Media Types

We have ten different media types available, including Enhanced Matte Poster, Premium Photo Glossy, Somerset Velvet Fine, UltraSmooth Fine Art, Hahnemuhle Torchon, Hahnemuhle Photo Rag 308, Hahnemuhle Fine Art Pearl, and 2 types of print on canvas media, Premier Art Canvas and Piezo Pro Matte Canvas.

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Detailed description of each type of Print papers:

Enhanced Matte Poster
If you are seeking a flat matte surface, EPSON Enhanced Matte Paper is the ideal choice. This bright white paper is perfect for images that do not require gloss. It yields highly saturated images, while maintaining excellent highlight and shadow detail.

Premium Photo Glossy
Epson Premium Glossy Photo Paper is our recommendation for the photographs on WorldWideArchive. It offers the highest gloss level of any Epson resin coated photographic paper. Producing vivid life-like images that rival those of traditional silver halide prints, the ultra glossy finish, coupled with a 10 mil thickness and extremely wide color gamut, make this paper a favorite among discerning photographers. Its instant drying and non-cockling characteristics make use, handling, and display of the finished output trouble-free. It creates highly saturated prints by offering maximum ink coverage and high D-Max for true photographic reproductions. This paper can also be easily laminated to provide protection from light and moisture.

Premium Photo Luster
This is also our recommendation for the photographs on WorldWideArchive. Wedding and portrait photographers have traditionally used luster paper for their photos. This popular surface is now available to digital printmakers via Epson’s Premium Luster Photo Paper. This instant drying paper produces vivid, lifelike images that rival those of traditional silver halide prints. Premium Luster Photo Paper delivers highly saturated prints by offering maximum ink coverage and a high D-Max for true photographic reproductions. Its 10-mil RC base gives prints a photographic feel, and keeps the paper cockle-free. Ideal for use with all Epson Inks.

Somerset Velvet Fine Art
Somerset Velvet is a delicately textured fine art paper engineered to give you the highest resolution and color saturation possible. It has always been the first paper choice among serious artists and printmakers dating back to the 1700’s and the days of handmade paper. Somerset Velvet is 100% cotton, acid-free paper with luxurious weight, texture and finish that truly delivers museum quality appearance.

UltraSmooth Fine Art
Artists and professional photographers require true archival print media in a variety of weights and surface textures for their digital fine art and photography. Epson UltraSmooth Fine Art Paper is a 100% cotton hot press paper that is coated on both sides and is not only acid, lignin, and chlorine free, it is also pH buffered with calcium carbonate for a true archival sheet. This paper is engineered to give you the highest resolution and color saturation possible.

Hahnemuehle Torchon
Torchon by Hahnemuhle, is an acid free cotton rag watercolor paper with a parchment or pastel paper surface. Especially suitable for reproductions of oil, watercolor and pastel paintings. The printed side of this paper has been specially coated for excellent image sharpness and optimum color graduation. The coating also offers a very high level of water resistance. Common applications include fine art reproduction, business cards, greetings cards, post cards, novelty applications, certificates and presentation prints for display purposes.

Hahnemuhle Photo Rag 308
A smooth bright white 100% rag based paper specifically designed to meet the need of photographers or artists using digital photographic output. The heavier 308 gsm paper provides the weight of an art paper with a smooth calendared surface, which picks up every detail captured in the photograph. The coated side of this paper provides excellent image sharpness and optimum color graduation. The coating also offers a very high level of water resistance. Common applications include photographic and fine art reproduction, business cards, greeting cards, certificates and bookmaking. It is also ideal for computer generated artwork.

Hahnemuhle Fine Art Pearl
FineArt Pearl 285gsm is a triple coated, lignin free, 100% alpha-cellulose paper. The result is an age resistant paper with a surface that is remarkably similar to a traditional silver gelatin double-weight photo paper. Hahnemühle FineArt Pearl proved to be significantly superior in D-Max, white point and surface structure.

