So you have got designed your flyer or pamphlet, found an esteemed
printer and currently you’re prepared for printing. However the big
question is currently what paper stock (paper material) to choose?
Should you use a gloss or silk paper or however regarding an uncoated
sheet? These area unit necessary inquiries to ask, the right choice of
paper will enhance your design and image; the wrong choice could spoil
the print job and leave you disappointed. Which one is right to use? But
what are all these different papers?
There are basically two main categories of paper used today for printing, coated and
uncoated paper.
Coated Paper or board
This paper incorporates a coating applied to either one or both sides
of the sheet. it’s typically mentioned as art paper. The coating may be
a mixture of china clay, latex and alternative compounds that once
applied improve the smoothness of the paper surface giving top quality
printing. Coated paper is the natural selection for full color prime
quality print work like flyers, brochures or posters. The coating allows
for sharp pictures, spirited color and improved ink drying.
Silk coating (Silk Art or Silk) encompasses a smooth end with a small
shine. This finish permits for excellent print results without the
shine you’d get from a gloss stock. it’s good for company brochures,
flyers and posters wherever the dearth of “glossiness” makes print
straightforward to read.
Matt finish (Matt Art) is additionally a smooth sheet however with a
dull finish. it’s rarely used nowadays, however would be a decent
alternative if there are giant areas of text. Some individuals like the
unostentatious finish of Matt art as a part of their image.
Coated paper is available during a range of different finishes the main ones being silk, matt and gloss.
Gloss finish (Gloss Art or Gloss) encompasses a shiny coating. This
coating permits for fast ink drying and allows for the foremost spirited
of colors. Gloss is extensively used for flyers, booklets and posters
among others.
Uncoated Paper (offset)
Uncoated paper
has no coating applied to the paper. though there are a range of
various qualities of finish, uncoated paper still has pits within the
surface of the paper. the lack of coating doesn’t provide for the most
effective results in full color printing. Drying times also increase
once using uncoated paper. this kind of material is best suited to
company stationery like letterheads or for newsletters.
Paper weights
Paper is measured, in the UK, as grams per square meter or GSM. The
upper the GSM the thicker and bulkier the paper, although paper
thickness and bulk will vary greatly between completely different paper
brands of identical GSM. Typically silk art is bulkier (or thicker) than
a glossy paper of identical weight. Paper weights vary from 70gsm up to
400gsm for the majority of print jobs. Heavier board is offered however
not sometimes used for general print jobs.
Generally letterheads are written on either a 100gsm or a 120gsm
Uncoated paper, leaflets on a 130gsm or 150gsm, flyers on a 300gsm or 350gsm.
In the A series size of papers, A0 size is one area unit, therefore
associate A4 sheet of paper can weigh one sixteenth of the quoted gsm
e.g. one A4 stationery written on 100gsm can weigh vi grams.
A good plan before inserting any print work is to raise your printer
to send samples of the paper stock they use. evoke a spread of
accessible weights and endes and if attainable evoke written samples on
the fabric to grant you a decent plan on the finish.