At Sankofa Art, we offer all of our canvases in high quality prints made with archival giclee printing and on museum quality paper in both 325 gsm and 230 gsm. Our prints are also lignin free. 

What is Giclee Printing? 

• Exceptional Quality: Giclee prints are known for their high resolution and ability to capture fine details and subtle nuances of the original artwork. This is achieved through the use of specialized inkjet printers that use archival pigment-based inks and high-quality substrates.
• Longevity: Giclee prints are designed to be archival, meaning they can last for many years without fading or deteriorating. The inks used are resistant to UV light and moisture, ensuring that the colors remain vibrant and true over time.  
• Wide Color Gamut: Giclee printers can reproduce a wide range of colors, often exceeding the capabilities of traditional printing methods. This allows for accurate and vivid representations of the original artwork.
• Versatility: Giclee prints can be produced on a variety of substrates, including paper, canvas, and fine art papers. This allows artists to choose the best material to complement their artwork.

What are 325 GSM and 230 GSM museum quality papers?

GSM stands for "grams per square meter" and is a unit of measurement for paper weight. So, 325 GSM and 230 GSM papers simply refer to papers with different thicknesses or weights.  

Here's a simple analogy: imagine holding a single sheet of printer paper. That's usually around 80 GSM. Now imagine a sheet that feels much thicker and sturdier, like a postcard or a business card. That's closer to the 325 GSM range. 23 GSM would fall somewhere in between.

Here's a more visual breakdown:

• 230 GSM: This is a mid-range paper weight, often used for things like:

  • Heavier flyers or brochures
  • Invitations
  • Book covers
  • Presentation folders

• 325 GSM: This is considered a heavy card stock, typically used for:

  • Business cards
  • Postcards
  • Greeting cards
  • Packaging
  • High-quality art prints

Why does GSM matter?

The GSM of paper affects its feel, durability, and how it looks and performs when printed on. Higher GSM generally means:  

• More durability: The paper is less likely to tear or bend.
  Higher quality feel: It feels more substantial and luxurious in your hand.
• Better opacity: Less light shows through the paper.
• Different printing results: Thicker papers can handle richer ink coverage and special finishes.

What is lignin free?

Lignin-free refers to paper or other materials that have had lignin removed during the manufacturing process. Lignin is a natural component of wood pulp that gives plants their rigidity. While essential for trees, lignin can cause paper to yellow, become brittle, and deteriorate over time. This is because lignin breaks down into acids when exposed to light and air. 

Why is lignin-free important?

Lignin-free materials are crucial for archival purposes and preserving valuable items like:

• Artwork: Prevents yellowing and deterioration of prints, photographs, and documents.  
  Photographs: Protects photos from fading and discoloration.
• Archival documents: Ensures the longevity of important papers and records.   
• Scrapbooking: Keeps scrapbook pages and memorabilia in good condition for years to come. 

How is paper made lignin-free?

Lignin is removed from wood pulp through a chemical pulping process. This process separates the cellulose fibers (which make up paper) from the lignin. The resulting pulp is then used to create lignin-free paper. 

What to look for:

• "Lignin-free" label: This is the most straightforward way to identify lignin-free products.
• "Acid-free" label: Acid-free paper is often also lignin-free, but it's best to check for both.
• Archival quality: Products labeled "archival quality" are generally lignin-free and acid-free.

Important note:

While the term "lignin-free" is commonly used, it's technically more accurate to say "low-lignin." This is because it's difficult to remove 100% of the lignin from paper. Lignin-free paper typically contains less than 1% lignin. 

If you're looking to preserve valuable items, choosing lignin-free materials is an important step in ensuring their longevity.

The Sankofa Difference