Different Types
of Printing Paper
The correct printing paper can enhance a project. Choose the wrong paper and no matter how perfect your project, the result will be less than perfect when printed. With a bit of information about the types of printing papers available, you can choose a paper made for the type of printing you require.
Coated
Coated finish papers come in matte, dull and smooth surfaces. Smooth surfaces, also called glossy, contain the most coating and create the sharpest graphic or photo.
Uncoated
Uncoated finishes have no waxy coating. They may have surface lines such as linen embedded in them or they may be smooth. Linen is often used as high quality stationery.
Brightness
Printing paper comes in different brightness levels measured from 1 to 100. The highest numbers, reflecting the most light, make reading difficult but are best for photo printing.
Weight
Papers come in different thicknesses, also known as its weight. Common printing paper has a weight of 20 lbs. while the heaviest cover stock has a weight up to 120 lbs.
Opacity
Paper also comes in different levels of opacity, which simply means how much items printed on it will show through to the other side. Opacity is measured from 0, meaning transparent, to 100, meaning completely opaque.
