Dye based printers undoubtedly still offer the most classically photographic results from inkjet printers. The latest printers have extraordinarily wide colour gamuts, deep inky blacks, and fantastic saturation. The chief disadvantage is of course print longevity - however recent developments have led to paper/ink combinations with life spans of 25 years and up (in some cases up to 75 years!) so the future is looking bright (and colourful!) for these printers. And certainly for many people the lower cost of running, excellent print quality and moderate print lifespans are good enough for many uses.

We've divided the papers into 5 surface types:

• Matte Paper, smooth
• Matte Paper, textured
• Semi-Gloss (Lustre)
• Gloss and Metallic Papers
• Canvas

Fine Art Matte Papers (Smooth)

Our recommendation is Museo Portfolio Rag. It really is the best smooth matte rag paper available in the world today.

If you need a thinner paper because your printer struggles with thicker stocks, then the best option is Canson Rag Photographique 210gsm.

Fine Art Matte Papers (Textured)

Textured papers can really suit some images and applications, although generally work best for bigger prints as on smaller prints the texture can overwhelm the image.

Unlike smooth papers, there are a LOT of options that are really good and it's really hard to get a sense of what to buy without seeing them - why not invest in some sample packs to get started?

We carry a number of interesting options, all with superb quality coatings for inkjet printing - here are some favourites: 

• Hahnemuehle Torchon - Jeremy's personal favourite - a classic watercolour Torchon paper with a lovely irregular texture
• Arches Aquarelle - Great for art reproduction work, with a natural warm tone
• Canson BFK Rives - THE classic mould made traditional print making paper - lovely velvety texture.

Semi-Gloss (Lustre)

Semi-Gloss papers work really well with dye based printers and offer a great compromise between the punch of glossy papers, while still being resistant to marks and scratches.

Canson Infinity PhotoSatin -Jeremy's personal favourite - Beautiful 270 g/m2 Semi-Gloss paper. Instant drying, high weight paper that is resistant to marking, scratches and water! Offers excellent gamut and very high D-Max. Has a less sparkly surface than the Ilford paper below and is the paper I personally use for all our family photos etc - very classy.

Ilford Smooth Pearl - Smooth pearl surface with considerable sparkle - apparently the world's most popular photo inkjet paper.

Gloss and Metallic Paper

True glossy papers with dye based printers offer the widest gamut and blackest blacks of all the inkjet printing processes. If you're looking for maximum punch from your images, this is the way to go!

Canson Infinity PhotoGloss - 270 g/m2 High gloss paper. Instant drying, high weight paper that is resistant to marking, scratches and water! Offers excellent gamut and very high D-Max.

Chromajet Centurion Metallic Pearl - the best inkjet match for Kodak's classic Endura Metallic paper (but better than the Kodak stuff!). Very high gloss and with a unique pearlescent appearance, a very high impact paper great for landscapes and architectural images.

True Canvas

Canson Artist Canvas is a truly superb option. Canson Canvas offers truly photographic results with all the qualities of a true artist's canvas. The latest version has a swellable coating which means that your dye based prints should achieve very long life spans. Does take a long time to dry though.

Hahnemuhle Monet Canvas - our personal favourite canvas, and the one we use for all our canvas printing here.