Which paper should I choose for my map?

Q: Are maps Raised Relief Maps or 3D printed?

No! Maps appear to be Raised Relief Maps or 3D printed due a technique that tries to give through lights and shadows relief to the ground (Shaded Relief). They are flat to touch and printed on paper

Q: Can I be able to read all the text on the map?

Text on the map can be difficult to read

Q: for several reasons. Technique used to create 3D effect can covering some of the text and also due font size. In particular it can be hard to read maps' legend with small print size

for several reasons. Technique used to create 3D effect can covering some of the text and also due font size. In particular it can be hard to read maps' legend with small print size

Q: it will be visible but a magnifying glass might be needed to read the legend text. So if you want to be able to read text we recommend to order a larger print to ensure a better readability

it will be visible but a magnifying glass might be needed to read the legend text. So if you want to be able to read text we recommend to order a larger print to ensure a better readability

Q: What is the intended use of these maps?

Maps are to be considered as piece of art and art decor and not as technical map. This means that the colors may vary significantly from the original and text may not be fully legible

Q: What are the standard shipment costs for my Country?

Standard shipment cost are free for all Countries

Q: What is the standard shipping times for my Country?

Standard delivery times are 3-8 business for UK. 5-10 business day for European countries and USA. 10-15 business day for the Rest of the World. If you want to be sure about delivery times for your address

Q: My country is not included in your delivery profile

If your Country is not included in our delivery profile

Q: please contact us to know if we can dispatch to your address and to get more information about shipment cost and delivery time

please contact us to know if we can dispatch to your address and to get more information about shipment cost and delivery time

Q: Are there custom duties to pay?

It is possible that there are customs duties to pay on orders that have to reach some European Countries. To be sure if your order is affected by custom duties

Apr 02, 2025

The shortest answer is ‘it depends’.
Vizcart offers three types of paper selected to offer the best performance in terms of colour and readability, but other factors, the most influential of which is personal taste, play a role in choosing the best paper for each customer.

It often happens that we are asked for advice on this matter, so with this post we will illustrate the different characteristics of each type of paper to help those who are uncertain and want to make up their own mind.

Matte Museum paper

This type of paper is by far the most popular, because it is very versatile and differs from the classic glossy, coated school paper we are all used to seeing in school classrooms.
The paper is very robust, with a slight texturing that contributes to the value of the map. Colours are bold, deep blacks and whites tend towards cream.

Perfect for any type of map, however, we do not recommend it for those who want to have perfect readability in shady spots, especially in small formats (40x30cm).

This paper is made from sustainably sourced paper; it contains no plastic and the inks are water-based.

The main features are:
- 200 gsm
- brilliant catch light effect, intense color contrasts and extraordinary durability
- matte finish

A real picture of Portugal soil map published in 1899 in shaded relief printed in our matte museum paper

Luster Museum paper

This premium photo paper represents the right compromise between vivid colours and intense white.

The surface is smooth with a light pearl patina that enables hight readability of the labels and a very bright rendering of the subject matter. It supports higher colour saturation than opaque papers and intense blacks.

This paper is perfect for emphasising the bright colours of a geological paper.

Luster Museum paper is vegan and made from sustainably sourced paper; it contains no plastic and the inks are water-based.

The main features are:
- 260/220 gsm
- vibrant colors, bright whites, deeper color saturation that matte
- resistant to fingerprints
- vegan and made from sustainable sources
- semi-gloss/velvet finish

A real picture of Portugal soil map published in 1899 in shaded relief printed in our luster museum paper

Matte Cotton paper

The paper we use is Hahnemühle photo rag, a beautiful 100% cotton art paper, perfect for Giclée printing that produces a combination of brilliant colours and deep blacks.

This type of paper is very thick and has a textured structure that gives it character. The white of this paper is natural, unlike the luster paper which is bright white.

Its textured structure provides a three-dimensional appearance, which goes well with shaded relief maps, while giving a pictorial effect.

Choosing this paper means choosing a high-quality base that will make each map a true work of art.

Matte Cotton paper is vegan and made from sustainably sourced paper; it contains no plastic and the inks are water-based.

Vegan, plastic free and made from sustainable sources

The main features are:
- 308 gsm, 100% cotton
- characteristic, beautiful defined felt structure
- acid- and lignin-free
- ISO 9706 conform / museum quality for highest age resistance
- matte finish