Canvas vs Cotton Rag: Choosing the Right Fine Art Print Medium | Austin Bloom

From our journal archive — originally shared October 2025

Choosing between cotton rag paper and satin canvas is one of the first decisions you will make when buying a fine art print. Here is a straightforward guide to the differences — and how to decide which is right for your space.

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Hello there!

So — you have popped onto our website and you are confused about which medium to choose for your new fine art print! Aside from sizing and frame colour, choosing between 'cotton rag paper' or 'satin canvas' is one of the main questions you will have before purchasing. We have so many questions firing daily in our community and we are working hard to fill all these gaps on the website. Here are the differences between these mediums.

With love,
Estée and Stu x

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COTTON RAG — 320 GSM

Smooth, matte, museum-grade

• 100% cotton
  Made from pure cotton fibres — acid-free and pH-neutral.
  
  
• Matte finish
  A smooth surface that accurately reproduces colours and intricate detail, ensuring the highest quality prints.
  
  
• Archival 75+ years
  Cotton rag prevents the work from yellowing and deteriorating, guaranteeing longevity. Prints can be displayed in galleries and homes for many decades to come.

We offer cotton rag prints rolled or framed with acrylic. Prints on cotton rag can be displayed behind acrylic or glass and must not be positioned in direct sunlight.

SATIN CANVAS — 350 GSM

Textured, durable, painterly

• 65% Polyester, 35% Cotton
  A blended weave designed for durability and rich colour reproduction.
  
  
• Satin finish
  The subtle texture and fibrous weave enhances details and gives the overall effect of an oil painting. There is a beautiful painterly quality about the canvas without the film of glass or perspex in front.
  
  
• Archival 75+ years
  Water-resistant and designed to maintain beautiful tone and colour for decades.

We offer canvas prints rolled or stretched and framed. These prints must not be positioned in direct sunlight.

WHICH SUITS YOUR SPACE?

A quick guide

If you are drawn to a clean, contemporary feel — the kind of presentation you see in galleries — cotton rag is your medium. The smooth matte surface lets every detail speak, and custom framing gives you complete control over the finished piece.

If you prefer something warmer and more tactile — the look and feel of an original painting — canvas is the way to go. The visible weave adds depth and character, and the satin finish avoids any cheap shine. Canvas also handles humidity better than paper, making it a practical choice for kitchens and bathrooms.

Not sure until you see it? Use our Blankwall AR tool to preview prints on your actual wall — you can switch between canvas and cotton rag to see how each looks in your space.

For a more detailed comparison including framing, pricing and care, read our full guide: Art Print vs Canvas Print — What's the Difference?

IN-HOME CONSULTATIONS

See and feel the materials in person

Are you based in Adelaide? If so, please sing out — Estée would love to come to your home or workspace for an art consultation. She can bring examples of our framed work and our collection in A5 samples, in both cotton rag and satin canvas. These in-home visits have been a wonderful experience for our clients.

Estée can assist with sensitively pairing current artwork in your home, office or workspace alongside our fine art prints. She can also help with choosing the right tone and colour to transform your space with a new energy.

Please email us at hello@austinbloom.com if this is something that would help you.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Share yours! @austinbloom.adelaide

We really hope this helps and gives you a good lens into the differences between the materials we use for printing. If you have any further questions, we are always here — just reach out.

★★★★★
"Would it be strange to say I am obsessed with this print. It's subtle but makes a big impact! The quality is amazing and I just love the customer service from team Austin Bloom — they made me feel like I was their only customer."
Moiler K. — Verified buyer, Linen - Snowball Landscape