The kind of paper for printing isn’t always at the top of your mind when you have a project, but choosing the right paper can make all the difference in the final result of your project. Whether you're creating business cards, brochures, or postcards, the paper you choose impacts not only the look but also the feel of your printed materials. 

We'll explore different types of printing paper, including their best uses and benefits, to help you make informed decisions. We'll also touch on eco-friendly options for the sustainability-conscious.

Types of Printing Paper

The type of paper you choose can greatly affect the final quality of your print project. Factors like ink compatibility, desired finish, and intended use should be carefully considered to ensure the best results.

The two main categories of printing paper are coated and uncoated paper. Each has its unique advantages depending on the type of project you are undertaking:

• Coated Paper: Coated paper for printing has a coating applied, almost always made from china clay, which gives it that smooth finish. Most of the coated range is known as ‘art’ paper and is available in matt, silk, or gloss finish. You’ll notice that the majority of leaflets and flyers are printed on this type of stock as well as corporate brochures and promotional material. The coating helps the ink sit on top of the paper, which results in sharper images and richer colours.
  
  

• Uncoated Paper: Uncoated paper has a softer, warmer finish, making it perfect for projects where a more natural or textured feel is desired. It is often used for business stationery, such as letterheads and envelopes, or items like business cards that require a more personal touch. If you're deciding between uncoated vs. coated paper, think about whether you want a vibrant, shiny look or a more understated, natural aesthetic. Uncoated paper is overall more porous than coated and, like coated stock, is available in a bewildering number of products. When litho printed, the ink tends to soak in much more, giving the feel that the ink is within the paper, making colours and images softer and warmer. However, the downside is that uncoated paper takes much longer to dry.
  
  

• Laid Paper: This is a textured premium quality paper with a textured pattern of parallel lines, similar to hand-made paper. It is generally used for business and corporate stationery.
  
  

• Wove Paper: Another high-quality paper with a uniform surface, but not textured like laid paper.
  
  

• Bond Paper: An economic uncoated wove product generally used for basic photocopying.

Paper Weight (GSM) and Thickness

GSM is short for grams per square metre and is an important measure of paper weight and thickness. It’s a term you’ll encounter whenever choosing a paper thickness, and might be tricky to choose the right one at first, so let’s cover what they mean. 

GSM impacts the durability and feel of your printed materials, with higher GSM being more suitable for premium items like business cards and postcards. Choosing the correct GSM helps balance quality, feel and usability in your print projects.

Understanding GSM is key to selecting the right paper. GSM measures the weight and thickness of the paper, and it directly impacts how your printed material will feel in hand.

It’s also worth noting that uncoated products tend to ‘bulk up’ slightly more, and sometimes the finished product will feel thicker than the GSM specified. On the ‘art’ paper side, i.e., coated matt and silk can also feel a little bulkier than their GSM spec, and usually more than their gloss counterparts. But the GSM system is a good reliable guide - if in any doubt, ask for a sample.

• Thick Paper for Printing: If you're printing postcards or business cards, you'll want to use thick paper, typically in the range of 300-350gsm. This provides the sturdy, premium feel expected from these items.
  
  

• Ideal GSM for Brochures: For printing brochures, a weight between 150-200gsm works well, offering enough durability while still being flexible. The right GSM helps balance quality with practicality, ensuring your brochure looks and feels professional.

Here’s a brief rundown of the different GSMs:

• 35 – 55 GSM paper: The thinnest, mostly used for newspapers.

• 90 – 120 GSM paper: The average weight of regular office paper.

• 130 – 250 GSM paper: Commonly used for promotional posters.

• 260 – 300 GSM paper: Thicker, works well for high-end brochures or magazines.

• 350 – 450 GSM paper: The heaviest and most rigid, used for business cards and invitations.

Best Paper for Different Print Projects

Understanding the specific requirements of your project is key to making the right paper choice. As we’ve covered, business cards require thick, sturdy paper, while brochures benefit from a lighter weight that retains flexibility. Selecting the correct paper type ensures your materials are both visually appealing and functional.

Choosing the right paper type for your print project can enhance both the visual appeal and the impact of your material:

• Best Paper for Brochure Printing: Coated paper, such as silk or matte finishes, is often the best choice for brochures. These finishes enhance colour vibrancy and give a polished look, making your message more compelling.
  
  

• Textured Paper for Printing: For projects like invitations or premium business cards, textured paper adds a tactile quality that can leave a lasting impression. If you want your printed material to stand out from the crowd, consider using textured paper.
  
  

• Paper for Photo Printing: When printing photos, coated paper is recommended. The coating helps preserve image clarity and prevents the colours from fading, resulting in a high-quality, professional look.

Eco-Friendly and Recycled Paper Options

There is a growing importance and interest in eco-friendly printing options. Choosing recycled or sustainably sourced paper can significantly reduce your environmental impact. Today’s recycled paper options offer quality comparable to virgin paper, making them an excellent choice for both personal and professional use.

Sustainability is becoming more important for businesses and individuals alike. Choosing recycled paper for printing helps reduce your environmental footprint while still achieving excellent quality:

• Recycled Paper vs Virgin Paper: Many people worry that recycled paper might compromise the quality of their printed materials, but modern recycled paper options have come a long way. They provide a professional look and feel that rivals virgin paper, making them a great choice for eco-friendly printing without sacrificing quality.

How to Choose Paper for Your Print Project

Selecting the right paper ultimately depends on the goals of your project:

• Consider Your Project's Requirements: For pure vibrancy, especially when printing photographs or colour illustrations, go for a coated paper. The choice of gloss, silk, or matt is a personal one and depends on the ‘aim’ of the finished print. Flat out gloss can be quite overpowering but is used extensively in the advertising world on flyers to grab attention, while more artistic products are generally better on silk and matt papers.
  
  

• Request Samples: Before committing to a full print run, always request paper samples to ensure that the look and feel align with your expectations. If you are unsure about the final outcome, it’s best to pop in and look through sample books.
  
  

• Brand Consistency: For businesses, it's crucial to maintain consistency across printed materials. Using the same type of paper for letterheads, brochures, and business cards can help ensure your brand looks cohesive and professional. Keep in mind that your colour reproduction will differ depending on the type of paper the ink is printed on, so using the same stock throughout can help maintain consistent colour.
  
  

• Laser Printer Compatibility: Make sure that any uncoated ‘stationery’ paper is rated for laser use if you plan to run it through office laser printers, as these printers use a high-temperature fuser system.

Choose The Right Paper and Printer For Your Project

Choosing the right paper for your print project is about understanding the impact different types of printing paper can have on your final product. Whether it's selecting coated paper for printing brochures or opting for recycled paper to minimize your environmental impact, the right choice can make all the difference. If you're still unsure, consulting with an expert can help ensure you get the best possible outcome.

At First Colour, we offer a wide variety of paper types and can provide samples to help you make the right choice. Contact us today to learn more about how we can bring your print project to life.