Matte and uncoated paper are sometimes (mistakenly) thought to be different names for the same kind of stock. It’s helpful to know the distinction between the two so as to make sure the printed piece matches your expectations or desires.
What is Matte Paper Stock?
Matte paper is a coated paper stock with minimal sheen. Coated paper stocks are created at paper mills during the paper manufacturing process by applying a surface sealant to the paper. In essence, the more sealant applied, the smoother the surface of the paper and its ability to reflect light. Hence, heavy coats of sealant produce high gloss finishes, thin coats of sealant produce low gloss finishes. Matte paper is a low gloss finish.
Coated paper stocks prevent or limit the absorption and spread of ink into the paper. Printing on a high gloss coated paper stock produces crisper text and images as the ink will dry without spreading. Colored inks also retain vibrancy on high gloss coated papers. On the other hand, images and text printed on matte paper, will not be as crisp or vibrant, but will appear somewhat softer and muted.
What is Uncoated Paper Stock?
Uncoated paper, of course, has no surface sealants. While uncoated paper can be made with a smooth finish, it is not as smooth as what can be achieved with coated paper. Uncoated papers reflect a minimum amount of light and thus, lack any appearance of sheen. Many uncoated papers have highly textured finishes and are valued for those textures. Uncoated paper readily absorbs ink which means printed text, photos or graphics will not appear as crisp or precise as when they are printed on coated stock.
When to Choose Matte or Uncoated?
Depending on the print project, the choice of an unfinished paper or a matte paper can be made easier by answering a few of the following questions:
- Are there numerous photos or graphics? – Matte paper is the optimal choice as photographs, graphics/illustrations will reproduce with greater clarity than on an uncoated paper.
- Are you printing a text-heavy book? – While either uncoated or matte paper will work, it’s typically less expensive to use uncoated paper.
- Subject to frequent handling? – A coated paper stock offers more protection from wear and tear and is less likely to suffer permanent damage if exposed to wet conditions. Hence matte paper is the better choice for frequently handled items like program booklets, brochures, pamphlets, etc.
- Do you want people to you write on your piece? – Uncoated paper is the optimal choice for any kind of printed piece that’s intended to accept writing (e.g., forms, checks, notepads, etc.) as the texture of the porous surface readily accepts ink, graphite, markers, etc.
- Are you seeking to convey sophistication or elegance? – There are many choices of uncoated paper stocks with highly textured surfaces and finishes that create impressions of prestige, class, and sophistication. Uncoated paper is also a better choice for optional, high-end touches like foil stamping or embossing.
If you have any questions about Matte Paper or Uncoated Paper, give us a call at 330-597-8560. We’re happy to help you get the most out of your printing project.
Photo by Bank Phrom
