Growing paper is not photo paper
The nature and content of growing paper is fundamentally different from traditional paper or photo paper.
- Growing paper is not pure white: Unlike traditional paper, each sheet of growing paper can have a slightly different colouring, which is usually not pure white. This natural hue often gives the paper a rustic and organic look.
- Each seed gives a unique look and feel: even within the same grammage, the appearance can vary. For example, the 250 gsm paper with forget-me-not seeds has a different character than the 250 gsm paper with a mix of wildflowers. Discover all paper types here.
- Each growing paper is unique: due to the production method, the paper may contain small remnants of recycled waste paper, such as colour residues, scraps of letters and other remnants.
Because of these unique properties, photos on growing paper look slightly different from photos on traditional paper. In the following sections, we explain what photos look like on growing paper and what you should consider when printing to get the best results.
What do photos look like on growing paper?
Photos look very different on growing paper than on traditional paper or photo paper. Here are the inevitable features and effects you can expect when printing photos on growing paper:
1. Stripes can always appear in photos
Photographs are always flat elements. Because the paper contains seeds, streaks can always appear in flat elements. This need not be the case with every print. In a test print, the photo may not show any streaks. With a larger print run, however, there will always be one or two copies with streaks. As we cannot control where and how the seeds are in the paper, it is not possible for us to optimise this.
2. Photos will not be centred if they are too large
What does too big mean? The image should not take up more than 40% of the total area of the selected format. For example, for an A4 format (210 x 297 mm), the image area should not exceed about 84 x 118 mm. If you decide to print your image larger, we can no longer guarantee a centred appearance. Due to the seeds in the paper, there is always a minimal shift in the print when printing on growing paper. If our recommended maximum size for a photo is not adhered to, the ‘natural framing’ of a photo will result in the image not appearing centred.
3. Photos never look razor-sharp
The grainy and not pure white surface of growing paper reduces the sharpness and clarity of photos. Details of a photo are slightly blurred and the overall impression is less precise. This gives the photo an organic look.
4. Colour intensity is duller and less saturated.
Unlike traditional paper, each sheet of growing paper can have a slightly different colouring, which is usually not pure white. This natural hue often gives the paper a rustic and organic look. The colour of the paper also means that photos never look exactly like their digital originals! Colours look duller, less saturated and paler. Colour intensity is lower and colours do not look as vibrant and strong as on smooth, white photo paper. As a result, your photos will look softer and friendlier.
It is therefore advisable to make a test print before finalising your order to ensure that the result meets your expectations and looks its best.
You must be aware of and agree to all the above features and effects of photos printed on growing paper if you want your photos printed on growing paper.
Design: How do you prepare your photos?
- High image resolution: Make sure the resolution of your photos is at least 300 DPI for good print quality.
- Stick to the maximum size: The image should not take up more than 40% of the total area of the selected format. For example, for an A4 size (210 x 297 mm), the image area should not exceed about 84 x 118 mm. If there are several photos, they should of course not exceed the maximum size in total. Many small photos often look better than one large one.
- Pay attention to contrast and brightness: Make sure the photos have sufficient contrast and brightness, as the natural texture of the paper can affect details. For example, a person in dark clothes with a dark background will be less recognisable than a person in dark clothes with a light background.
- Remove the background from the photo or have the background blurred.
Tips for the perfect print
Test prints: Have a test print made before placing your final order to check the effect on growing paper.
Advice and support: Contact us if you have any questions about your design or need help with preparation.
