Something that often isn’t considered when it comes to professional printing is the paper. Paper isn’t just paper – choosing the wrong paper can significantly impact the quality and effectiveness of your project. Whether you are printing brochures, business cards, reports or marketing materials, paper plays a critical role in how the final product is perceived.
Here at A Team Printing, we’ve been in the printing game for many years, and we’ve seen the difference between using the wrong paper and the right paper, here, we’ve put together the key factors that businesses need to consider when choosing paper for their printing project.
Understand Your Project Requirements
The first step in selecting the right paper is to clearly define the purpose and audience of your printing project. Different types of projects require different paper qualities:
- Business Cards: These need to be sturdy and durable, so a heavier cardstock with a high GSM (grams per square metre) is best.
- Brochures and Flyers: If you’re printing marketing materials, you’ll want something that’s both visually appealing and easy to handle. A mid-weight paper with a glossy or matte finish can work well.
- Reports and Proposals: For formal documents, a smooth, high-quality paper with a professional finish is ideal. Consider using a heavier paper for the cover and a lighter paper for the inner pages.
- Posters and Banners: For large-scale prints, you’ll need a paper that can handle wide-format printing and resist wear and tear, especially if it’s intended for outdoor use.
By understanding the specific needs of your project, you can narrow down the paper options that will best meet your goals.
Consider Paper Weight
Paper weight, measured in GSM, is one of the most important factors to consider but it is also an area that most people don’t understand. Essentially, the weight of the paper affects its thickness, durability, and how it feels in hand:
- Lightweight Paper (70-90 GSM): Commonly used for internal documents, letters, and bulk printing. It’s affordable but lacks the durability needed for high-end projects. This is your everyday paper that you use in the office.
- Standard Paper (100-120 GSM): Suitable for everyday printing needs, including brochures and flyers. It offers a good balance between quality and cost.
- Heavyweight Paper (130-170 GSM): Ideal for premium brochures, high-quality flyers, and other marketing materials where durability and a premium feel are important.
- Cardstock (200+ GSM): Used for business cards, postcards, covers, and other materials where rigidity is essential.
Choosing the right weight depends on the purpose of the printed material. Heavier paper is often more durable and conveys a sense of quality, but it also comes at a higher cost. If you aren’t sure which paper to choose, our team can discuss the best options with you.
Decide on a Finish: Matte, Glossy, or Uncoated
The finish of the paper affects both the look and feel of your printed materials. The three most common finishes are matte, glossy, and uncoated:
- Matte Finish: Matte paper has a non-reflective surface, giving it a smooth, sophisticated look. It’s ideal for professional documents where readability is key, such as reports, presentations, and high-end brochures. Matte paper also works well for printing materials with a lot of text, as it reduces glare and enhances readability.
- Glossy Finish: Glossy paper has a shiny, reflective surface that makes colours pop. It’s perfect for images, photographs, and marketing materials where visual impact is crucial. Glossy paper is commonly used for brochures, flyers, and posters, as it enhances colour vibrancy and gives a polished, high-end appearance.
- Uncoated Paper: Uncoated paper has no finish, giving it a more natural, textured feel. It’s a great choice for business stationery, letterheads, and any project where a traditional, understated look is desired. Uncoated paper is also easier to write on, making it a practical option for forms and business cards.
When choosing a finish, consider the type of content you’re printing. If your project includes a lot of images, glossy paper may be the best choice. For text-heavy documents, matte or uncoated paper might be more appropriate.
Evaluate Paper Colour
Did you know when designing print materials you should also consider the colour of the paper?
While white is the most common paper colour, there are various shades of white, from bright white to off-white and ivory. The colour of the paper can influence the overall tone of your printed materials:
- Bright White: Offers high contrast and sharpness, making it a good choice for projects with vivid colours and detailed images. It’s also commonly used for formal documents and marketing materials where a clean, modern look is desired.
- Off-White/Ivory: Provides a softer, more traditional appearance. This shade is often used for invitations, formal stationery, and materials where a warmer tone is preferred.
For branded materials, it’s essential to consider how your brand colours will appear on different shades of white. Printing a test run on various paper colours can help you choose the one that best complements your design.
Think About Sustainability
If your business is marketed as being environmentally friendly, you need to be considering the sustainability of the paper you are choosing to use. There are several eco-friendly paper options available:
- Recycled Paper: Made from post-consumer waste, recycled paper is an excellent choice for businesses looking to reduce their environmental impact. It’s available in various weights and finishes, making it suitable for a wide range of projects.
- FSC-Certified Paper: The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certifies paper products that come from responsibly managed forests. Choosing FSC-certified paper ensures that your materials are produced sustainably.
- Biodegradable and Compostable Paper: For businesses with a strong focus on sustainability, biodegradable and compostable papers are available. These papers break down naturally, reducing waste.
Using sustainable paper not only supports environmental initiatives but can also enhance your brand’s image as a responsible and eco-conscious business.
Consider the Printing Method
A discussion we regularly have with our customers is the printing methods available. The type of printer used for your project plays a large role in the best paper choice:
- Digital Printing: Ideal for short runs and projects that require quick turnaround times. Digital printing works well with a wide range of papers, but it’s important to choose one that’s compatible with the specific printer being used. For example, glossy papers designed for digital printers will have a coating that allows the ink to adhere properly.
- Offset Printing: Best for high-volume projects. Offset printing delivers high-quality results, especially on uncoated or matte papers. It’s also more cost-effective for large print runs.
Take the time to consult with our printing specialists to ensure the paper you choose is compatible with our printing technology. This will help you avoid issues such as smudging, bleeding, or colour inconsistency.
Don’t Forget About Texture
Paper texture is an interesting factor to consider. Texture adds a tactile element to your printed materials, enhancing the sensory experience for your audience. Textured papers, such as linen or felt, can add a premium feel to your business cards, invitations, or high-end brochures. However, textured paper is not suitable for every project, especially those with detailed images or small text, as the texture can interfere with the clarity of the print.
Consider your brand’s identity and the message you want to convey when deciding on texture,as well as the type of material you are printing. For example, a luxury brand might benefit from a textured, heavyweight paper, while a tech company might prefer a smooth, matte finish that conveys modernity.
Choosing the right paper for your printing project is a critical decision that can influence the success of your business materials.
Investing time in selecting the appropriate paper helps your business stand out in a competitive market. Whether you’re printing business cards, brochures, or corporate reports, the right paper choice will ensure your materials leave a lasting impression on your audience.
Ready to print? Talk to the experts at A Team Printing about how we can help your print materials stand out.