Your Simple Guide to Paper Weights, Finishes & Sizes

The choice of paper type, known as ‘stock’ in the printing realm, plays a vital role in how your designs will appear once printed.

You might be able to fit a staggering amount of detail into your on-screen artwork, but that level of intricacy may not translate well when it comes to printing on paper.

What Is Paper Weight?

The weight of paper is expressed in GSM or grams per square meter. In general, a higher GSM signifies that the paper is both heavier and of superior quality.

To put it plainly, if you were to measure a 1m² section of a particular paper, its weight in grams would correspond to its GSM rating.

A Quick Paper Weight Guide

What Is Copier Paper?

The typical weight of standard copier and printer paper falls between 80 and 100gsm.

This is the kind of paper you likely use daily for printing regular documents and invoices for businesses.

A Better Paperweight

If you’re aiming for something more upscale, such as letterheads or compliment slips, consider opting for paper in the range of 100 to 120gsm. This heavier paper, often referred to as offset paper, holds colour beautifully and is suitable for both printing and writing multiple times.

For posters intended for outdoor use, selecting a paper weight between 130-170gsm is a smart choice thanks to its durable, weatherproof characteristics.

To highlight vibrant images, consider using thicker 130-170gsm art paper. This paper is coated with a water-based finish that preserves colour and adds extra strength, making it perfect for promotional visuals.

Choosing The Right Weight

Paper weight plays a vital role in the quality of your printed materials.

Consider a beautifully crafted brochure; if the paper is too light, the ink may bleed through, damaging the design on the opposite side. However, if the paper is too heavy, it can create significant difficulties for printers when it comes to binding.

Heavy Paperweight

A paperweight of 200-300gsm provides a sturdy and substantial feel, perfect for items like paperback book covers or high-quality flyers. However, if you’re frequently sending out direct mail, keep in mind that this could slightly increase your shipping costs.

Are you inspired by a stunning banner design?

For business banners, consider choosing a weight of 200-250gsm; this range ensures a strong yet lightweight banner that stands out.

Paper Finishes

Paperweight is a factor, but if you’re anything like us, it’s the alluring glossy sheen of a brochure that grabs your attention. On the flip side, you might be leaning towards a collection of elegant, matte business cards.

Regardless of your style, the final aesthetic is determined by the right paper finish.

Choosing wisely can transform designs from lovely to breathtaking.

Matt Surface Paper

A matte finish resembles the typical texture of printer or notepad paper. While you can write on it, it lacks the shiny, sleek appearance associated with gloss finishes.

The textured surface of matte paper helps minimise glare on printed images, making it a great choice for displays that need to be easily visible in bright lighting.

Gloss Paper

Gloss paper features a sleek, shiny surface due to its specialised chemical coating.

In contrast to matte finishes, gloss paper reflects light significantly, making it essential to think about the display environment, whether indoors or outdoors, especially in terms of lighting.

Silk Finish

A silk finish strikes a perfect balance between gloss and matte. It features a subtle sheen that avoids the reflective glare of high gloss, offering a noticeably softer and smoother texture.

In terms of colour, silk provides an appealing compromise, blending the vividness of glossy paper with the readability of matte, uncoated options.

Coated and Uncoated

Paper finishes can be classified into two main categories: coated stock and uncoated stock. Although they may seem similar, the real difference comes down to the way ink behaves on each type.

The coated paper boasts a shiny gloss that keeps the ink on the surface, leading to less absorption.

On the other hand, uncoated paper, which has no gloss, allows the ink to penetrate the paper more thoroughly.

Common Paper Sizes

The ISO A series of paper sizes is widely recognised and utilised, featuring dimensions like A0, A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, and so on.

This system operates on a principle where each subsequent size is precisely half the size of its predecessor when folded along the shorter edge.

For instance, A5 is half the size of A4, while A4 is half of A3.

A-sized paper is a popular choice for everyday printing and stationery needs.