What Does GSM Mean for Art Prints? A Paper Weight Guide

What Is GSM?

GSM stands for grams per square metre — it's the standard measurement used to describe the weight and thickness of paper. The higher the GSM, the heavier and thicker the paper.

You'll see GSM referenced everywhere from office printer paper (typically 80gsm) to premium fine art stock (300gsm and above). When it comes to art prints and posters, GSM is one of the most important quality indicators — and one of the most overlooked.

Why Does GSM Matter for Art Prints?

Paper weight affects far more than just how a print feels in your hands. It influences:

• Durability — heavier paper is less prone to creasing, curling, and tearing
• Colour depth — thicker, coated papers hold ink better, producing richer, more saturated colours
• Perceived quality — a print on 250gsm stock feels premium the moment you pick it up; 90gsm feels flimsy by comparison
• Framing behaviour — heavier paper lies flatter behind glass and is less likely to buckle over time
• Longevity — higher GSM papers are typically acid-free and archival, meaning they resist yellowing and degradation

In short: GSM is a reliable proxy for print quality. If a seller doesn't mention their paper weight, that's often a sign it's not worth mentioning.

GSM Guide: What Each Weight Means

60–90gsm — Standard Copy Paper

This is the paper in your office printer. It's thin, lightweight, and not suitable for art prints. Colours appear flat, the paper curls easily, and it won't last. Avoid.

100–150gsm — Entry-Level Print Stock

Slightly heavier than copy paper, sometimes used for budget poster printing. You'll find this at high-street print shops and fast-fashion home décor brands. Acceptable for temporary displays but not for anything you want to keep long-term.

170–200gsm — Mid-Range Art Paper

This is where quality starts to feel meaningful. At 170–200gsm, paper has a satisfying weight, holds colour well, and is suitable for most art prints and posters. Many reputable print sellers use paper in this range. A good baseline for everyday wall art.

200–250gsm — Premium Art Paper

The sweet spot for high-quality art prints. Paper at this weight feels substantial, lies flat, and produces excellent colour reproduction. Most professional giclée printers use stock in this range. If you're buying a print to frame and keep, this is the minimum you should accept.

250–350gsm — Fine Art & Museum-Grade Stock

At this weight, paper crosses into fine art territory. It has a tactile quality — often with a slight texture — that elevates the print beyond a flat reproduction. Cotton rag papers (made from cotton fibre rather than wood pulp) typically fall in this range and are considered the most archival option available. Used by galleries, museums, and serious collectors.

350gsm+ — Card Stock & Specialist Substrates

At this weight, you're moving into card territory. Some specialist art prints — particularly screen prints and letterpress work — use very heavy stock for a distinctive, tactile feel. Less common for standard wall art prints.

Paper Finish: The Other Half of the Equation

GSM tells you about weight, but finish tells you about surface texture. The two work together to define how a print looks and feels.

Matte

No sheen, no glare. Matte paper has a soft, flat finish that works beautifully with fine art, photography, and illustration. It's the most popular choice for gallery-quality prints because it looks great in any lighting condition and doesn't reflect glare from windows or lamps.

Satin / Semi-Gloss

A subtle sheen that enhances colour vibrancy without the full reflectivity of gloss. A good middle ground for photography and colourful prints.

Gloss

High shine, vivid colours, but prone to glare and fingerprints. More common in commercial printing than fine art. Generally not recommended for framed wall art.

Textured / Watercolour

Paper with a deliberate surface texture — often resembling watercolour paper or canvas. Adds a handmade, painterly quality to prints. Particularly effective for botanical illustrations, landscapes, and fine art reproductions.

What Paper Do We Use at The Poster Edit?

All of our prints are produced on premium acid-free paper, with 308gsm. Depending on the artwork, we use a range of stocks — from smooth fine art matte to textured watercolour paper — always with pigment-based inks for maximum colour accuracy and longevity.

We believe the paper is as important as the print itself. That's why we're transparent about our materials and why every print we produce is built to last.

Browse our print collection or get in touch if you'd like to know more about the paper stock used for a specific print.

Frequently Asked Questions

What GSM is best for art prints?

For quality wall art, look for a minimum of 200gsm. Premium and fine art prints typically use 250–350gsm stock. Anything below 150gsm is generally not suitable for display prints.

What is the difference between 170gsm and 250gsm paper?

170gsm is a solid mid-range weight — suitable for everyday prints. 250gsm is noticeably heavier and more substantial, with better colour depth and a more premium feel. For framed art you plan to keep long-term, 250gsm and above is recommended.

Is heavier paper always better for prints?

Generally yes, up to a point. Beyond 350gsm, you're into card territory which isn't always appropriate for standard framing. The ideal range for most art prints is 200–300gsm, depending on the style and intended use.

What is acid-free paper and why does it matter?

Acid-free paper is made without acidic compounds that cause paper to yellow and degrade over time. Standard wood-pulp paper becomes brittle and discoloured within years; acid-free paper can last decades or centuries without significant deterioration. For any print you want to keep long-term, acid-free is essential.

What is cotton rag paper?

Cotton rag paper is made from cotton fibre rather than wood pulp, making it naturally acid-free and exceptionally durable. It's the most archival paper available and is used for museum-quality prints, banknotes, and important documents. It has a distinctive texture and feel that many collectors prefer.

Does paper weight affect how a print looks on the wall?

Yes — heavier paper lies flatter behind glass and is less prone to buckling or warping over time. Lighter paper can develop waves or creases, particularly in humid environments. For framed prints, 200gsm and above is strongly recommended.