Best Photo Paper for Epson SureColor P700
The Epson SureColor P700 is a masterpiece of a printer, utilizing the UltraChrome PRO10 ink set to deliver some of the deepest blacks and most vibrant colors I’ve ever seen in a 13-inch desktop unit. However, even a high-end printer like this can’t perform miracles on subpar paper. Finding a surface that leverages the P700’s dedicated Matte and Photo Black channels is essential. My top recommendation, Epson Exhibition Fiber, bridges the gap between digital precision and classic darkroom aesthetics beautifully.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best Photo Paper for Epson SureColor P700: Detailed Reviews
Epson Exhibition Fiber Paper View on Amazon
If you want to see exactly what the P700 is capable of, Epson Exhibition Fiber is the gold standard. This paper was developed specifically to mimic the look and feel of traditional silver halide papers. At 325gsm, it feels substantial in the hand, and its soft-gloss finish provides an incredible Dmax (maximum black density). When I use this with the P700’s Carbon Black mode, the shadows have a depth that is frankly startling. It handles the UltraChrome PRO10 inks perfectly, showing no signs of bronzing or gloss differential. The only downside is the price; it is one of the more expensive options on the market. However, for a landscape shot with deep shadows or a high-contrast black and white portrait, there is simply no better match. It’s a thick media, so make sure to use the P700’s front-loading fine art path to avoid any head strikes.
Check Price on Amazon US, UK, CA, DE →
✓ Free Shipping · ✓ Easy Returns · ✓ Secure Checkout
Epson Premium Luster Photo Paper View on Amazon
Epson Premium Luster is the “workhorse” of the industry for a reason. It offers a professional look that hides fingerprints and reduces glare, making it ideal for wedding albums or family portraits that will be handled frequently. At 240gsm, it’s thinner than the Exhibition Fiber, which means it feeds through the P700’s top tray effortlessly without needing special manual loading. I’ve found that the color consistency on this paper is remarkable; what you see on a calibrated monitor is exactly what you get. It’s significantly more affordable than fine art rags, allowing you to print large volumes without anxiety. While it doesn’t have the same “heft” or museum-grade archival longevity as a 100% cotton rag, for 90% of photographers, this is the best balance of cost and quality. It’s my go-to for proofing and standard client deliveries because it just works every single time.
Check Price on Amazon US, UK, CA, DE →
✓ Free Shipping · ✓ Easy Returns · ✓ Secure Checkout
Red River UltraPro Satin 4.0 View on Amazon
If you are looking for a third-party paper that rivals Epson’s own Premium Luster but costs less, Red River UltraPro Satin 4.0 is the answer. Red River is legendary in the printing community for providing high-quality paper with excellent ICC profile support. This 270gsm paper is slightly heavier than Epson’s Luster, giving it a more premium feel despite the lower price tag. I’ve used it extensively for portfolio books where I need dozens of pages to look consistent and clean. It features a beautiful satin texture that avoids the “plastic” look of cheap glossy papers. You’ll need to download the specific ICC profile from Red River’s website to get the best results with the P700, but once that’s set up, the color accuracy is stunning. It’s the perfect choice for anyone who prints frequently and wants to maintain a professional standard while keeping an eye on their budget.
Check Price on Amazon US, UK, CA, DE →
✓ Free Shipping · ✓ Easy Returns · ✓ Secure Checkout
Hahnemühle Photo Rag 308 View on Amazon
When it comes to museum-quality matte prints, Hahnemühle Photo Rag 308 is the undisputed king. This is a heavy, 308gsm, 100% cotton paper that feels like a piece of history. The P700’s Matte Black ink is specifically formulated to sit on the surface of papers like this without soaking in too deep, resulting in a rich, velvety black that few other desktop printers can match. I find this paper exceptional for fine art photography where you want to emphasize texture and painterly qualities. Because it is OBA-free (Optical Brightening Agents), the paper won’t yellow over time, making it truly archival. You will notice a slight softness to the image compared to gloss, which is the nature of matte paper, but the tactile experience and the longevity are unmatched. It’s an investment, but for work you intend to sell or frame for a lifetime, it’s the only choice.
