The type of paper used determines the quality and durability of printed materials. If you do not choose the right paper for your printing project, the overall appearance of the finished product suffers and you do not achieve the desired result.
There are numerous paper types available, each with unique properties and suitable for a variety of printing applications. With so many options to choose from, the process can become quite confusing and difficult, as several factors must be considered. To make things easier for you, our expert printers have created a guide to the various types of printing paper. Go through it, learn about the different types, and then decide which one is best for your printing project.
Bright White Paper
Bright white paper is the most common type of paper used with inkjet printers. This acid-free, ultra-smooth paper is ideal for web printing, emails, and other documents. The paper has blue undertones and the image is clear and crisp. Bright white paper is ideal for everyday business and personal printing needs because of its bright and vivid colours, which make printed images stand out.
Bond Paper
When compared to other types of paper, bond paper is stronger and more durable. This paper is especially suitable for electronic printing because it is made from rag fibre pulp. This opaque paper is ideal for printing envelopes, business forms, letterheads, invoices, and typed reports. Bond paper is a great choice if you want a fuzz-free paper with a nice finish.
Coated Paper
Coated paper, as the name implies, is paper that has been coated with a mixture of materials including calcium carbonate, Kaolinite, and Bentonite. It has a smooth, glossy surface that makes it ideal for high-quality printing needs such as magazines, business cards, and brochures that require a shiny appearance and excellent colour rendering. This paper does not absorb ink and allows it to remain on the surface. Furthermore, the ink remains concentrated on the surface and does not spread, giving the printing image a better effect.
Matte Paper
Matte paper is the polar opposite of glossy paper. It lacks lustre due to the lack of a coating of chemical additives or other mixtures, leaving pores between the paper fibres. As a result, the paper becomes more porous and absorbs more ink, resulting in a less concentrated image. Furthermore, unlike coated paper, it lacks a vibrant colour finish. However, fingerprints have no effect on the printed image, and the photographs are non-glare. It is the best choice for pamphlets or other marketing materials that do not contain images because the glare is reduced and the text is easier to read.
Watermarked Paper
A watermarked paper is one that is used for high-quality printing and has a subtle image permanently impressed into it by attaching a wire pattern during the manufacturing process. It exudes luxury and represents authenticity. Educational institutions, law firms, and businesses commonly use it as a security feature when printing important documents with their company or firm’s name or logo.
Paper selection is an important aspect of printing. Consider how you want your finished product to look before making your choice. For example, if you want a high-shine print, go with coated paper; if you only need text printing, go with matte paper.
