When printing something, it’s common to grab whatever paper is available and not give it another thought. However, the paper you choose – including its size and quality – will affect any print job. So, whether you are printing brochures, a resume, booklets, or invitations, you will want to consider the paper’s type, size, and quality before moving forward. These crucial details will have a profound impact on the finished product!
Understanding Paper Weight
A paper’s weight refers to the thickness of various stocks, which uses a measurement in pounds. The following are common types that you will see:
- Bond paper: Bond paper is the standard paper you usually see in printers and copiers. It comes in standard weights of 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, and 36 pounds.
- Text paper: Text paper is generally used in commercial printing operations and is featured on stationary and letterhead. Text paper commonly comes in weights of 50, 60, 70, 80, and 100 pounds.
- Cover paper/card stock: Cover paper is also called card stock and comes in a variety of colors and finishes. Its weight ranges from 50 pounds to 120 pounds.
- Bristol paper: Bristol paper is extremely heavy and thick and is often used for book covers or wedding invitations. It is available in 67 pounds or 120 pounds.
- Index paper: Index paper is used for index cards or postcards. It is available in 90, 110, and 140 pounds.
- Tag paper: Tag paper is used for purposes such as retail signage and is available in weights ranging from 100 to 200 pounds.
Additional Paper Types
In addition to the weight of the paper you use, you will want to consider the features of the paper, which can impact the look of the printed product. Features that you may see include:
- Matte: Matte paper is the most commonly used type of printing paper. It has a dull coating and smooth finish. The ink dries quickly on this paper with fewer smears and smudges due to its texture and ability to absorb quickly.
- Glossy: Glossy paper is coated with a high-shine polymer. It can produce sharp, full-colored photographs. However, the ink takes much longer to dry on glossy paper, which increases the likelihood that you will find smears and smudges if it isn’t allowed to dry adequately.
- Bright white: Bright white paper has a non-textured surface with a bright white coating that enhances images and text definition. It increases the look of professionalism with many printed projects.
- Copier and laser printer: This commonly used paper is 75% opaque and dries quickly.
- Listing: Listing paper comes in a ream of paper sheets connected with perforated seams continuously fed into a printer. It is designed to work with specific printers.
- Photo: Photo paper is glossy on one side only. It also has a higher weight and is often brighter to support better definition of photographic images.
- Embossed: Embossed finishes produce a raised appearance on paper. Common types of embossed finishes include linen, laid, and felt.
- Vellum: Vellum finishes are common for general-purpose paper and appear smooth to the naked eye, even though the paper has a subtle roughness.
- Smooth finish: Smooth finish paper goes through a set of rollers while being made, which results in an exceptionally even surface.
- Cackle: A cackle finish appears to have features of handmade paper, which is accomplished by air drying the paper under minimum tension.
While these features can have a huge impact on the finished product, it’s vital to understand the characteristics of paper that affect print outcomes, which include the coating (such as mate or glossy), the weight, brightness, and opacity.
Coated paper contributes to the paper’s feel, texture, and durability. Glossy coats often work best for projects requiring sharp, clear colors and pictures. Alternatively, uncoated paper doesn’t have a layer that covers the natural paper fibers, which makes it more absorbent than coated paper.
Printing paper commonly comes in three sizes: letter (8.5×11), legal (8.5×14), and tabloid (11×17). However, all types of paper can be found in many different sizes, and most multifunction printers can handle various sizes. Some paper types are best suited for different printers, like inkjet or laser. Selecting an incompatible type can result in a poor finished product.
Paying attention to the details of the paper you choose, including size and quality, can leave you much more satisfied with the outcome. For more information about selecting the right paper for your print job, visit Simple Solutions today!
Simple Solutions International offers a full selection of plotter blades and plotter pens as well as a variety of useful tools for use in plotting and sign-making, such as plotter adapters, masking film, spray mask, and other sign-making tools and accessories.