Choosing the right paper for your graphic materials is essential to convey your brand, company or organisation. Depending on the paper quality, the perceived image can vary significantly.
Paper is a critical element in the visual communication process, as it is the substrate on which your message is printed. It directly influences brand perception and reputation.
What is paper made of?
Paper is produced from cellulose fibres derived from wood when used for the first time, or from recycled fibres when recovered.
This cellulose is mixed with plant fibres, then suspended in water and later hardened as it dries.
The natural colour of paper is white, as it is produced from white fibres or because the cellulose has been bleached during the manufacturing process.
Paper can also have different finishes—gloss, matte or satin—at varying levels. These finishes depend on the drying process and on the treatments applied to achieve specific visual effects.
Types of paper
One key factor often overlooked when printing is the quality and texture of the base material. Using low-weight paper with a fine texture may result in poor ink absorption and an unsatisfactory print result.
There are many types of paper. Below are the five most common:
- Coated paper. Smooth finish, available in gloss or matte. It offers good image quality, although ink absorption can be slower.
- Creative paper. High-quality texture and resistance, typically used for high-resolution documents.
- Offset paper. Natural, non-glossy paper that absorbs a high amount of ink.
- Recycled paper. Produced from recovered paper waste. Its tone is not completely white.
- Self-adhesive paper. One side includes an adhesive layer. It is flexible and available in gloss or matte finishes.
What paper weight should you choose?
When selecting paper, you should consider not only the type but also the grammage (paper weight), as not all paper types are available in all weights.
To choose the right grammage, consider the design project and the desired final result (what finish you want to achieve). This will help you select the most suitable option.
Below are general recommendations for paper weight depending on the application:
- 80–100 gsm. Standard office paper for everyday printing.
- 90–170 gsm. Commonly used for brochures and posters.
- 200–250 gsm. Suitable for magazine covers and flyers.
- 250–350 gsm. Recommended for postcards and business cards.
- 350–450 gsm. Ideal for book covers or premium publications.
Artyplan, your print production advisors
If you have any questions when choosing the right paper for your print project, our print production team will guide you to achieve the desired result.
Do not hesitate to contact our customer service team to find the most suitable paper for your project.
