When preparing for a paper-based print project, one of the choices before you is “what paper stock should I use?”
In printing, paper stock is defined by multiple metrics such as: weight, coating, finish/texture and brightness.
How are Coatings Defined re: Paper stock?
First, paper will fall into one of two categories: Coated and Uncoated.
Coated Finishes
Coating occurs during manufacturing. Coatings range from non-shiny to very shiny: dull or semi-gloss (satin or silk); matte, gloss, high-gloss, cast-coat (mirror-like).
When ink is applied to paper, the degree to which it penetrates the surface and spread depends on the glossiness of the coating. Uncoated paper has the highest degree of absorption; dull or matte coatings absorb less ink than uncoated paper but more than glossier coatings.
The glossier the coating, the sharper the images printed on the paper. Conversely high-gloss paper is hard to write on.
The higher the gloss the smoother the paper will feel to the touch. Paper with “texture” will be matte or uncoated.
Gloss coatings enhance colors and contrast; photos look best printed on high-gloss paper stock. Glossy coatings also show fingerprints and smudges more sharply, but dirt/dust doesn’t get lodged in the paper.
Text, on the other hand, is easier on the eye and easier to read on matte or uncoated paper and dust and fingerprints are less visible, but dirt can be absorbed more easily and not be “cleanable”.
Coated stock is typically used for brochures, postcards, business cards, packaging, catalogs and magazines, etc.
Uncoated Paper
Paper manufactured without coatings have a coarser feel and are non-reflective. On uncoated paper ink is both absorbed and spread, softening the effect of text, photos or graphics.
Uncoated paper is often used in the interiors of books because the relative roughness makes the pages easier to turn while the text is less harsh to the eye over extended periods.
Workbooks, tablets, documents — anything that is intended to be written on — benefits from uncoated paper, which is much friendlier to pens and pencils.
Uncoated paper stock is also typically used for stationery and envelopes, newsletters and similar documents.
Matte Versus Uncoated Paper
Sometimes people incorrectly use these terms interchangeably. Both uncoated and matte coated paper stock can have textures that appear similar, in addition to being low-gloss. But matte paper does have a coating that renders the paper more resilient and produces sharper renditions of photos and graphics.
Uncoated papers are best if your piece will be foil-stamped or embossed. And textured uncoated stocks can look very elegant and are often used for invitations and high-quality presentation folders.
Paper choices can be intimidating. If you have any questions about coated or uncoated papers, give us a call at 330-597-8560. We’re happy to help you get the most out of your printing project.
