The Best Paper for Printmaking: How to Choose the Right Surface for Your Prints

Why Paper Selection Matters in Printmaking

The best paper for printmaking can make or break the final impression of your work. Whether you are pulling your very first lino print or preparing a series of fine etchings, the surface you print on plays as much of a role as the ink or the block. Paper affects how ink sits, how colours blend, and even how long your print will last without yellowing or breaking down.

At The Deckle Edge, we stock a wide range of printmaking papers designed for artists at every level, from beginners experimenting with monoprints to professionals creating museum-quality editions. Understanding what makes one sheet of paper different from another is the first step toward elevating your prints.

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Key Factors in Choosing the Best Paper for Printmaking

Not all paper is created equal. Here are the main qualities to pay attention to when selecting the best paper for printmaking:

Weight (gsm)

Paper is measured in grams per square meter (gsm). Lighter papers (under 200gsm) are easier to print on with hand tools but may wrinkle or tear under heavy pressure. Heavier papers (250–350gsm) are more robust and handle multiple layers of ink or dampening for etching techniques.

Texture

Smooth papers allow crisp lines and fine detail, perfect for etchings or lithography. Textured papers add character, catching ink in unexpected ways and giving relief prints like lino or woodcuts more dimension.

Absorbency

Some papers absorb ink quickly, while others allow it to sit more on the surface. Highly absorbent papers are often used for water-based inks, while less absorbent papers suit oil-based inks and processes requiring rich saturation.

Acid-Free Quality

Archival or acid-free papers ensure prints won’t yellow or deteriorate over time. If you’re making work for sale or display, this is non-negotiable.

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Types of Printmaking Papers Explained

Smooth vs. Textured

Smooth papers, like Arches 88 Printing Paper (300gsm), are designed for screen printing and lithography, where sharp edges and clean shapes matter. Textured papers, such as Fabriano Rosaspina Cream, give lino and woodcut prints a more tactile, handmade finish.

Lightweight vs. Heavyweight

Lightweight papers (180–220gsm) are easier to print on by hand or with barens, making them excellent for beginners. Heavyweight papers (250–350gsm), such as Hahnemühle Etching Paper, withstand repeated passes through an etching press without buckling.

Handmade vs. Machine-Made

Handmade papers offer unique deckled edges and organic textures, while machine-made papers provide consistency and reliability. Both have their place, depending on whether you want uniform editions or unique, character-rich prints.

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Which Paper Works Best for Each Printmaking Technique?

Lino and Woodcut Prints

For lino and woodcuts, you want a paper with a bit of texture to hold the ink while remaining strong under pressure. Fabriano Rosaspina (White or Cream) has been a go-to for relief printing for decades thanks to its durability and subtle surface tooth.

Etching and Intaglio

Etching requires dampened paper that can withstand being pushed into fine grooves of a plate. Hahnemühle Etching Paper or Arches Velin d’Arches are excellent choices, offering both strength and softness.

Monoprints

Monoprints work well on smoother papers that can capture painterly marks and layered colours. Arches Velin BFK Rives is an excellent example, combining softness with the ability to show subtle ink variation.

Screen Printing

Screen printing requires paper that resists buckling under wet ink. Arches 88 Printing Paper (300gsm) is a classic option thanks to its absorbency and crisp surface that holds bright colours beautifully.

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The Best Paper Brands for Printmaking

When browsing art materials, you’ll see trusted brands that printmakers worldwide swear by.

• Arches: Known for versatility, from smooth Arches 88 to textured Velin papers.
• Fabriano: Italian-made Rosaspina and Tiepolo papers are staples for relief printing.
• Hahnemühle: German etching papers prized for their strength, consistency, and professional quality.

These brands represent centuries of craftsmanship in papermaking, giving you peace of mind that your prints are made to last.

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Practical Tips for Testing and Choosing Printmaking Papers

Start Small

Before investing in large sheets, try a sketch pad or sample pad to test how different papers interact with your chosen inks and techniques.

Consider Dampening

Some papers, particularly for etching, need to be dampened before printing. Softer papers like Hahnemühle Etching Paper perform beautifully when handled this way.

Check Compatibility with Inks

Water-based inks often need more absorbent papers, while oil-based inks may sit better on smoother surfaces. This makes pairing paper with the right printmaking inks essential.

Look at Edges and Finish

If you want deckled edges for a traditional look, handmade papers are perfect. If you want clean borders for framing, machine-made options may be better.

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Why Archival Quality Matters for Printmakers

Archival papers are acid-free and designed to last without discolouration. If you’re creating prints you want to sell, gift, or exhibit, always look for this quality.

Imagine pulling a perfect edition of prints, only to see them yellow and degrade within a few years. With professional printmaking papers like Arches Velin d’Arches Cream or Fabriano Tiepolo, you can ensure your artwork holds up for decades.

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Experimentation: The Path to Finding Your Favourite Paper

The best paper for printmaking often comes down to personal preference. What works beautifully for one artist’s monoprints may feel too smooth for another’s woodcuts. The good news is, experimenting with craft and hobby supplies like smaller sheets, offcuts, or even mixing different types of paper in one project can lead to unexpected and exciting results.

If you’re unsure where to start, explore our full printmaking paper collection, or join one of our workshops and events to get hands-on guidance from experienced printmakers.

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Product Highlights: Printmaking Papers at The Deckle Edge

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Need Help Selecting the Best Paper?

Choosing the best paper for printmaking can feel overwhelming at first. If you’d like personalised recommendations based on your technique, budget, or project, our team is always happy to help. Reach out via our contact page or visit us in-store to explore different textures and weights firsthand.