Finding the Right Type of Printing Paper for Your Various Printing Needs

If you want superior quality digital and highly defined prints that are vivid in color and sharp in preciseness, finding the right type of printing paper is immensely essential.

After all, even the best and most proficient printers cannot compensate for substandard printing if the paper does not work in tandem with the printing process.

Here is why you need the right type of printing paper for your various printing requirements and the kinds of that are available.

There are various kinds of printing paper available including

• Standard: This is general printer paper that works well for letter heads and company presentations.
• Cover /Cardstock: It is thinner than paperboard but thicker than normal writing paper. It is found in various coatings, textures, finishes and colors.
• Kraft: Wood is turned into word pulp and is completely recyclable and strong. It is great for packaging and shipping.
• Vellum Bristol: It is fine quality, uncoated paperboard that is used for promotional material.

Why opting for the right type of printing paper is essential?

When you pick the right kind of printing paper for your printing requirements, you achieve high level digital printing which plays a vital role in the final print.

This in turn helps to bring out the textual and visual contents of the printed document in all its fascinating glory.

The type of printing paper you choose varies according to finish, processing type and weight. This, in turn, establishes its:

• Feel and durability: Which refers to the touch and strength of the paper
• Transparency: Which determines clearness and precision of text and images
• Thickness: Which depends upon the composition and processing of the paper
• Level of opaqueness: Which refers to how solid and thick it is
• Appearance: Which refers to overall look and form of the paper
• Weight: Which determines the final print effect

It ultimately determines the design of your publishing or graphic project.

What are the different types of printing paper?

When it comes to the type of printing paper you need to utilize, there are various options available. This includes the following.

Watermarked paper:

This is usually an uncoated paper and is the easiest to recognize since it comes with a design stamped on its surface. It exudes a classy and graceful look. You can find these papers in the form of hammered papers, embossed papers and laid papers.

Recycled paper:

Recycled paper plays a part in helping the environment since it is made by using 60% and 100% recycled paper pulp. To make certain that recycled paper is truly eco-friendly in nature, you need to bleach white recycled paper without making use of any kind of polluted chemicals and it must contain virgin cellulose fibers from FSC certified forests.

Coated paper:

This type of printing paper comes with a smooth and glossy surface. It is generally created with the help of chemical additives. It can possess either a gloss or matt finish and is used for products that need superior color rendering. It is typically used for producing brochures, posters, magazines and business cards.

Special paper:

Special paper usually refers to papers and paperboards that that have gone through detailed and definite processes. This includes laminating, coating and other procedures that help you obtain highly innovative and tactile effects.

Taking into account paperweights

The kind of paper weight you choose will ultimately determine the final effect of the project.

• The 90-gsm paper: It is a natural, wood-free paper and comes under the uncoated paper category. It is great when printing large quantities of text since it leaves you with a light and thin printed document.
• The 130-gsm paper: Produces high quality color images and works great for printing glossy magazines, brochures, folded flyers and posters. It does not fade away easily as time passes by.
• The 170-gsm paper: It comes with a light paperboard and offers superior color as well as a pleasant texture. This paper works seamlessly for certificates, printing catalogues, posters and presentations.
• The 350-gsm paper: It is ideal for printing business cards, invitation cards, book covers and presentation folders. The paper comes with a semi-rigid paperboard and comprises of a thickness that is high on resilience and strength.
• The 380-gsm paper: This type of printing paper is dent and shockproof. It is cardboard that is typically used for rigid book covers, packaging and folders.

Related Blog: What is GSM & Why it is important in Paper Sheets?

Things to keep in mind

When you are opting from the various paper weights and types available, you need to particularly pay attention to the following.

• The durability of the paper: This is specifically true when you want long lasting prints. In this case, choose higher quality paper that comes with a heavier weight.
• The product you are printing: each category of products has a specific printing requirement.
• The impact you want to achieve: You need to choose paper depending upon the effect you want to go in for. This includes natural, sophisticated or original.

This is everything you need to know about the various kinds of printing paper available. Now that you are aware of the various aspects and elements that go into coming up with the perfect digital printed document, here’s hoping you use this to your advantage in all your present and future printing requirements.