When your project is going to be printed on white paper-stock you still have choices to make — there are many shades of white!
But shade is not the only issue related to choice of white paper – also significant is the brightness score and whiteness score.
Paper Brightness Score
Previously we discussed four metrics related to paper:weight, coating, finish/texture and brightness. Briefly, brightness measures the reflectivity of a particular wavelength (457 nanometers) of blue light on white paper on a scale of 1-100. It measures the ability of the paper to reflect light.
80-100 is where most white paper falls; 92-96 is the range most often used for quality printed projects.
Paper with high brightness scores produce bright, crisp, clearly printed pieces with strong color accuracy.
Paper Whiteness Score
Like brightness, whiteness is measured on a 1-100 scale. But while brightness refers to the paper’s ability to reflect light, whiteness measures the degree of whiteness in the reflection itself.
Pure white is the combination of all wavelengths of light in equal proportions. Paper whiteness is a measurement of how the red, yellow, blue and green wavelengths combine; more red or yellow creates a “warmer” white; more blue creates a “cooler” white. The higher the whiteness score, the “bluer” it is and will look.
You can have two shades of white with the same brightness scores but different whiteness scores and they will look different when you view them.
The 1-100 scale for whiteness refers to papers made from pulp. There are additives called fluorescent Optical Brightening Agents (OBA) that cause whiteness values to exceed 100. If you see paper with a whiteness score over 100 it means fluorescent OBAs have been applied.
Shades of White
Shades of white fall into three groups: True Whites, Blue Whites, and Cream Whites. Blue white looks “whiter” than true white to the eye; the shades reflect more blue. Cream whites absorb the blue wavelengths and look more yellow.
Textures and coatings will also affect your visual perception of whiteness.
If you have artwork or graphics in warm colors, they will pop more on blue white paper due to the contrast, and will blend more on cream white paper.
If you have any questions about brightness, whiteness or shades of white, give us a call at 330-597-8560. We’re happy to help you get the most out of your printing project.
