Choosing the Right Paper: A Guide to Our 4 Photo Print Options

Wondering which paper type to choose for your photo print?

Learn the differences between glossy, luster, metallic, and fine art paper from Artbeat Studios, and find the perfect finish for your image.

Why Paper Type Matters for Your Print

At Artbeat Studios, we believe that the paper you print on is just as important as the image itself. Each paper finish adds its own texture, depth, and personality to your work—so choosing the right one can make all the difference.

We offer four premium paper types: Glossy, Luster, Metallic, and Fine Art. 

Let’s break down the differences:

Quick Comparison Table: Paper Types at a Glance

Paper Type	Finish	Look & Feel	Best For	Glare	Texture
Glossy	High Gloss	Sharp, vivid, reflective	Bold color, contrast-heavy images	High	Smooth
Luster	Semi-gloss	Balanced sheen, soft texture	Portraits, weddings, general photography	Medium	Slight
Metallic	Glossy + pearl	Pearlescent, luminous highlights	Dramatic black & white, night skies, abstracts	High	Smooth
Fine Art	Matte	Thick, smooth, museum-quality	Artwork, soft portraits, minimalist photos	None	Smooth

Glossy Paper: High Shine, High Impact

Finish: High gloss

Look: Sharp, vivid, and highly reflective

Best For: Colorful, high-contrast images (think sunsets, cityscapes, travel photos)

Glossy paper makes colors pop and details look razor-sharp. It’s the perfect choice if you want a bold, high-energy print that catches the eye.

Note: Glossy paper can reflect a lot of light, making it less ideal for bright or sunlit spaces.

Luster Paper: The Classic Photo Look

Finish: Semi-gloss

Look: Slight sheen with a soft, subtle texture

Best For: Portraits, weddings, lifestyle photography, and everyday images

Luster is the go-to for a timeless, photo lab finish. It offers the color vibrancy of gloss with reduced glare and more durability.

Why it's popular: It works beautifully with skin tones and is forgiving under most lighting conditions.

Metallic Paper: Pearlescent and Bold

Finish: Glossy with a pearlescent sheen

Look: Deep contrast and glowing highlights

Best For: Black-and-white images, vibrant color, abstracts, or night skies

Metallic paper transforms your image with a distinctive, dimensional glow. Whites take on a silvery shimmer that changes with the light, adding drama and uniqueness.

Great for: Photographers and artists who want their work to stand out from the crowd.

Fine Art Paper: Elegant & Archival

Finish: Matte

Look: Soft, thick, smooth—like museum-quality artwork

Best For: Fine art prints, subtle tones, black-and-white portraits, or minimal compositions

Fine Art Paper is our premium, archival-grade option. It’s made for longevity and provides a refined, tactile feel with zero glare. Perfect for collectors or artists who want the most natural presentation.

Details matter: This paper uses archival inks and is acid-free for maximum fade resistance.

Choosing the Right Paper - Which Paper Should You Choose?

Ask yourself:

• Do I want the maximum color punch? → Glossy or Metallic

• Do I want a versatile, classic look? → Luster

• Do I want zero shine and a museum feel? → Fine Art

• Will this be viewed under direct light? → Luster or Fine Art

  
  

Still unsure? We're here to help.

Email us a preview of your image—we’ll happily recommend the best match.

Bring Your Print to Life

Your image deserves more than a one-size-fits-all approach. The right paper elevates your photo, art, or design into a finished piece worth displaying.

No matter your vision, there’s a paper here that will bring it to life.

Ready to print?

Start your order with Artbeat Studios!