General Paper Descriptions

Coated and Uncoated Paper

Uncoated papers are papers, as the name implies, that have no coating on them. Examples of uncoated papers are found in stationery, envelopes, and copy paper, as well as many promotional pieces. Uncoated papers are available in more colors and textures than coated sheets, making them more appealing for some types of printing projects.

Coated papers are often referred to as "glossy" paper, although there are actually different types of coatings. Coated paper really makes ink "pop" out. They feel different, and often create the sensation of a more professional appearance.

Although many people associate coated papers with the term "glossy," there are really 3 primary types of coating:

1. Matte Coating. Matte coating gives the greatest illusion of having no coating at all when that is the desired look, yet the printed image really requires some type of coating. Still gives a "pop" to the ink.

2. Dull Coating. Dull coating has the look of a coated sheet, yet without the "high gloss" or shiny look. It does not reflect light as much as gloss.

3. Gloss Coating. Gloss coating gives that shiny look. It is very light reflective. Different types of paper range in their degrees of "glossyness." Some sheets looked lightly glossed, while others look super glossy. Within this general category, there are also cast-coated sheets which can yield the super glossy look very well. These are typically available only in cover weights.

Grades of Paper

Like cars, not all papers are created equally. Accordingly, papers are ranked by their quality (as indicated by the consistency of the sheet, quality of the coating, whiteness, ability to run well through a press, ink holdout, among others). The better the paper, the more costly it is. Often, a lesser grade paper will suffice for the intended use (a mass mailer, for example, would not generally require a high quality paper -- cost is more important). Following are the paper grades, with examples of corresponding coated papers:

1. Premium. McCoy, Reflections, and Karma Matte
2. #1 Grade. Centura; Royal Impressions; Vintage; Patina Matte
3. #2 Grade. Productolith; Concord; Jefferson; Northwest; Makers' Matte
4. #3 Grade. Fortune; many specially made printers' "house" stocks

When printing a short run, paper cost really doesn't make a big difference. We therefore advise our customers to go with premium papers in this instance. When the quantities are higher, you should consult your printer on what your priorities with the job are, or request that the job be quoted on 2 different types of paper if you are unsure.

Weight of Paper

Generally, there are two categories of weight: text/book and cover. Cover is thick, somewhat like what some people consider a business card weight. Text/book is everything from copy paper to the paper generally used for newsletters.

Within each category, there are different weights. The greater the weight, the heavier the paper and the greater the cost.

Choosing the proper weight depends on the use of the piece. The post office has certain mailing requirements. If you use a cover weight and want it to fold, it must be scored, adding additional costs. You should consult with your printer when choosing the proper weight for a paper.

Choosing the Right Paper for a Project

Now knowing that there are a lot of different papers out there, how do you choose the one that is right for your project? Following are some guidelines.

Quantity: If you are printing a small quantity, then you can usually afford to go with the nicest paper in the category you are looking for. The paper cost as an overall factor in a short run job is small. The higher the quantities, however, the more your choices in paper will affect the price.

Budget: Before a piece is even designed, you should consider your budget. A designer should not design a piece with lots of heavy ink coverage if you are trying to cut costs. Likewise, if you are trying to impress customers with a datasheet for a million dollar product, you should not skimp on the paper. Include your printer in your discussions with the designer to make sure your needs are considered from the very beginning.

Coated vs. Uncoated: Choosing between coated and uncoated is both a function of what you want the piece to look like, as well as what will yield the best printed result given the image to be printed. Large solids, high resolutions screens/halftones and fine lines do best on coated sheets. In addition, when using metallic/flourescent inks, only a coated sheet will truly reflect their properties.

Paper Grade: If you are printing a complex piece, it is very wise to go with at least a #1 grade. Many customers are disappointed to have a great design lack the impact they were looking for because a decision was made to go with a lesser grade. It was once wisely said, "The bitterness of poor quality lingers long after the sweetness of cheap price is forgotten."

Weight: The weight of the paper depends upon the end use. A project which contains a reply card must be of sufficient caliper that the reply card can be mailed under Postal Standards (for more information, see www.USPS.com). A brochure may be produced on text or cover weight, depending upon budget and the end use. Discuss with your designer and printer what will best suit your needs.