Learn how to choose the perfect paper type for your printing needs, from matte to silk coated, and explore our paper options

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the paper types available. We’ll delve into the characteristics of each paper type, helping you make informed decisions for your printing needs.

Let’s explore the distinctive qualities of our most popular paper types:

Matte or Uncoated

Matte paper, recognized for its non-shiny finish, is often favored for its elegant aesthetic. Keep in mind:

• Matte paper generally comes at a higher price point compared to coated paper.
• Its availability and consistency may vary across different global regions.
• Due to its absorbent nature, matte paper is not ideal for designs with heavy ink coverage, as it can lead to a mottled appearance.
• Matte papers absorbs more ink and colors may look more dull compared to semi-glossy paper.

Semi-Glossy or Silk Coated

Silk paper offers a middle ground between matte and glossy finishes, providing a subtle sheen that enhances visual appeal. Consider these aspects:

• Silk paper is well-suited for documents with heavy ink coverage, as its coating ensures vibrant and consistent color reproduction.
• You can further enhance silk paper with either a matte or glossy protective layer, adding durability and preventing smudging (more details on protection below).
• Keep in mind that silk paper’s smooth surface is not optimal for writing.
• Colors look more vibrant on semi-glossy paper.

The distinction between “classic semi-glossy paper” and “classic semi-glossy paper (legacy)” lies in their compatibility. The “legacy” option caters to products with separate inches/centimeters formats that predate our product catalog update.

Protection for Lasting Quality

Applying a protective layer to your printed materials provides a shield against scratches, scuffs, and color fading. This is particularly crucial for documents with heavy ink coverage, as it prevents the color from rubbing off. We highly recommend opting for protection on heavily colored cover pages of saddle-stitched or perfect-bound documents to prevent unsightly cracks along the spine. Semi-glossy paper is more resistant to fingerprints and scratches.

You can choose between a glossy or matte protective finish, aligning with your desired aesthetic and level of sheen.

Understanding Paper Weight

Navigating the world of paperweights can sometimes feel like deciphering a secret code. To simplify things, we’ve outlined the key differences in how paper weight is measured across the globe:

• North America: The standard unit of measurement for paper weight is pounds (lb).
• Rest of the World: The metric system reigns supreme, with grams per square meter (gsm) being the preferred unit.
• Thicker paper gives some more premium quality when you touch it, but when it’s behind the glass it’s not possible to see difference.