Premier Art Canvas
Gloss Canvas Finish. Made from a durable blend of 65% Polyester and 35% Cotton, PremierArt Canvas is a heavyweight, quality canvas utilizing a tight weave that is ideal for photographic, fine art and everyday printing alike. It offers a high resolution coating that is pliable enough to withstand stretching over bars, and displays a subtle texture for a true artistic appearance and feel. Combined with incredible color reproduction, PremierArt Water Resistant Canvas for Epson provides a high gloss finish, instant dry versatility, and water resistance to allow for all applications that require the highest image quality and an archival display life.

Piezo Pro Matte Canvas
Made from a durable blend of 65% Polyester and 35% Cotton, Piezo Pro Matte Canvas is a heavyweight, quality canvas utilizing a tight weave that is ideal for photographic, fine art and everyday printing alike. It offers a high resolution coating that is pliable enough to withstand stretching over bars, and displays a subtle texture for a true artistic appearance and feel. Combined with incredible color reproduction, Piezo Pro Matte Canvas for Epson provides a matte finish, instant dry versatility, and water resistance to allow for all applications that require the highest image quality and an archival display life.

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What is a print on canvas?

The print on canvas option allows you to select an image and print it on to high quality canvas. Prints on canvas are water resistant, require no glazing and can be stretched using either a museum or gallery wrap. The maximum size for printing on canvas is the Massive size at 44 x 60 inches (104 UI). However, the maximum size for a print on canvas to be stretched is the Grande size at 36 x 48 inches (82 UI) due to shipping contraints.

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What is Gallery Wrap?

Gallery wraps are a streamlined, contemporary way to display art on canvas. The canvas is folded over the edge of a wooden stretcher frame and is attached to the back. The picture flows cleanly around, covering the sides. When the art is hung, it presents a continuous display of the image, uninterrupted by a white margin or side staples. Float frames can also be used with gallery wraps to add an extra element of sophistication.

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What is Museum Wrap?

Museum Wraps are a standard way to present art on canvas. Only a small amount of the art folds over the edge and the sides are left white, maximizing the image presentation for framing. Museum Wraps look best when paired with a standard or float frame.

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What is Custom Framing?

We offer over 160 frames and 140 mats from the best manufacturers in the world. Only the highest quality products have been selected for each grade of framing. Materials are available in both conservation and non-conservation categories, so that you can choose from a rich selection of components that will fit both your style and your budget. We are not selling pre-made frames with low –grade materials like those you may find in department or furniture stores. We provide a broad range of options so that your art is just as unique as you are. Now you can imagine it, and create it!

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What are United Inches?

United Inches is a unit of measure used to determine costs of certain framing materials such as moulding. Calculating united inches is simple. It is the width plus the height of the unframed combination. An unmatted 8x10 image would have 18 united inches. An 8x10 image with a three inch mat border would have 30 united inches. The maximum size for a piece to be framed is 84 united inches (image and mat).

We will give you an estimated final framed size of your piece in the Details as Shown section when you are selecting your item.

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What are the frames made of?

Our frames are made of wood, metal and wood composite materials. Some have elaborate hand finishes, embossed textures and even metal leafing. The large variety of materials, colors and styles guarantees that you will find just the right selection to complement every framing design.

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Why do I occasionally see errors in the frame engine that say things like “Image too big to be framed” or “You cannot use this frame for this image, the resulting dimension is too large. Please select another frame.” ?

Errors are generated by our framing engine for a variety of reasons. For example, shipping requirements limit the size of glass. Acrylic must be used instead on larger items to prevent breakage. Some mats are only available in smaller sizes. When the mat size limit is exceeded by a design, a message will let you know to use smaller mat borders, or to select another color option. Errors also pop up to let you know you must select a different frame. Smaller wood frames in particular are not designed to be used with larger pieces of art. Over time the stress of hanging and the weight of the components can cause a frame to break apart in the corners. The maximum size for a piece to be framed is 84 united inches (image and mat), so an error may be generated because the size exceeds what may be custom framed. The bottom line is: we want to make sure that your framed art not only arrives in great condition, but that it also looks great and is built to last!

