Art Paper — The Premium Coated Paper for Maximum Color Brilliance and Detail Reproduction
Double-sided clay-coated art paper delivers the highest color gamut and finest detail reproduction of any standard packaging paper.
Why Choose Art Paper
About Art Paper
Art paper — also called coated art paper or art board — is a double-sided clay-coated paper that provides the smoothest, most consistent printing surface in standard packaging substrates. The heavy clay coating on both sides fills the paper fiber surface completely, creating a near-flat surface that allows halftone dots to print at their exact size without dot gain — producing the finest detail reproduction and widest color gamut of any standard packaging paper.
Art paper is the substrate for premium packaging where maximum visual impact is the design objective. Cosmetic packaging, luxury food products, premium gift packaging, and brand identity applications where photographic image quality at small scale is required all benefit from art paper's exceptional print performance.
Art Paper Gloss vs Matte: Two Different Premiums
Gloss art paper provides the maximum color intensity — the heavy clay coating reflects light uniformly, maximizing apparent color saturation. Matte art paper uses a coarser clay coating that scatters light, reducing surface gloss while maintaining the fine halftone resolution that distinguishes art paper from uncoated stocks. Matte art paper achieves the sophisticated non-reflective aesthetic associated with luxury brands while maintaining the precise color reproduction that brand management requires.
Art Paper Weight Selection
Art paper for packaging is available from 115gsm (thin, for labels and light folding applications) to 350gsm+ (thick, for premium hang tags, business cards, and heavy-format packaging). For folding carton applications, 250-300gsm art board is the typical specification — thick enough to provide structural integrity in standard retail carton dimensions while maintaining the print quality advantage of art paper.
Quick Specs
- Minimum Order
- 100 units
- Production Time
- 2-3 weeks
- Free Shipping
- Yes
- Eco-Friendly
- Options available
Thickness Options
Best For
Affordable sample kits available
Art Paper is Best For
Available Box Styles
Art Paper works great with these box styles.
Tuck End Boxes
The most widely used retail packaging style, available in straight and reverse tuck configurations with premium printing and finishing.
Magnetic Closure Boxes
Premium rigid boxes with concealed neodymium magnets that create a satisfying closure experience for luxury products and gifting.
Sleeve Boxes
A printed outer sleeve slides over an inner tray to create a distinctive, two-component unboxing experience for premium products.
Pillow Boxes
Curved pillow boxes with a distinctive oval cross-section for jewelry, small gifts, candies, and promotional packaging.
Gable Boxes
Distinctive roof-peak gable boxes with integrated carry handle for food service, bakery, retail gifting, and event giveaways.
Two-Piece Boxes
Separate lid and base construction creates the definitive premium unboxing experience for luxury retail, corporate gifting, and apparel packaging.
Explore Other Materials
Browse our other packaging materials.
Cardboard
EcoPremium paperboard for folding cartons, retail boxes, and custom packaging across every consumer category.
Corrugated
EcoFluted corrugated board in single, double, and triple-wall configurations for shipping, retail display, and e-commerce packaging.
Rigid Board
Dense greyboard that permanently maintains shape — the substrate for rigid boxes, set-up boxes, and luxury packaging that communicates quality through substance.
Kraft Paper
EcoNatural brown kraft paper and board communicates authenticity, sustainability, and artisan quality — the preferred material for natural, organic, and craft brands.
White Cardstock
Bright white clay-coated cardstock delivers pristine print quality for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and premium consumer goods packaging.
Specialty Paper
Pearlescent, metallic, embossed, linen, and other specialty papers create packaging that is visually and tactilely distinct from standard substrates.
Available Finishes
Enhance your art paper packaging with premium finishes.
Art Paper FAQs
What is the difference between art paper and standard coated board?
Art paper has heavier clay coating applied to both sides, creating a smoother, more consistent print surface than standard coated board. This results in less dot gain, more accurate halftone reproduction, wider color gamut, and finer detail resolution.
Is art paper food-safe?
Art paper in food-safe grades with food-contact certified clay coatings and inks is available for food packaging applications.
Can art paper be used for folding carton production?
Yes. Art board in 250-350gsm weights is used for premium folding cartons requiring the highest print quality. The clay coating makes art board less fold-tolerant than SBS board at equivalent weight — score lines must be precisely placed and the board may require cracking/pre-cracking to fold cleanly.
What finishes work best on art paper?
Gloss lamination over gloss art paper creates maximum color brilliance. Matte lamination or soft-touch lamination over matte art paper creates the premium matte aesthetic. UV coating is also commonly applied to art paper for protection and additional gloss enhancement.
What is the minimum order for art paper packaging?
Art paper packaging starts at 100 units.
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