Most of us don’t give much thought to the type of paper we’ll use for our marketing materials- until we’re standing at the printer, staring at a bewildering array of options.
Suddenly, it hits us: “Wait, does the paper matter?”
Well, it does.
Your choice of printing paper influences every aspect of your project—from its overall design and composition to the thickness, weight, and intended purpose. Each paper type has unique characteristics and benefits, with certain options being more suited to specific projects.
At our Reno, NV, printing shop, we’re here to help your business make an unforgettable impression with eye-catching, professional-quality products. Here’s a quick guide to help you understand the different types of paper and how to choose the best one for your project.
Let’s begin!
Table of Content
Common Types of Paper and Their Applications
Specialty Paper for Unique Projects
Key Considerations in Choosing Paper
Matching Paper Type to Specific Projects
Printing Techniques and Paper Compatibility
Budget and Cost Considerations
Common Types of Paper and Their Applications
Here’s a quick look at the four most common types of paper and how they’re used.
Bond Paper
Strong, sturdy, and long-lasting bond paper can be used as copier paper, letterheads, and newsprint paper. Bond paper is lightweight, affordable, and has a smooth finish. However, uncoated bond paper is prone to damage like scuffs and stains.
Glossy Paper
Glossy paper has a shiny, reflective surface that enhances colors and detail. It’s perfect for photo printing, brochures, catalogs, or anywhere you’ll need vivid visuals. If you’re after bold images, sharp clarity, and rich hues, glossy paper is a great choice.
Matte Paper
Matte paper has a muted surface that refracts light, reducing glare. It also has a soft, textured feel to it.
Matte-coated paper is easier on the eyes and is used to print books and other large copy-based printed materials. Besides being easier to read, it’s also ideal for writing since the ink doesn’t smudge.
Cardstock
Cardstock is thick, durable, and commonly used for business cards, postcards, and presentation covers. It can come in coated or uncoated paper. Cardstock is a versatile material that adds a luxe feel to printed materials while also standing up to frequent handling.
Specialty Paper for Unique Projects
While you could print photos or marketing materials on everyday copy paper, the results will fall flat. Copy paper simply isn’t designed for vibrant images or polished designs. You’ll need the right paper type for your print job.
Recycled Paper
A growing number of consumers are prioritizing environmentally friendly choices, with 63% reporting they are less likely to buy products with packaging that harms the environment.
If you’re aligning your marketing with this trend, consider switching to recycled paper for your materials. Recycled paper is crafted from 60% to 100% recycled wood pulp— old paper mixed with water and blended until it breaks down. Its recycled materials are a great way to reduce waste and send a strong message to eco-conscious customers.
Textured Paper
Made with raised or patterned surfaces, textured printing paper adds a unique, tactile feel to invitations, greeting cards, and artistic prints. Depending on your requirements, you can choose from arlin, linen, laid, felt, or embossed options.
Vellum Paper
Vellum is a translucent paper with a smooth, slightly waxy feel and a marble-like look. It’s often layered over or wrapped around other prints to create a stylish, elegant effect. You can also use it on its own for wedding invitations, cards, or creative designs.
Key Considerations in Choosing Paper
There are a few key things you’ll want to keep in mind before picking one type of paper over another for your project.
Paper Weight and Thickness
One of the first things to know about paper is its weight, measured in GSM (grams per square meter).
GSM tells you how heavy a sheet of paper is. The higher the GSM, the thicker and sturdier the paper. For example:
- 80-100 GSM: Lightweight paper that’s commonly used for everyday printing, like office printing documents.
- 120-150 GSM: Great for flyers, brochures, or posters—sturdy but still flexible.
- 200+ GSM: Heavier options like cardstock, ideal for business cards, postcards, or book covers.
While thicker paper feels more high-end, it’s also more expensive. Be sure to choose based on your project’s purpose and budget.
Coated vs. Uncoated Paper
The finish of your printing paper matters. Coated paper has a smooth, polished surface—either gloss or matte—depending on your needs.
