Overview
Your paper choice can make a significant difference in the look and feel of your print communication piece. Commercial printing paper is divided into two broad categories – Coated and Uncoated (sometimes broadly referred to as offset stock). Within each of those categories are sub-categories by weight – – Text and Cover stock. Text stock is the lighter weight paper used most frequently for the inside or body of a book or catalog. It is less expensive than cover weight paper. Cover stock is a heavier and more durable paper used for the outside cover of a book or catalog. The heavier the paper’s weight with a resulting greater thickness, the more upscale is the look and feel that will be achieved.
Coated Paper
Gloss, Matte, Dull and Silk stocks are all coated papers. It is most often used in four color printing to have full color photographs, images and graphics appear more vivid and appealing.
Matte, dull and silk coated stocks have a flat, unreflective or dull finish. These types of paper are frequently used to make pages easier to read that are text or type intensive. The choice is dependent on your objectives and how the piece will be used.
Uncoated Paper
Offset is today’s most commonly used stock as it is the paper used in our desk top printers, copiers and books. The body or text pages for books are usually printed in black ink on white offset stock.
Bond paper was originally given to paper that was used to print bond and stock certificates. Today it is most frequently used for letterheads and envelopes. Both bond and offset weights are often used interchangeably for uncoated papers.