Every printing job needs the right real paper to look its best. Different types of paper have good and bad points. These can change how your project turns out. When you pick a type of paper, think about weight, brightness, opacity, and coatings. The table below shows important things to think about:
Factor | Impact on Choice |
|---|---|
Paper Weight | Changes how the paper feels, how strong it is, and if it can be mailed. |
Opacity | Stops words from showing through and makes reading easier. |
Brightness | Makes colors and pictures look sharp and bright. |
Grain Direction | Affects how easy the paper bends and how it looks when finished. |
Coatings | Alters how the paper looks, how long it lasts, and how fast it dries. |
Shows how the paper affects the environment and if it uses recycled stuff. |
Lately, people care more about sustainability and real paper quality. When you look at different types of paper, remember that real paper affects print quality and the planet. No matter if you are new or have printed for years, picking the right real paper helps your project shine.
Key Takeaways
Pick paper that fits your project’s needs like print quality, how long it lasts, price, and how it affects the environment. Heavier and thicker papers like cardstock make prints feel strong and look professional, but you might need special printers for them. Glossy paper makes colors look bright and clear, but matte paper gives a soft look with less shine. Recycled paper is good for the environment, but colors and details may not show as well as with new paper. Keep paper in a cool, dry place and use clean hands to help prints stay nice.
Different Types of Paper
You can pick from many real paper types for printing. Each kind of paper is special and good for certain jobs. Knowing about these papers helps you choose the best one. The table below lists some common types, their weights, textures, and uses.
Paper Type | Color | Weight (GSM) | Texture | Typical Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Copy Paper | White | 70-90 | Matte | Photocopying, Printing |
Bond Paper | White, Cream, Blue | 60-200 | Matte | Resume, Letterheads, Stationery |
Cardstock | Various Colors | 170-300 | Glossy, Matte | Greeting Cards, Packaging, Crafts |
Gloss-coated Paper | White | 35-350 | Glossy | Magazines, Brochures, Photographs |
Recycled Paper | Generally Off-White | 60-120 | Matte | All Purpose Paper |
Business Card Paper | Various Colors | 50-200 | Matte, Glossy, Textured | Business Cards, Professional Prints |
Copy Paper
Copy paper is used a lot in offices. People use it for printing and making copies. It is light and smooth. This paper is good for daily work.
Bond Paper
Bond paper is stronger than copy paper. It is used for letterheads and reports. It feels more fancy and lasts longer.
Cardstock
Cardstock is thicker than most real paper. It is used for cards and crafts. It comes in many colors and finishes. Cardstock is tough and stands out.
Coated Paper
Coated paper has a layer on top. This layer makes it smooth and colors look bright. You see coated paper in magazines and brochures. Gloss coated paper is great for sharp pictures.
Uncoated Paper
Uncoated paper does not have a layer. It feels natural and is easy to write on. People use it for books and forms. This paper soaks up ink well.
Glossy Paper
Glossy paper is shiny and reflects light. It makes photos and images look bright. People use glossy paper for photos and menus. It is hard to write on this paper.
Matte Paper
Matte paper is flat and does not shine. It is used for flyers and art prints. Matte paper is usually cheaper and lighter than glossy paper.
Textured Paper
Textured paper feels bumpy or rough. It is used for invitations and art. The texture makes prints look special.
Recycled Paper
Recycled paper is made from old paper. It is better for the planet. You can use it for many things, like crafts and printing.
Synthetic Paper
Synthetic paper is not made from wood. It does not tear or get wet easily. People use it for signs and maps that need to last.
Tip: Real paper’s smoothness, stiffness, and coatings change how prints look and last. Picking the right real paper helps your project look nice and stay strong.
The chart shows that each paper type has its own strength and weight. This helps you pick the best real paper for your project. With so many choices, you can always find what you need.
