Photo silk paper prints
Silk is the sheen most photographers settle on when they cannot decide. It keeps some of the depth of gloss without turning the print into a mirror.
The same finish goes by several names.
You may also see silk described as satin, lustre, pearl or semi-gloss. These are not exactly identical across paper makers, but they all aim at the same thing: a low sheen, often with a very fine texture, that gives contrast without hard reflections. If a designer has specified satin, tell us, and we can check whether our silk paper will meet the brief.
What the sheen does to a photograph
Look at a photograph on silk from straight ahead and the shadows hold more depth than they would on matt. Move to one side and the light spreads into a soft glow instead of a sharp reflection of the window. The fine surface also helps to hide small marks, which is why this paper handles a busy exhibition well.
Skin is where it really earns its place. Gloss can make a face look slick, and matt can make it look a little chalky. Silk tends to sit comfortably between them, so it is a natural pick for portraits and large prints for photographers.
A quick way to decide
Choose silk if most of these are true:
- The print is mainly an image, with few words
- People will view it from a range of angles
- You want rich colour, but the room has some direct light
- The print may be handled before it is hung or framed
- You are printing a set of mixed subjects and want one paper for all of them
Choose something else if the print is mostly text under bright lights, where matt reads better, or if you want the hardest, deepest blacks, where gloss wins. Our page on matt or silk photo paper goes through that first comparison in more depth.
Sets, series and shows
A consistent surface makes a group of prints feel like one body of work. Mixing silk with gloss on the same wall tends to look like a mistake, so settle on a paper before you print the first piece and note it down for any reprints.
| Size | 135gsm | 190gsm |
|---|---|---|
| A2 | £11 | £17 |
| A1 | £20 | £30 |
| A0 | £30 | £40 |
| 30in x 20in | £18 | £24 |
| 40in x 30in | £26 | £38 |
| 60in x 40in | £45 | £60 |
Guide prices from our price list. They exclude VAT and delivery and assume print-ready artwork.
Portraits and photographic work.
Your questions.
Is silk the same as satin?
Very close. Paper makers use the names differently, so if the exact surface matters, ask to see a sample of what we will be printing on.
Does silk paper show fingerprints?
Less than gloss, more than matt. Clean hands are still sensible for large prints, and it is safest to hold them by the edges.
Should I frame a silk print under glass?
You can. Use a mount or spacer so that the surface does not sit directly against the glass, which can mark it over time.