STOCK: PAPER TYPES / WEIGHTS

Choosing stock is a really important part in the production of a printed item. You have to consider what you are aiming to make and the message you want achieve which can also be based on the look of your paper. 

Art Paper

This kind of paper is coated with a fine clay compound that creates an either gloss or matt effect on both sides of the page.

Uses: brochures, calendars, magazine covers, magazine text

Bond Paper

Originally used for documents such as government bonds, it is stronger and more durable than the average sheet of paper. It is mostly made from rag pulp as opposed to the lower grade wood pulp and its aesthetical look makes it popular for letterheads and image building stationery.

Uses: letterheads, envelopes, typed reports

Carbonless - Self Copy Paper

This paper is coated with chemicals which transfer images or text from one sheet to another when under pressure from writing or typing.

Uses: application forms, computer stationery, time saving stationery.

Cast Coated Paper

This type of paper is pressed against metal drums while its coating is still wet producing a very high gloss, mirror-like finish and superior smooth surface. Its flexibility makes it an excellent option for folding and scoring since it keeps cracking to a minimum.

Uses: packaging

Coated paper

The paper is coated to produce dull, gloss, matt, or other finishes. Coated paper has better reflectivity and produces sharper, brighter images.

Uses: varied, depending on type of coating.

Gloss coated paper

It has a high shine and very smooth surface making it ideal for promotional work. The ink dries particularly well here so it can eliminate the need for a seal varnish to prevent ink rubbings and marks

Uses: brochures, pamphlets, flyers, presentations

Matt coated paper

This paper is coated to give it a matt finish as opposed to the gloss coated paper look. It is perfect for producing images without the glare that can come with the gloss options though it’s recommended to apply a sealed varnish to protect from ink rubbings.

Uses: leaflets, flyers, reports

Newsprint

This low-cost, non-archival paper has an off-white cast and distinctive feel. It is widely used to print newspapers and advertising material because it is economical, strong enough to run through high-speed web printing presses and accepts four-color printing.

Uses: newspapers, advertising material

Pulpboard

These are uncoated boards made of wood pulp that can be white or coloured and come in various different densities.

Uses: packaging, mounting prints

Recycled paper

Recycled paper is partly or entirely made from re-used paper products. Its production uses much less energy than virgin paper and reduces waste in landfills.

Silk coated paper

This paper has a smooth silky coating giving it a low surface shine. Smoother than the matt coated kind but not as glossy as the gloss coated paper, it is a good compromise between the two.

Uses: catalogues, books, mailing, magazines and periodicals

Uncoated paper

This plain paper without coating has a unique ink receptivity and absorbency. It is most popularly used for printed items that will also require pen writing such as forms and memos.

Uses: forms, business reply cards, letterheads, memo paper

Watermarked paper

This watermark gives a distinctive prestige and is used in high quality paper such as Conqueror. In the manufacturing process an impression is pressed into the paper by attaching a wire pattern or by using relief sculptures to create the desired effect.

Uses: logo, paper type description, security feature


When it comes to printing one of the first thing you need to decide is which paper type you choose. The thickness of the paper is quite important. Thicker paper is more durable, conveys different message and of course in most cases more expensive. To find an optimum solution look at the list of the general usage of different paper density:

• 90 – 100 gsm – used for stationery, text for magazines and booklets, flyers and brochures.
• 120 -170 gsm – used for text for booklets, flyers and brochures. The heavier the weight, the more “upmarket” the feel.
• 200 – 250 gsm – ideal for magazine and booklet covers
• 280 – 420 gsm – used for cards of all sorts and book and booklet covers.