What is paper stock? « Back to list

Paper is every bit as important as the design and the print quality and ink used on your printed job. Most people recognise good design but choosing the right paper can be a trickier prospect. Paper choice has an impact on your message and your company image as well as on the price of your print.

If the question “What paper stock do you want?” leaves you baffled and lost for words, fear not. Our guide will help you make the right decision.

What are the different types of paper?

Paper used for print is either coated or uncoated. It comes in different weights (thickness/stiffness) and finishes. Sound complicated? Don’t worry. Read on…

What is the difference between coated and uncoated paper?

The paper you buy for your desktop or company printer is uncoated. It’s non reflective and absorbent. Coated papers have either a matt (“silk”) or gloss finish. Silk paper has a subtle sheen while gloss is shiny. Because coated papers don’t absorb the ink, colours appear sharper and more vibrant. Uncoated papers are often used for letterheads or other print that might be written on or fed through office printers.

What is the gsm thickness of paper?

Gsm stands for grams per m2 of paper. Simply put, the higher the gsm, the thicker your paper.  Newspapers are typically printed on 35-55gsm. Magazines are around 90gsm. Leaflets, flyers and brochures are usually printed on around 130gsm although covers might go up to 250gsm. Business cards start at 350gsm but can go a lot thicker.

What is luxury paper?

If you want your print to really stand out you can choose a luxury paper. Luxury papers might have a linen texture, hammer effect or laid surface. There are also pearlescent and metallic effect papers. Luxury paper really changes the look and feel of your print. It might cost a little more but if you’re looking for something extra special it’s well worth considering.

Choosing the right paper can seem like a complicated business. That’s why when we launched DigitalPrintingIreland.ie we did so with a user friendly website that clearly shows all of the paper options available and makes it easy to see how they affect the price and look of your print. Just click for a quote and you’ll be guided through the choices available. If you’re not familiar with paper types just type “paper” into our search box and you’ll see the different sorts we supply. To find out more visit www.DigitalPrintingIreland.ie or contact our expert print team today.