Canson Baryta Photographique II vs Platine Fibre Rag

Baryta photographique 2 vs Platine fibre rag: If you're printing fine art photography, especially black and white, you've probably encountered two of Canson's heavy hitters: Baryta Photographique II and Platine Fibre Rag. Both are museum-grade, both gorgeous—but which one is right for your work?

Here’s a breakdown from the perspective of a printmaker (and fellow photographer):

Surface & Feel

• Baryta Photographique II has a smooth, glossy surface that mimics traditional darkroom fiber-based prints. The gloss isn't too aggressive—it has a classic baryta sheen that adds pop without glare.

• Platine Fibre Rag, on the other hand, has a semi-gloss satin finish and a slightly warmer tone. It feels more like an air-dried fiber print and is made from 100% cotton.

Both papers are thick (310gsm) and luxurious in the hand, but Platine has a bit more “tooth,” making it feel more like traditional rag paper.

D-Max & Tonal Range : Baryta photographique 2 vs Platine fibre rag

• Baryta II delivers a deeper D-Max, meaning richer blacks and higher contrast, which can give your black-and-white prints more bite—especially in dramatic lighting.

• Platine has a slightly softer D-Max, but compensates with extremely smooth tonal gradation. It’s ideal for subtle transitions in skin tones or shadow detail.

In simple terms:→ Baryta II = punch and drama→ Platine = elegance and nuance

Color Output

Both papers handle color beautifully, but:

• Baryta II leans cooler and slightly more neutral. Great for modern portraiture or high-contrast scenes.

• Platine leans a touch warmer, which can give skin tones and natural light a soft, organic glow.

Best Use Cases

• Baryta Photographique II

  • Dramatic black and white work

  • Architecture and high-contrast images

  • Color prints needing deep blacks and vibrant contrast

• Platine Fibre Rag

  • Fine art portraits

  • Subtle landscape or studio work

  • Vintage-feel or archival projects

Bottom Line

You can't go wrong with either—these are top-shelf papers. But if you need clean, punchy contrast, go Baryta II. If you're chasing warmth, softness, and an analog feel, Platine is your go-to.

Pro tip: Print a small sample of the same image on both. You’ll know instantly which speaks your language.