Check Price on Amazon US, UK, CA, DE →
✓ Free Shipping · ✓ Easy Returns · ✓ Secure Checkout
Canson Infinity Platine Fibre Rag View on Amazon
Canson Infinity Platine Fibre Rag is a unique beast. It combines the 100% cotton base of a fine art paper with a satin finish that feels like a classic darkroom platinum print. For P700 users who specialize in monochrome, this paper is a revelation. It has a very smooth surface that allows for incredible detail, yet it lacks the harsh reflection of high-gloss papers. One thing I love about Platine is its weight; at 310gsm, it is rigid and premium. It doesn’t use any optical brighteners, yet the paper base is surprisingly white, providing a clean canvas for your images. It’s slightly more finicky with the P700’s paper feed than the thinner Luster papers, so I always recommend using the manual feed tray to avoid any alignment issues. If you find Exhibition Fiber a bit too “shiny,” Platine Fibre Rag offers a more sophisticated, understated elegance that is perfect for street photography and portraits.
Check Price on Amazon US, UK, CA, DE →
✓ Free Shipping · ✓ Easy Returns · ✓ Secure Checkout
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Photo Paper
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epson Exhibition Fiber | Gallery Exhibits | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Epson Premium Luster | Portraits | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Red River UltraPro Satin | High Volume | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Hahnemühle Photo Rag 308 | Fine Art Matte | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Canson Platine Fibre Rag | B&W Photography | ★★★★☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to switch black inks on the P700 for different papers?
Unlike its predecessor, the P800, the Epson P700 has dedicated channels for both Photo Black and Matte Black inks. You no longer have to wait for the printer to flush the lines when switching from a glossy paper to a matte paper. This saves a significant amount of ink and time. The printer will automatically use the correct ink based on the media type you select in the print driver settings.
Can I use non-Epson papers with my P700?
Absolutely! The P700 is compatible with any high-quality inkjet photo paper. Brands like Hahnemühle, Canson, and Red River are popular choices. The most important step when using third-party paper is to download and install the specific ICC profile for that paper and the P700. This ensures that the printer knows exactly how much ink to lay down for accurate colors and perfect shadow detail on that specific surface.
What is the “Carbon Black” mode on the P700?
Carbon Black is a specialized print mode available on the P700 when using glossy or luster papers. It utilizes the printer’s 1.5-picolitier ink droplets to create a higher Dmax (deeper blacks) and smoother gradations. It’s particularly effective on papers like Epson Exhibition Fiber. Keep in mind that this mode can slightly increase the print time, but the resulting depth in the shadows is well worth the extra minute or two.
Should I use the top tray or the front manual feed?
For standard papers like Epson Premium Luster (240gsm), the top tray works perfectly and can handle multiple sheets. However, for “Fine Art” papers or anything over 300gsm, I highly recommend using the front-loading manual feed path. These papers are thicker and stiffer; using the straight-through path prevents paper jams, prevents head strikes (which cause ink smears), and ensures the most accurate alignment for your high-end exhibition prints.
Are these papers archival?
Archival quality depends on the paper’s construction. Papers like Hahnemühle Photo Rag and Canson Platine are 100% cotton and acid-free, often rated to last 100+ years under proper glass. “RC” papers like Epson Luster are very durable but may not have the same multi-century lifespan as cotton rag. If your goal is to sell prints to collectors, always choose OBA-free, 100% cotton papers to ensure the highest possible archival rating.
Final Verdict
For those who want the absolute best results from their P700, Epson Exhibition Fiber is the undisputed winner. It brings out the printer’s full potential for color and black density. If you are just starting out or printing high-volume family shots, Epson Premium Luster is the most sensible and reliable choice. Finally, for fine art enthusiasts who prefer a matte, painterly aesthetic, Hahnemühle Photo Rag 308 remains the gold standard for museum-quality output.