Quality of Prints and finishes

Quality of Prints and finishes

Quality

Standard

Standard + HQ

Premium

Ultra Premium

Resolution

**

***

****

*****

Colour

***

****

*****

*****

Contrast

***

****

*****

*****

Thickness

**

***

****

*****

Durability

***

***

****

*****

 

Standard and Standard+ HQ are good cheaper options for home users, good quality for albums and frames.

Our speciality: Premium and Ultra Premium are the best options for professional photographers and more demanding users, however still affordable, the cost of these prints is higher. Ultra premium quality is our best high-end professional printing service of photographs. The professional black and white photographs are printed only in ultra premium quality.

Standard+ HQ and Premium photographs are printed on Kodak Premium photo papers, guaranteeing beautiful colours and very long lasting of photos up to 400 years (study with use of artificial acceleration of aging in controlled circumstances). They are perfect choices for home and school use like: family albums and frames.

Premium and Ultra Premium prints are covered by a 6-month warranty against fading, losing contrast and other lowering quality factors due to normal use of photos.

If you wish to check different qualities and finishes you can now order samples in the store.

How to choose the best finish for ultra premium and premium prints?

Finishes we offer: short definitions, plus pros & cons

Here is a summary of the various paper finishes we offer — from premium to ultra-premium — including pros and cons of each. Contact us for more information, we are happy to advise on papers and finishes for your specific photographs.

Finish

Brief description

Pros

Cons

High Glossy 255 gsm

A high-shine, smooth photographic paper at 255 gsm weight.

Very vibrant colours, excellent for high-impact images; deep blacks; smooth feel.

High reflectivity (glare) can be distracting; fingerprints and smudges more visible; may stick to glass in framing.

Ultra Glossy 300 gsm

Even heavier, ultra high-shine finish at 300 gsm.

Maximal richness, colour pop, very premium feel; ideal for gallery-style prints.

Very reflective; needs careful display lighting; heavier paper may cost more; handling needs care.

Lustre 255 gsm

Fine texture, balanced sheen; sits between glossy and matte.

Strong colour vibrancy, less glare than full gloss; good for portraits, multi-angle viewing.

Slight sheen still present; not as shiny as full gloss so less dramatic; texture may slightly soften fine details.

Semi-matt 300 gsm

A low-gloss finish at 300 gsm; subtle sheen, heavier stock.

Elegant, restrained look; minimal glare; strong tactile quality; suitable for studio or fine art.

Colours a little less vibrant than gloss; finish may appear more subdued; heavier paper may need stronger mounting.

Semi-gloss 255 gsm

Balanced finish: between gloss and lustre, at 255 gsm.

Good compromise: decent colour vibrancy, moderate sheen, less glare; lighter weight.

Slightly less “wow” than ultra-glossy; sheen still present but less pronounced.

Pearl 265 gsm, 280 gsm & 300 gsm

Slightly textured, pearl-effect finish; available in 265 gsm, 280 gsm or 300 gsm. Depending on the size.

Adds subtle texture, luxurious look; less glare than full gloss; great for premium work.

Texture may not suit ultra-fine detail as much; may cost more; finish effect might divert from some minimalistic images.

Smooth Fine Art 312 gsm

High-weight fine art paper, smooth surface, 312 gsm.

Very professional feel; ideal for fine art prints, limited editions; superb archival presence.

Less shine, so colours appear more muted; heavier cost; may require special handling/framing.

Baryta 280 gsm

Traditional photographic fine art paper with a baryta (barium sulphate) layer, 280 gsm.

Rich tonal range, especially excellent for black & white; classic photographic look; excellent museum quality.

Less colour punch than glossy; finish more subtle; heavier cost; may require special mounting.

Titanium Gloss 300 gsm

Premium gloss finish with extra richness and “premium metal-like” feel at 300 gsm.

Ultra high impact; exceptional for high-end portfolios; feels luxurious; superb for gallery display.

Very high reflectivity; premium cost; heavier paper; fingerprints show more easily; may need careful display lighting.

Ultra Glossy Metallic 280 gsm

Metallic base with gloss finish at 280 gsm — special effect finish.

Unique shimmering effect; standout appearance; excellent depth, strong for landscapes and dramatic images.

Metallic effect may change perceived skin-tones (so less ideal for some portraits); finish may limit how the image is viewed under different angles; premium cost.

Lustre Metallic 255 gsm

Metallic base with lustre finish, 255 gsm weight.

Offers metallic depth with reduced glare compared to full gloss; unique premium look; lighter weight than some ultra papers.

Metallic effect may still impact certain images; finish is specialised, so may not suit all display scenarios; cost higher than standard.

Archival Matt 230 gsm

Matte finish optimized for long-term archival use, 230 gsm.

No glare, excellent for fine art or B&W prints; less prone to fingerprints; good longevity.

Colours less vibrant; finish is more restrained; lighter weight paper means may feel less premium; matte texture may reduce sharpness slightly.


Tips for choosing your finish:

  • For dramatic landscapes, vibrant colour or gallery-style display – choose ultra-glossy, titanium gloss, metallic or pearl.
  • For portraits, multi-angle viewing (e.g., wedding albums), or where glare must be minimised – consider lustre, semi-matt or archival matt.
  • For fine art, subtle black-&-white work, or a classical look – smooth fine art, baryta or archival matt will serve beautifully.
  • Always consider how the print will be displayed (framed behind glass? in a bright room? touched frequently?) when selecting finish.