Uncoated printing paper is more natural, textured, and easier to write on. It’s also affordable and favored for businesses with tighter budgets or large-scale print runs. When considering uncoated vs. matte, matte paper often adds a slightly more refined look.
Environmental Considerations
If you’re prioritizing sustainability, look for eco-friendly options like paper made of recycled materials or FSC-certified paper. FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification means the paper comes from responsibly managed forests.
Some paper production processes use chlorine to bleach the paper, which can release harmful chemicals into the environment. Look for Totally Chlorine-Free (TCF) or Processed Chlorine-Free (PCF) labels to avoid this problem.
Also, if your project has a limited lifespan (like event programs or packaging), consider papers designed to break down naturally in composting conditions.
Matching Paper Type to Specific Projects
Now that you’re familiar with the different types of paper, let’s dive into which ones work best for specific projects.
Brochures and Flyers
For brochures and flyers, you need printing paper that catches the eye and can withstand plenty of handling. Glossy paper is perfect for designs with lots of photos—it makes images shine and leap off the page.
If you’re going for a more understated, elegant look, go for matte paper. It has a smooth, modern finish and is durable enough to handle plenty of use without showing wear.
Invitations and Cards
An invitation is more than just information—it’s a first impression. The right paper can set the tone before a word is read. Textured options like linen or felt add a simple, elegant touch that helps your invitations stand out, especially when they’re meant for weddings, birthdays, or professional events where you want to make an impact.
Books and Manuals
Books and manuals need to stand the test of time. Matte or uncoated paper works best in this regard because it reduces glare and makes it easier to read for long periods. Plus, it’s sturdy enough to withstand regular use and frequent page-turning.
Printing Techniques and Paper Compatibility
When printing at home or in the office, the type of paper you should choose will vary based on the printer you have. Not all paper is compatible with every printing method, so you’ll need to know what works with what.
Inkjet Printers
Inkjet printers are versatile and go well with most paper types, especially uncoated and matte finishes. Because the ink absorbs into the paper, it’s ideal for photo printing or designs with lots of detail.
However, avoid glossy papers unless they’re specifically labeled for inkjet use—regular glossy paper can cause smudging or uneven prints.
Laser Printers
Laser printers use heat to bond toner to the paper. Hence, they need smooth, heat-resistant, coated options. Try not to use textured or highly absorbent papers since they don’t bond well with toner.
Offset Printing
Offset printing delivers professional-grade results and can handle nearly any printing paper type. It’s great for high-volume projects, like catalogs or brochures, where quality and consistency matter most.
For best results, use paper recommended by the printer manufacturer. Also, always test a small batch to see how the ink or toner interacts with the paper.
Budget and Cost Considerations
It’s important to balance cost and print quality. You want versatile material that looks great without overspending. Here are a few tips to keep things affordable.
Find the Sweet Spot
High-quality paper looks and feels amazing, but it can also be pricey. The trick is to match the paper’s quality to the purpose of your project. For example, glossy or textured paper is worth the splurge for wedding invitations or marketing materials, but standard bond paper might do just fine for internal reports or everyday use.
Buy in Bulk
If you’re working on a large project or printing regularly, buying paper in bulk can save you a lot of money. Many suppliers offer discounts for larger orders, and you’ll also avoid the hassle of constantly reordering.
Mix and Match
Another way to save is by using premium paper for covers or key pages and more economical options for the rest. This way, you get the professional look you need while staying on budget.
Get in Touch with Digiprint for Custom Printing!
And that’s a wrap on the different paper options you have to choose from!
Experiment with these options to see what fulfills your needs, and don’t hesitate to consult a printing pro for advice.
At Digiprint, we specialize in helping businesses select the perfect materials for their printing needs. If you’re confused about which paper option is best for your printing project or need advice on other printing options, our team is here to help.
Contact us today to explore our printing services in Reno, NV, and find the right solution for your project.
