Choosing the right type of paper for your commercial printing is extremely important. This may be the first time your customer sees any kind of printed material by your business. So as ever first impressions count. The type of paper you use to print your materials can make or break your project.
Paper Isn’t Always Wood
Paper isn’t just made from wood, now printing papers are made from plastics, cloth, synthetic fibres which all serve different purposes. You need to think about not just how you want your brochure, leaflet, etc to look but also how does it feel. To make the most out of what you are wanting printed another important aspect is to consider the printing technique needed to be used. Each type of paper can be used for different projects and can have a huge impact on whether it fits the tone of your brand of your business.
Weight Of The Paper
Jamie
from Leeds Printing Company
said “Paper is weighted by grams per square meter which is per sheet. So different paper for different things. The type of paper used reacts differently to
different inks and some are better when laminated and some are better when
printed on both sides.” Different
printing needs will need their own kind of paper. The higher the weight of the paper the
thicker and stiffer the paper.
A One Size Fits All Approach
You cannot and should not use the same paper for everything you require to be printed. You would not print business cards or menus on the same kind of paper. When you are printing materials for promoting your business you want them to look the best that they can, or it will reflect negatively on your business.
You
can also now choose paper which is friendly to the environment. These are sourced from sustainable forests
and biograde faster than some other options of paper.
Thick
paper may seem better, but it isn’t always the most ideal paper for your
project. Being more costly you would not
want it for say flyers or leaflets. The
same as you wouldn’t use thinner paper for a glossy brochure.
Coated vs Uncoated Paper
Papers
are uncoated or coated. Uncoated paper
is non-reflective similar to printer paper.
Coated papers have a dull or matte type finish to them. Which makes them smoother and more refined
than uncoated but not shiny like a gloss finish. The coated papers provide more sharper and
vibrant printing.
Cover
paper is thicker and normally used for covers.
Card stock is used for invitations, thank you cards etc.
Another
aspect to consider is whether you want matte or gloss finishes on your paper.
Gloss finishes reduce the amount of ink absorbed which gives great colour
definition. Matte looks more flat but
still keeps paper from absorbing as much ink and also gives a lovely finish and
defined sharp colours.
Luxury Finishes
The
luxury paper choices are silk, uncoated, constellation snow and lux. These can be used for menus for a high end
restaurant, brochures, glossy magazines etc.
Whatever you choose for your commercial printing
needs take into all the considerations outlined above to make your printing job
a success.