Types of Paper for Printing: Pros and Cons
Copy Paper: Pros
Copy paper works well for daily printing jobs. It is cheap and helps save money. This makes it good for drafts and memos. You can use it for documents with lots of text. Most printers work with copy paper. You do not need to change printer settings. Copy paper gives you clear words and simple pictures. It is easy to use and find in stores. You can recycle it, which helps the earth.
Tip:
The table below shows how copy paper and printer paper are different.
Aspect | Copy Paper | Printer Paper |
|---|---|---|
Weight | Lighter (around 20 lb. / 75 GSM) | Heavier (starting at 24 lb. / 90 GSM) |
Cost | Generally cheaper, budget-friendly | More expensive due to thickness and finish |
Usage | Suitable for drafts, memos, text-heavy documents | Better for high-quality text and images |
Compatibility | Compatible with most printers | Compatible but designed for higher quality prints |
Copy Paper: Cons
Copy paper is thin and not very strong. It does not work well for nice pictures. Ink can spread and make images look blurry. It feels weak and can tear if used a lot.
Bond Paper: Pros
Bond paper makes your work look more professional. It is thicker and lasts longer than copy paper. You can use it for fancy letters and brochures. Bond paper soaks up ink and stops smudges. It is good for words and simple pictures.
Bond Paper: Cons
Bond paper costs more than copy paper. This can be a problem if you print a lot. Some printers need special settings for bond paper. Printing can be slower and louder than with copy paper.
Cardstock: Pros
Cardstock looks nice for cards and invitations. 2. It is strong and does not tear easily. 3. You can pick from many types and colors. 4. Cardstock works with different printers. 5. Some cardstock is made from recycled materials. 6. You can cut and fold it for crafts.
Cardstock’s thickness helps your prints last longer and look important.
Cardstock: Cons
Some printers cannot use thick cardstock. If the paper is too thick, the printer can jam. You need to check your printer before using cardstock. Cardstock costs more than regular paper. Ink dries slowly and can smudge if touched too soon.
Printer Type | Maximum Cardstock Weight | Notes on Limitations and Risks |
|---|---|---|
Up to 90 lb (240 gsm) | May need manual feed, longer drying time | |
Laser Printers | Up to 100 lb (270 gsm) | Must use laser-compatible cardstock |
Consumer Printers | 0.010 to 0.016 inches | Exceeding thickness causes jams |
Pro Copiers | Up to 110 lb (298 gsm) | Best for very thick cardstock |
Coated Paper: Pros
Coated paper has a layer that makes colors bright. You can pick glossy or matte finishes. The smooth top keeps ink from spreading. This gives you sharp and clear prints. Coated paper is strong and does not get dirty fast. It is good for magazines and ads. Gloss coated paper makes pictures look shiny and stand out.
Coated Paper: Cons
It is hard to recycle coated paper. The coating is tough to remove. Ink on coated paper can hurt recycling. Coated paper breaks down slowly in landfills. It can pollute the earth. Special places are needed to recycle it. Not every city has these places. Making and throwing away coated paper can harm nature.
Uncoated Paper: Pros
Uncoated paper soaks up ink and is easy to write on. It looks natural and classic. This paper is good for letters and forms. The flat finish stops glare and helps you read. Uncoated paper is cheaper than coated paper. It is best for envelopes and text designs.
Uncoated Paper: Cons
Uncoated paper is rough and soaks up more ink. Pictures may not look sharp or bright. You might see more dust and need to clean your printer. Ink can smudge if you use too much. It takes longer to dry. Thin paper can show words from the other side. Uncoated paper is not good for fancy pictures.
Glossy Paper: Pros
Glossy paper makes colors and pictures look bright. The shiny top reflects light and looks fancy. Ink does not spread, so details stay clear. Glossy paper is great for photos and ads. Prints dry fast and do not smudge.
Glossy Paper: Cons
The shiny top can cause glare in bright light. Fingerprints and smudges show up fast. Glossy paper is not good behind glass because of reflections. Big prints are hard to see without glare. Dust sticks to glossy paper, so you must store it carefully.
