Best photo paper for a framed print behind glass
Asked 7/23/2012
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I want to frame an A3 family photo in an antique wooden frame with clear glass. I’ve tried both matte and glossy prints: matte looked a bit dull, while glossy looked better at first but eventually started sticking to the glass. What print surface works best for a framed photo behind glass? Options I’ve considered include matte, glossy, laminated finishes, and canvas. I mainly want strong color and a good presentation without the print sticking to the glass.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
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I run a print business and have tried a LOT of papers...
My favourite by a long way for framing is "semi-gloss" or "Lustre" - which has a slightly textured glossy surface - a bit like old silver-halide "Wedding paper" as I'd call it. The Lustre finish has a slightly more pronounced texture.
Dont bother with lamination for a framed picture - it can detract from the depth of colour, particularly the matte.
A word of warning - let the print dry for AT LEAST a day before framing it - otherwise, even though it may feel dry, it wont be, and the inside of your frame will fog up over the next few days, and stay.
ETA: the media choice is also very much effected by the type of image that you are printing - for fine art B&W I really like Hahnemuhle fine art papers - they are textured matte, and HAVE TO BE printed on with Matte specific inks, otherwise black comes out a flat grey. Your situation - I would still go with semi-gloss/ lustre.
Originally by user9999. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user9999
14y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
For a print that will sit behind glass, a semi-gloss finish such as lustre, satin, or pearl is usually the best choice. It gives more pop than matte, but avoids the strong reflections and sticking problems that glossy prints can have.
The bigger issue is that the print should not touch the glass. Use a mat board or mount the print so there is space between the photo and the glazing. That helps prevent moisture buildup, sticking, and damage over time.
Lamination is generally unnecessary for a framed print behind glass and can reduce the look of the image, especially with matte finishes. Canvas is a different presentation style and usually not the best choice if you’re already using a glass frame.
Also, let the print dry fully before framing—at least a day is a good idea—so trapped moisture doesn’t fog the inside of the frame.
So: choose lustre/satin/pearl paper, and frame it with a mat or spacer so the print does not contact the glass.
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