Print media

Which print medium is right for your artwork?

Choosing the right print medium is crucial for the look and longevity of your art print. Our range is extensive – from canvas, watercolor board and photo paper to Japanese paper, Natural Line and special media such as acrylic glass and aluminium composite. Each material has its own strengths and best use cases. Here you’ll find a guide to make your choice easier.

Canvas – The classic for all art prints

Our “Leonardo” canvas is our all-round recommendation for almost any motif – from pastel watercolours to dark Rembrandt paintings. Its silky gloss brings deep blacks, crisp contrasts and perfect color gradations. Not sure? Leonardo is always a safe choice.

For traditional oil paintings we also offer matte canvases such as “Salvador” and “Raphael”. These are ideal for classic works, especially if you prefer a subtle, refined look. For very dark motifs, however, we still recommend Leonardo for its stronger depth.

Watercolor Board – Texture and depth

For landscapes, impressionist art and anything that plays with subtle colors, our watercolor boards are perfect. Especially behind glass, they show their full effect – whether admired from a distance or up close to appreciate their structure. From rough like Munch to fine like Turner, we offer a paper for every style.

Photo Paper – Brilliant color and classic style

Photo papers are the classic print medium. For old masterworks, we usually advise against high gloss – it can overpower the motif. But for modern works, photographs or whenever you want extra brilliance, gloss is an excellent choice.
Hahnemühle baryta is our pick for high-end black-and-white photographs – a Lewis Hine on baryta looks absolutely authentic. For most art, we recommend Satin or Matt: both offer great color, deep blacks, and show both strong and pastel colors perfectly. Matt is subtle and elegant, Satin adds pearly highlights.

Japanese Paper – The art of washi

For something truly special, discover our wide selection of original Awagami Japanese papers: Unryu, Kozo, Bizan and more. Each has its own character and offers a unique background for any motif. You can print any image on Japanese paper, from sketches to woodcuts. For very dark baroque works, heavier papers are best.

Natural Line – Sustainable papers from hemp and rice

Our Hahnemühle Natural Line consists of papers made from pure hemp and rice. With their unique texture, these papers are ideal for charcoal, sketches, graphite and Japanese woodblock prints.

Special Media – Acrylic Glass & Aluminium Composite

For modern homes or demanding environments like bathrooms or outdoors, we recommend acrylic glass or aluminium composite. Both are weatherproof, UV-stable and extremely robust. They’re ideal for prints in tough locations or as modern design objects.

Tips for your selection

In general: the darker the motif, the stronger and less matte the medium should be. Glossy and satin finishes give dark colors more depth and brilliance. Lighter, pastel works shine with the natural texture of matte media such as watercolor board or Natural Line.
Behind glass, almost any medium works. If you go without glass, we recommend canvas – it’s most resistant to scratches. We strongly advise against photo papers without glass, as they are very sensitive.

If you’re still unsure

We know our range can feel overwhelming at first. Take your time, browse our photo examples and sample sets – or simply contact us for personal advice. We’re happy to help you find the ideal medium for your art.