Matte Paper: Pros
Matte paper is smooth and does not shine. It cuts down glare and looks soft. Matte paper is good for art and school projects. It does not show fingerprints easily. Matte paper is cheaper for nice prints. The soft feel is good for black-and-white pictures.
Matte Paper: Cons
Feature | Matte Finish | Glossy Finish |
|---|---|---|
Muted, softer tones | Bold, vibrant colors | |
Photo Reproduction | Softer image quality | High-contrast, sharp images |
Matte paper makes colors look less bright. Pictures look softer than on glossy paper. Matte paper does not make photos stand out. If you want bold colors, matte paper may not work.
Textured Paper: Pros
Textured paper feels special when you touch it. It makes your prints look fancy and unique. The texture adds depth and makes your project stand out. It is good for invitations and art. Thick textured paper feels high quality and makes people look longer.
Textured Paper: Cons
Printing small details on textured paper is hard. Ink can go into the bumps and change the look. You may need more ink, and prints may not last if toner does not stick. You need more pressure for good prints. Testing first is smart. Some printers cannot use textured paper well.
Recycled Paper: Pros
Recycled paper saves trees and cuts down trash. Making it uses less water and energy. Using recycled paper helps forests and animals. New recycled paper can look as good as regular paper. It is thick, so you can use lighter sheets and save money. You can recycle it many times, which helps the planet.
Recycled Paper: Cons
Recycled paper can be less bright and smooth. This can change how prints look. Colors and sharpness may not be the same each time. Recycled paper soaks up ink in a different way. This can make pictures and words look dull. Lower brightness changes how colors show up. For best results, use high-quality recycled paper or change printer settings.
Synthetic Paper: Pros
Synthetic paper does not tear or get wet. It is good for outside or wet places. You do not need to cover it with plastic. It does not get dirty or fade in the sun. You can clean it without ruining the print. It is great for menus, signs, and labels. Synthetic paper looks like real paper but is as strong as plastic.
Synthetic Paper: Cons
Synthetic paper costs more to make. It is made from plastic, which is not good for the earth. Most recycling places cannot take synthetic paper. Rules about plastic can make it hard to find. You need special printers or settings, which can cost more.
Best Types of Paper for Printing
Weight and Thickness
When you choose paper for printing, you need to think about paper weight and paper thickness. Paper weight tells you how heavy a sheet feels, while paper thickness measures how thick it is in microns. These two features do not always match because paper density and coatings can change the feel. Heavier paper weight gives your prints a sturdy, high-quality touch. For example, business cards use thick cardstock to last longer, while flyers use lighter paper for easy folding. Thicker and heavier paper stocks also help with special designs like embossing. If you want your menus or brochures to feel strong and look professional, pick a higher paper weight and paper thickness.
Tip: Thicker paper supports bold designs and stands up to frequent handling, while thinner paper feels light and flexible.
Finish and Texture
Paper finishes change how your prints look and feel. Glossy finishes keep ink on the surface, making colors pop and photos look sharp. Matte finishes absorb ink, giving a soft, smooth look that works well for text-heavy prints. Textured papers, like those used for invitations, add a special touch but can make small details harder to print. When you want high-quality images, choose a smooth, coated finish. For a natural, organic look, uncoated or rough paper works best.
Paper Type | Finish/Texture | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
Glossy Paper | Smooth, shiny | Photos, menus |
Matte Paper | Smooth, flat | Flyers, reports |
Textured Paper | Rough, bumpy | Invitations, art prints |
Durability
Durability matters when you want your prints to last. Heavy paper weight and paper thickness make prints stronger. Coated papers protect against dirt and fading, which is great for menus and business cards. For long-lasting projects, use heavyweight cardstock or cover stock. Lighter papers work for short-term needs but may tear or show ink through the sheet.
Print Compatibility
You need to match your paper to your printer. Inkjet printers work best with special coated papers that absorb ink and keep colors bright. Laser printers need heat-resistant paper to avoid curling. Offset printing uses high-quality paper for large runs like magazines and brochures. Always check your printer’s guide before choosing the right paper.
