Buyer’s Guide – Print Materials & Mounting

This guide is meant to help you choose confidently and comfortably. It is image-led and practical, showing how each option feels in a real space rather than overwhelming you with technical detail.

Where technical details matter for fair comparison, they are included quietly and consistently.

Display Preferences

My work is displayed almost exclusively using float mounts. This allows each image to breathe and feel physically present on the wall.

After testing many hanging systems, the cleat is the only one I consistently trust. It keeps the print level, secure, and cleanly separated from the wall.

Print Construction & Mounting

3/16” Gatorboard with Mount Block

Lightweight, rigid construction with a clean, minimal wall presence. Best suited for small to medium sizes.

Because this option is extremely lightweight, smaller sizes can be hung using a thumbtack or pushpin. This is commonly used by designers and stagers for quick installs or minimal wall impact.

Satin Metal Print – 3/4” Inset Frame with Cleat

Aluminum print with a recessed frame and integrated cleat system. Offers a strong floating effect with excellent durability.

Exhibit Mount – 3/4” Inset Frame with Cleat

Heavier-duty construction with a strong architectural feel. Exhibit Mount feels noticeably more substantial than Satin Metal.

Fine Art Paper Selection

Differences between fine art papers are often subtle and do not always translate clearly online. Texture, reflectivity, and highlight behavior are best understood by how the work reads on the wall.

For that reason, this guide focuses on on-wall presentation rather than isolated paper surface images.

Smooth Fine Art Paper II offers a refined surface with slightly higher contrast and cleaner whites.

Smooth Fine Art Paper III has a softer surface with gentler highlight rolloff.

Watercolor Fine Art Paper introduces visible texture and a more organic, painterly feel.

On-Wall Comparisons

The following examples show each option photographed on a wall under measured lighting. All images are captured with a 50mm lens to closely match natural human perspective, so comparisons remain fair and meaningful.

Smooth Fine Art Paper II

Soft, natural, and understated.

Lumens: 870
Wall Color: Sherwin-Williams Natural Linen (SW 9109)

Watercolor Fine Art Paper

Organic texture with a more painterly presence.

Lumens: 270
Wall Color: Sherwin-Williams Natural Linen (SW 9109)

Exhibit Mount – Satin

Strong visual presence with controlled sheen.

Lumens: 1,900
Wall Color: Sherwin-Williams Natural Linen (SW 9109)

Satin Metal Print

Durable with subtle luminosity and higher visual impact.

Lumens: 670
Wall Color: Sherwin-Williams Natural Linen (SW 9109)

Smooth Fine Art Paper II & III

Side-by-side comparison showing tonal subtlety between the two smooth papers.

Lumens: 406
Wall Color: Sherwin-Williams Evergreen Fog (SW 9130)

Choosing the Right Option

Fine Art Paper for subtlety and calm.

Exhibit Mount for architectural presence.

Satin Metal for durability and visual impact.