Fine Art Paper 101: Types, OBAs, and What to Use

2024 Coachella limited edition prints of the band No Doubt

When it comes to printing your artwork or photographs, the choice of paper is just as important as the image itself. From texture to tone, and even chemical composition, the surface you print on can dramatically affect how your final piece looks; and how long it lasts. One of the most overlooked aspects of print media is the presence of Optical Brightening Agents (OBAs). While these additives can make your paper look whiter and more vibrant, they come with trade-offs that can compromise the longevity of your work. In this post, we’ll break down the different types of papers; photographic, fine art, and canvas; while explaining when OBAs help and when to avoid them. 

Now let’s get started and find the perfect paper for your next project.

What Are Optical Brightening Agents (OBAs)?

Photo by photographer: Fernando Lavin

OBAs are fluorescent chemicals used in many types of paper to make them appear brighter and whiter. They work by absorbing ultraviolet (UV) light and re-emitting it in the blue spectrum, tricking the eye into perceiving the paper as more vibrant.

How OBAs Affect Longevity

While they may grab your immediate attention due to its visual appeal, OBAs can degrade over time. As soon as they get exposed to light, especially UV; they begin to break down, causing the paper to yellow, fade, and lose its original luminosity. This in turn, compromises archival integrity, making OBA-heavy paper unsuitable for museum-quality prints, fine art reproduction, or long-term photographic preservation. 

In short, if you’re printing something that’s meant to last for decades, OBAs are often best avoided. 

Photographic Paper – Bright, Glossy, and OBA-Rich

This is a depiction of 5x7 (or 7x5) leather frames sold in-house at the Crestar Frame Shop

Photographic paper is made to give you that classic, high-gloss, high-contrast look; kind of like the old-school Kodak prints we all know and love. It’s a solid choice for everyday photos, portfolios, and commercial work. While they are great, these papers almost always contain OBAs and have a resin-coat on them which makes it water-resistant and quick-drying.

Common Types of Photo Paper

• Glossy: Highly reflective and vibrant; excellent for saturated colors and rich blacks.
  

• Satin/Luster: A middle ground between glossy and matte; offers good detail with less glare.
  

• Matte: Smooth, non-reflective; has a softer, more subtle tonal range.

Fine Art Paper – Archival-Grade Options Without Compromise 

Chinatown by Artist: Bei Leixan 

Fine art paper is where things get a little more interesting; OBAs are used more sparingly here, or skipped altogether. These papers are usually made from 100% cotton rag or alpha cellulose, and they’re acid-free, which means they’re built to last and keep your work looking beautiful for many years to come.

Cold Press Paper

• Has a noticeable texture that gives your print more of a dimensional, surface-rich feel
  

• Great for watercolor, gouache, and digital prints with the thought of achieving an organic look
  

• Typically OBA-free in professional-grade versions.
  
  

Hot Press Paper

• Has a smooth surface that’s perfect for line art, detailed illustrations, or crisp, high-res photo prints
  

• Often made from cotton or archival-quality wood pulp, so that it’s built to last
  

• You’ll find both brightened and OBA-free versions out there; just pick what suits your project needs best

Why Artists and Photographers Choose Art Paper

These papers are made to stand the test of time; they’re perfect for giclée printing, gallery shows, and museum-quality reproductions. If you’re aiming for longevity, OBA-free art paper is really the golden standard.

Canvas

Photos taken by Justine Comire and then printed on canvas with Canon printer

Canvas offers a durable, textured surface ideal for both traditional painting and digital print reproduction. Like paper, canvas can be made with or without OBAs, and it's essential to know the difference.

Canvas Varieties

• Cotton vs. Polyester or Blended Canvas: Cotton is often more absorbent and has a natural texture, while poly blends are more consistent and less prone to warping.
  

• Finishes: Comes in matte, gloss and satin. Each offers different levels of reflectivity depending on the desired look.
  

• OBA Presence: Many lower-cost canvases contain OBAs, while premium options are OBA-free for archival purposes.
  
  

Canvas is especially popular for gallery wraps and large-format fine art prints. Look for OBA-free versions if longevity is important to you.

Trusted Paper Brands at Crestar

At Crestar, we understand the importance of quality and consistency in your work. That’s why we carry industry-leading paper and canvas brands that meet professional and archival standards:

• Hahnemühle: German-made, museum-grade papers with both textured and smooth finishes. Renowned for OBA-free, 100% cotton options perfect for giclée and fine art printing.
  

• Canson: A legacy brand with centuries of craftsmanship behind it, offering hot press, cold press, and photographic papers that meet archival standards.
  

• LexJet: A go-to for commercial and professional print shops, offering a wide variety of photo, fine art, and canvas media compatible with most printers.
  

• Epson: A leader in digital print technology, Epson papers are engineered specifically for use with Epson printers and inks. Their Legacy and Signature Worthy series include archival-quality, OBA-free papers ideal for fine art and photographic applications. 

Whether you're printing fine art, photographs, or mixed media, we offer the right substrate to bring your vision to life.

Choose for the Long Term

When selecting a paper or canvas, always start by asking yourself: What’s the purpose of this print?

If it's short-term or commercial, OBA-containing papers may give you the brightness and vibrancy you want. But if your goal is to produce something that will last for generations, something worthy of gallery walls or archival storage; invest in OBA-free, acid-free, and cotton-based substrates.

At Crestar, we’re here to help you make informed decisions about materials that respect both your craft and the integrity of your work over time.