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What kind of mats do you offer?

We offer over 140 different mats to choose from, including rag, conservation and acid free paper mats.

Rag Mats
When the highest degree of conservation is required, consider only rag matboard. Rag mat is made from cotton fibers which are naturally acid and lignin free. It is the matting and mounting material preferred by museums and preservationists. Affordable and beautiful, rag mat has a smooth surface with solid color from the surface through the core. Bevel cuts on window openings have an uninterrupted flow of color. Eight-ply rag mat has an especially luxurious deep bevel.

This mat is created with technology to slow paper degradation, neutralize acid by-products and protect against damaging pollutants. It is also fade and bleed resistant. Rag mat is recommended for use on original art, fine art prints, historic or valuable documents and photographs.

Conservation Mats
Conservation matboard provides a standard level of conservation quality and is available in a wide range of colors and textures. Each is made from 100% alpha cellulose, and is fade and bleed resistant. Alpha cellulose is produced from buffered wood pulp specially treated to remove acids and lignins.

The conservation mat collection offers an extensive selection of design elements. Fabrics, metallics, patterns, vivid and soft hues add color and textural interest. This range of options allows greater flexibility to create a unique look which complements the art while reflecting your personal style.

Conservation mat is recommended for use on fine art prints, limited edition prints, precious documents or photographs.

Acid Free Paper Mats
Acid Free Paper is an excellent choice when conservation is not an issue. A buffered core keeps bevels on window openings white, and slows damage caused by acids and lignins. Available in a wide range of colors, Acid Free Paper is an attractive and practical mat to use in creating distinctive designs for replaceable, interchangeable or decorative art.

The Acid Free Paper mat collection is only recommended for open edition prints, and posters.

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What types of Glass and Acrylic do you offer?

We offer six different choices of Glass and Acrylic for your framed piece: Glass, Non Glare Glass, UV Glass, Acrylic, Non-Glare Acrylic, and UV Acrylic.

Glass
Premium clear is a non-conservation glazing that is made from the highest quality grade of regular glass available. It is a standard general purpose glass and blocks 45% of harmful UV rays. This glazing is recommended for use on open edition prints, interchangeable or replaceable art. No special cleaners are required.

UV Glass
UV glass is conservation glazing that offers additional protection to help shield art from harmful UV rays. This glass has a 98% UV blocking capability, and minimizes fading. Both indoor and outdoor light sources emit UV rays, and cause irreversible damage. Conservation glazing can be used to protect not only original, limited edition and sentimental pieces, but should also be considered for use on decorative art to preserve color. Only ammonia free cleaners should be used on conservation glass.

Non-Glare Glass
Non-glare glass reduces distracting glare and makes art easier to view in high light settings. Light can also create mirror like reflections, especially with darkly toned art or mats. Using non-glare glass allows you to view your framed art without glare distortion. The etched surface of this glass can reduce the visibility of fine detail when used with multiple mats. It is not recommended for use in designs with more than two 4-ply mat layers, or one 8-ply mat.

Acrylic
Acrylic is lightweight, durable and resists breaking. It also blocks 80% of harmful UV rays. A solution of warm water mixed with liquid detergent may be used to clean premium acrylic. Do not use any cleaning products that contain ammonia. Use only soft cloths that are free of debris when cleaning acrylic to prevent scratching.

UV Acrylic
UV acrylic is conservation quality and blocks 98% of harmful UV rays. It is lightweight, durable and resists breaking. Conservation acrylic may be cleaned with ammonia free glass cleaner. Use only soft cloths that are free of debris when cleaning acrylic to prevent scratching.

Non-Glare Acrylic
Non-glare acrylic reduces distracting glare and makes art easier to view in high light settings. Light can also create mirror like reflections, especially with darkly toned art or mats. Using non-glare acrylic allows you to view your framed art without glare distortion. It is also lightweight, durable and resists breaking. The visibility of fine detail is reduced when non-glare acrylic is used with multiple mats. It is not recommended for use in designs with more than two 4-ply mat layers, or one 8-ply mat.

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