Paper Types for Art Prints: Linen Pressed vs. Premium Matte Paper
⏱️ 7 minute read
Why does a geometric print on linen paper look different from one on smooth matte paper? And which paper best brings out the subtle earthy tones of the Theros. collection? Discover how paper transforms your KOJO Art print.
Paper Is Not A Detail – It IS The Artwork
When I first saw Vonitsa Sun on linen paper, I truly understood. The soft pink and red hues, with that deep green glow beneath them – they gained a depth simply not possible on smooth paper. The light fell differently. The colors breathed.
At KOJO Art, it's all about balance: geometric precision meets organic color, crisp lines embrace soft transitions. That demands paper that does justice to both sides of that coin. That's why I only work with high-quality paper – not as a luxury detail, but as an essential part of the work itself.
In short: Standard sizes (up to A3) are printed on linen paper (300g) for tactile depth. Large sizes (A3+) on premium matte paper (230g) for maximum impact. Both on acid-free paper with lightfast inks.
The Two Paper Types of KOJO Art
Linen Texture Paper (300 grams, white) – The Foundation of KOJO Art
What makes it special:
- 300 gsm – feels luxurious, perfectly holds its shape
- Subtle linen texture that catches light without being distracting
- Bright white that makes earthy tones shine
- Matte finish without reflections
The linen texture does something magical with color field works. Take Dawn | Art Print – that soft transition from warm pink to deep blue gets an extra dimension from the texture. The paper 'holds' the light in a way smooth paper cannot.
For the Theros. collection, linen texture paper is indispensable. The Greek sun, the earth, the sea – those warm, natural colors demand paper with character. Ionian Morning on linen feels like a memory of a summer morning; on smooth paper, it would be a graphic design.
Used for:
- All standard sizes (A4, A3, 50x70 cm)
- All collections: Theros., New York Districts., Ombre.
- Most Print Club. prints
Premium Matte Poster Paper (230 grams, white) – For Large Formats
What makes it special:
- 230 gsm – optimal weight for large prints
- Smooth, sleek matte surface without reflections
- Sharp color reproduction for maximum impact
- Professional finish for statement pieces
From A3 and larger, the dynamic changes. A large work demands a different kind of presence – it's about impact, about how it fills a space. From a distance, texture disappears from view anyway. What remains is form, color, composition. Premium matte lets those elements shine without distraction.
Used for:
- A3 size and larger (29.7 x 42 cm+)
- Large formats such as 50x70 cm, 70x100 cm
- Statement pieces for large walls
🖼️ Discover the Collections
Curious how linen texture and premium matte look in practice? View the prints and choose the size that fits your space.
How Paper Transforms Your Print
Color: Texture Gives Depth
I once placed Myth | Art Print on both papers side-by-side. On linen texture paper, it felt warm, earthy, Mediterranean – the texture gave the color fields an organic depth. On premium matte, it became sleeker, more graphic, more modern. Same colors, same composition – subtly different vibe.
Rule of thumb:
- Smaller sizes (up to A3) – linen texture for tactile richness and color depth
- Large sizes (A3+) – premium matte for a sleek look and impact
- Warm, earthy palettes – linen texture enhances natural warmth
- Statement pieces for large walls – premium matte provides power without distraction
Light: How Texture Creates Movement
Linen texture paper catches light in a way smooth paper cannot. If you walk past Vonitsa Sun, you see the pink and red hues subtly shift, the green glow emerge differently. The texture creates micro-shadows that make the work 'move'.
Premium matte reflects light evenly. Perfect for large works where you want the composition to remain consistent, regardless of the angle from which you view it.
Tactile: Art You Want To Touch
People who receive Print Club. prints often send me photos of their hands holding the paper. "It feels so luxurious," they write. That's the power of quality paper – the weight and finish feel like an investment, not just a poster.