Project Purpose
Think about what you want to print. The best types of paper for printing depend on your project. Use this table to help you decide:
Print Product | Paper Weight (lb/gsm) | Paper Thickness | Best Paper Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Brochures | Medium | Glossy or matte text | High-quality, folds well | |
Business Cards | Thick | Heavy cardstock | Durable, premium feel | |
Posters | ~100 lb / ~148 gsm | Medium-Thick | Cover stock | Stands alone, high-quality |
Menus | 80-110 lb / 216-298 gsm | Thick | Coated or synthetic | Resists spills, lasts longer |
Photos | 48-80 lb / 180-300 gsm | Thick | Glossy photo paper | Sharp images, vibrant color |
Remember: Choosing the right paper helps your prints look their best and last longer.
Tips for Choosing Different Paper Types
Budget Considerations
Think about your budget before you print. Some paper costs more than others. Cardstock and coated papers are more expensive. Copy paper and recycled paper are cheaper. Use regular sizes and weights to save money. Print on both sides to use less paper. Draft mode and black-and-white printing save ink and toner. Skip extra steps like binding or laminating if you do not need them.
Tip: Only print what you really need. Print-on-demand and short print runs help you waste less and spend less.
A simple table helps you see the costs:
Paper Type | Cost Level | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
Copy Paper | Low | Everyday printing |
Recycled Paper | Low-Medium | Eco-friendly projects |
Cardstock | Medium-High | Invitations, cards |
Coated Paper | High | Photos, brochures |
Environmental Impact
You can help the earth by making smart choices. Pick paper with recycled content to be eco-friendly. Look for FSC or SFI labels to know the paper is from good sources. Try bamboo or hemp paper to use less wood. Use soy or vegetable inks to lower air pollution. Set your printer to print on both sides to use less paper. Share files online instead of printing when you can.
Pick eco-friendly and recycled paper.
Use printers that save energy and use green power.
Choose vegetable inks for cleaner air.
Only print what you need to stop waste.
Help the planet by joining tree planting programs.
Note: Work with suppliers who care about the earth. Make your prints use less ink and pick packaging you can recycle.
Handling and Storage
Take care of your paper so it stays nice. Keep paper in a cool, dry place so it does not curl or turn yellow. Leave paper in its package until you need it. Do not put heavy things on top of your paper. Always touch paper with clean, dry hands to stop smudges. If you use eco-friendly paper, keep it away from water because it soaks up moisture faster than coated paper. Sort your paper by type and weight so you can find it fast.
Tip: Picking the right paper and storing it well keeps your prints looking good and helps them last longer.
You make better choices when you know the pros and cons of each paper type. Picking the right paper helps you get high-quality results for every project. Think about these factors before you print:
Print quality
Durability
Cost
Environmental impact
Choose the paper that fits your needs. You can create high-quality prints that stand out. Try these tips on your next print project and see the difference.
FAQ
What is the best paper for printing photos?
You get the best results with glossy photo paper. This paper makes colors look bright and sharp. It also dries fast and resists smudges. Always check your printer’s guide for the right paper type.
Can you use cardstock in a home printer?
You can use cardstock in many home printers. Check your printer’s manual for the maximum thickness it supports. Use the manual feed tray if possible. This helps prevent jams and keeps your prints looking good.
How do you store paper to keep it in good condition?
Store your paper in a cool, dry place. Keep it in its original packaging until you need it. Avoid stacking heavy items on top. Clean, dry hands help prevent smudges and damage.
Is recycled paper good for all printing projects?
Recycled paper works well for most projects. It may not look as bright as new paper. For high-quality photos or sharp images, you may want to use premium paper instead.
What is the difference between coated and uncoated paper?
Coated paper has a smooth layer that makes colors pop and images sharp. Uncoated paper feels natural and is easy to write on. Use coated paper for photos and ads. Use uncoated paper for forms and letters.
