When it comes to paper, there are a LOT more options than most of us realize (and more are being added all the time). Sure, we have all seen different colours and thicknesses (thank you, elementary school crafts!), but when choosing the right paper for your next print project, knowing what to use and when largely depends on the purpose of the project and your budget.
Consider the Basics
With so many options, knowing how to choose the right paper stock requires a good understanding of what you want your finished piece to look and feel like. It should also depend on whether or not your piece is created to last a short while (ex: envelopes, coupons, letters) or a long while (ex: brochures, business cards, booklets).
When trying to choose the right paper stock for your project, consider these basic elements when requesting a quote:
- Thickness
- Finish: Coated or Uncoated?
- Make (Check out our Blogpost: ‘Virgin vs. Recycled Paper’)
Thickness
We often get requests to print on ‘Copy Paper’ or ‘Card Stock’. When choosing the right paper stock for your project, we will likely return your request with a paper recommendation that is based on weight. There is a very wide range of weights in paper availability, all of which refer to the thickness of the sheet itself. Paper manufacturers often measure in lbs (pounds), gsm (grams per square meter) and pts (points), which we then pass on to you. Here is a very, very basic list of popularly printed items, and the most common weights used:
Letters, Notepads & Envelopes
- 24lb Bond/60lb Offset
Newsletters, Letterhead, Reports
- 70lb Text
Flyers, Coupons, Trifold Brochures, Programs
- 80lb Text
Booklets, Posters
- 100lb Text
Rack Cards & Vouchers, Manuals, Reply Cards
- 80lb Cover
Postcards, Business Cards
- 100lb Cover / 10pt Cover
Business Cards, Greeting Cards
- 120lb Cover / 12pt Cover
Text stock is a thinner sheet; Easier to fold, suitable for short term use and for multipage documents.
Cover stock is more rigid and durable; Great for packaging, cards, folders and tags.
Finish: Coated or Uncoated
Once thickness is determined, there is also the finish to consider when choosing the right paper stock for your project. When it comes to choosing a coated or an uncoated sheet, there are two major things to consider: the end use of the project, and the overall look you are trying to achieve.
Coated sheets are the most popular choice for marketing materials (ex: postcards, coupons, brochures). The coating on the paper helps achieve a more durable surface, and allows the ink to really POP when printing on offset presses, creating a vibrancy that uncoated sheets can’t achieve. Coated paper stock is available only as white, smooth sheets, but can be found to contain recycled content (most commonly 10% or 30% recycled content). There are several types of coated finishes available: Gloss, Dull, Matte, Silk and Satin.
Uncoated paper is used more often for everyday purpose and business forms (ex: copy paper, letters, reply forms, field sheets). It is the most user-friendly sheet for writing on, as pens, felts and highlighters are absorbed directly into the sheet, preventing smudging and allowing for easier writing. Unlike their coated counterpart, uncoated sheets are available in a wide range of colours and textured finishes (ex: metallic, fluourescent, linen, eggshell, woodgrain). In addition to recycled options, uncoated sheets are also available from responsibly sourced (wood alternative) materials, such as Eucalyptus. Popular terms used for describing uncoated paper are: Bond, Offset, Opaque and Smooth.
What it Comes Down To
Choosing paper for a simple project can be fairly straight forward. However, if you are new to print, or are looking for something special for a new and unique project, it can also be pretty overwhelming.
We are here to make it easy. With an incredible selection of paper at our fingertips (literally), and the experience to know which stock works best for which process. We will provide you with options (and samples!) that will allow you to choose with confidence and ensure you will find the right paper stock for your next project.