My experience: The 320 gram warm paper on which early KOJO Art prints were printed is unfortunately no longer available. However, bright white gives clearer, stronger colors – which better suits the direction in which KOJO Art is developing. Warm white made everything softer, more intimate. Bright white provides clarity and power. Both are good – but for different stories.
Which Size Suits Your Space?
Small to Medium Spaces (Bedroom, Study, Hallway)
Size: A4, A3, 30x40 cm
Paper: Linen texture (300g)
Why: At this distance, you see and feel the texture. It gives intimacy and depth.
Discover: Theros. | Art Prints, Ombre.
Large Walls (Living Room, Above the Sofa, Office)
Size: 70x100 cm, 100x140 cm
Paper: Premium matte (230g)
Why: From a distance, impact is more important than texture. Premium matte provides a powerful presence.
Discover: New York Districts.
Not Sure Yet?
Try Print Club. – a new unique art print by mail every month. This way you discover how paper and art come together in your space, without immediately committing to a large size.
Technical: Why Paper Quality Matters
Acid-Free = 100+ Years Without Yellowing
All KOJO Art prints are printed on acid-free paper. This means that Ionian Morning you buy today will still have those warm ochre tones in 50 years. No yellowing, no discoloration.
Lightfast Inks = Colors That Last
I test every print for lightfastness according to ISO standards. Do not hang your work in direct sunlight (this applies to all art on paper), and it will remain beautiful for generations.
FSC-Certified = Responsibly Produced
Paper comes from sustainably managed forests. Printed in the Netherlands to minimize transport. Fully recyclable. Art should be beautiful – for you and for the planet.
✉️ A New Print Every Month
With the Print Club., you receive a monthly hand-signed unique art print by mail – printed on the same high-quality paper. The perfect gift for yourself or an art lover.
Framing: Get The Best Out Of Your Print
For Linen Texture Paper (300g)
- Frame with passe-partout – gives the texture room to breathe
- Standard or anti-reflective glass – both work well
- Tip: Natural wood or matte black perfectly accentuate the texture
For Premium Matte (230g)
- Sleek frame without passe-partout – enhances the modern look
- Anti-reflective glass – maximizes the matte finish
- Tip: For large formats, consider professional framing for optimal tension
General
- Use acid-free passe-partouts and backing boards
- Do not hang above radiators – heat distorts paper
- Maintain humidity between 40-60%
- Avoid direct sunlight
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose which paper I want for my print?
The paper type is determined by size for optimal quality. Standard sizes (up to A3) come on linen texture paper (300g), larger sizes on premium matte (230g). This is not a limitation but a conscious choice for the best result.
Why is heavier paper better for small formats?
On small formats, you see and feel the difference. 300 gram linen texture paper feels more luxurious, doesn't crease, and the texture gives color depth that you appreciate up close. For large formats viewed from a distance, this is less relevant.
How long does a KOJO Art print last?
With acid-free paper and lightfast inks: 100+ years under normal indoor lighting. Avoid direct sunlight and the colors will remain beautiful for generations.
Does the color reproduction differ between linen texture paper and premium matte?
Yes, subtly. Linen texture paper gives warmth and depth through the texture – colors feel richer, more organic. Premium matte gives sharper, brighter colors with a sleek appearance. Both are beautiful, but for different effects.
Can I hang a print without a frame?
Technically you can, but I advise against it. Paper is sensitive to moisture and dust. A framed print with glass protects your investment and ensures your print still looks perfect in 20 years.
Which paper for humid spaces like bathrooms?
No paper is ideal for high humidity. Choose smaller formats behind well-sealed glass and ensure ventilation. Or consider Dibond/acrylic glass for very humid spaces.
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About KOJO Art
KOJO Art is the brand name under which I, Jordy Koumans, paint and sell from my studio in Tilburg. Every work starts as an original painting in acrylic or oil paint. The art prints are professional reproductions of those originals – printed on high-quality, acid-free paper with lightfast inks. Shipped worldwide.
