Innova Olmec Photo Pearl vs Fotospeed Matt Ultra Paper
By Firstcall Photographic | Published: 2026-10-13
Category: Comparisons
We compare Innova Olmec Premium Photo Pearl A4 and Fotospeed Matt Ultra 240 roll to help you pick the right fine art inkjet paper for your prints.
Quick answer
For small, exhibition-ready prints with a subtle sheen, choose Innova Olmec Premium Photo Pearl A4. For large-format, cost-effective matte printing on a roll, choose Fotospeed Matt Ultra 240. Both are compatible with pigment and dye-based printers, but they serve different display and workflow needs.
Surface and finish: pearl sheen vs matte smoothness
Innova Olmec Premium Photo Pearl has a slightly textured stippled surface that gives a silky sheen, while Fotospeed Matt Ultra 240 is a bright white matt paper with a smooth finish. The pearl surface adds depth and reduces glare compared to high-gloss papers, making it suitable for display in bright rooms. The matt surface eliminates reflections entirely and provides a neutral look that suits graphic work, portfolios, and proofing.
Format and quantity: A4 sheets vs 24-inch roll
Innova Olmec comes as 50 A4 sheets, ideal for desktop printers and small print runs. Fotospeed Matt Ultra 240 is a 24-inch by 30-meter roll, designed for wide-format printers and large prints. Your choice depends on your printer and typical output size: sheets offer convenience and low waste for A4 prints, while a roll provides continuous length for panoramas or multiple large prints at a lower cost per square meter.
Weight and handling: 240gsm vs premium RC
Fotospeed Matt Ultra 240 is a 240gsm paper, which gives it a substantial feel without being overly thick. Innova Olmec Premium Photo Pearl is a resin-coated (RC) paper, which typically dries instantly and is water resistant. The RC base makes it more durable for handling and display, while the matt paper's heavier weight may require careful handling to avoid creases, especially in roll form.
Printer compatibility and ink
Both papers work with pigment and dye-based inkjet printers. The Innova pearl paper has a microporous coating that is touch-dry when printed, reducing the risk of smudging. The Fotospeed matt paper is also compatible with both ink types, but its uncoated surface may show slightly different color saturation. Always test with your printer's ICC profiles for best results.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Finish and display: Innova Olmec offers a pearl sheen that reduces glare but still adds depth; Fotospeed Matt Ultra provides a completely matte, reflection-free surface. Choose pearl for a subtle sheen; choose matt for a neutral, glare-free look.
- Format and workflow: Innova comes as 50 A4 sheets for desktop printers; Fotospeed is a 24-inch roll for wide-format printers and large prints. Match the format to your printer and typical print size to avoid waste.
- Durability and handling: Innova's RC base is water resistant and touch-dry; Fotospeed's 240gsm matt paper is heavier but may need careful handling to prevent creases. For prints that will be handled often, RC pearl may be more forgiving.
Key product facts
- Fotospeed Matt Ultra 240 Roll 24in x 30m: Fotospeed Matt Ultra 240 is a 240gsm bright white matt inkjet paper on a 24-inch x 30-meter roll, designed for both pigment and dye-based printers. This roll format suits wide-format printers and large print runs, offering a cost-effective option for matte printing.
- Innova Olmec Premium Photo Pearl A4 50 Sheets: Innova Olmec Premium Photo Pearl A4 50 Sheets is an ultra-white resin-coated inkjet photo paper with a slightly textured stippled surface, microporous coating, touch-dry when printed, and water resistant. The A4 sheets and pearl finish are ideal for small, display-quality prints that need a subtle sheen and quick drying.
Which paper should you choose?
Best for
- Photographers printing A4 exhibition prints with a subtle sheen
- Users who need water-resistant, touch-dry prints for quick handling
- Those who prefer the convenience of sheets over rolls
Not for
- Large-format printing or projects requiring a continuous roll
- Budget-conscious, high-volume matte printing
- Those who want a completely matte, reflection-free surface
