Stackhouse, we use archival pigment inks and professional photo papers for all Photo Prints, ensuring sharp detail and rich color depth.
Not sure how to prepare your images for printing? Visit our Submit Artwork Printing Guide for file setup tips and color management advice.
Matte vs. Glossy Photo Papers
- Glossy: Ideal for colorful, high-contrast photos. The shine enhances vibrancy but may reflect light when framed behind glass.
- Matte: Perfect for black-and-white images, soft tones, and non-reflective displays. It also resists fingerprints and glare.
See and feel the differences for yourself with our Free Media Sample Set, which includes examples of both matte and glossy surfaces.
Giclée Fine Art Prints
If longevity and fine detail are your priority, Giclée Fine Art Prints are the gold standard. This process uses pigment-based inks and museum-grade papers to produce exceptional color accuracy and permanence. Under proper care, these prints maintain their quality for a lifetime.
Learn how giclée printing differs from other methods in Why Giclée Printing Is the Best Choice for Photo Prints.
Whether you’re printing photos for personal display, gallery sale, or reproduction, The Stackhouse ensures your work is printed with precision and care using the best materials available.
Ready to bring your photography to life? Order your Photo Prints or Giclée Fine Art Prints today.
