Get to know your paper stocks

Are you embarking on the journey of refreshing your branding with bespoke business cards? Perhaps your event is drawing closer and the time to send out your ‘Save the Dates’ is now! It’s exciting – we know – but are you confident on your choice of paper stock? With a variety to choose from, each with their own benefits and purposes, it’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed, so allow us to lend a knowledgeable hand into the world of paper stocks…

Coated vs uncoated

When it comes to choosing your paper stocks, people often dabble over the option of coated or un-coated… but what really is the difference – does anyone know, and does it matter? (We do… and yes it does!) Allow us to summarise them for you.

Coated paper is produced with a surface coating (often made from clay, latex or chalk) which effects the absorbency levels, shine, texture and weight of the paper. This coating can create a crisper look for any printed images or text.

Uncoated paper is produced without the surface coating. Without this layer, the paper becomes more absorbent and can have a softer texture whilst often remaining more environmentally friendly.

“What options of paper stocks are available?” we hear you ask… Allow us to enlighten you even further.

Coated paper stocks:

Gloss

Gloss is a unique paper stock, providing high shine with a super smooth texture. Ideal for flyers, magazine pages and leaflets, the print will remain fixed to the paper, leaving no remnants of ink on the fingers of your recipients, no matter how bold your colour choice may be. Because of this, there is no need to seal or varnish the surface.

Matt coated

As you may be able to tell by the name, this paper option provides a soft, matt finish which deflects light reflection, providing an ideal material for brochures full of text that may otherwise be hard to read with a glaring light behind you. To keep the matt as effective as it is once first produced, a seal or varnish will be required.

Silk coated

Most commonly spied across newsletters and leaflets, silk coated paper provides a soft, silk-like feel under the thumb for any who hold it. With a texture so appealing, we wouldn’t be surprised to see your recipients flicking through your entire print material, from front to back, absorbing your information whilst they can’t resist the paper.

Uncoated paper stocks:

FSC recycled

Produced by the use of recycled paper and wood, FSC recycled paper stock provides a bright, smooth finish. Creating a report on the impact of your company’s elements of sustainability? Why not enhance your green credentials further by opting to print on full recycled FSC paper!

Textured

Textured paper stock is produced by a series of fine, textured ribbed lines, ideal for sophisticated business stationery with a distinguished feel. Quality really is prominent with textured paper. Why not create a premium coinciding envelope, providing your recipients with a clean, refined invite to your corporate event.

Want to find out more about the world of paper stocks? At Printingprogress, we are experts in all things print, so ask us anything… really, anything! Pick up the phone and give us a call on 020 8290 1010 or drop us an email at info@printingprogress.co.uk and we will be happy to help.