Types of Printing Paper

In an evolving industry like printing, paper is a crucial ingredient to the success of any communication, advertising and marketing strategies. The type of paper can make a big difference in the results it yields. The paper used in different print techniques is unique to the methods, they differ in composition, design, purpose, weight, and thickness. These differences provide you with different design options. The right type of paper will help you recreate your designs in the best quality. With so many types and sizes of paper in the market, it can be challenging to know which ones can be used with your printer and which ones are best for a specific task. Even when you’ve mastered the various paper kinds and sizes, you may additionally select from a variety of coatings and weights.

Printing has been used for ages; the history of printing dates back to 3500 BCE when the proto-Elamite and Sumerian civilizations utilised cylinder seals to verify texts inscribed in clay. Block seals, hammered coins, ceramic impressions, and fabric printing were among the early forms. Johannes Gutenberg invented the first moveable type printing technology in Europe around 1450. He pioneered advancements in typecasting based on a matrix and hand mould, screw-press adaptations, the use of an oil-based ink, and the development of a softer and more absorbent paper.

Since then, printing and the types of paper or mediums used to print onto have evolved drastically to fit per convenience and produce better results. Choosing the right type of paper for the right printing technique and medium of communication needs to be the right fit, so we’ve included a list of options with descriptions for each.

1. Gloss coated paper

Great sheen, gloss paper is what a great gloss paper looks like. There is no need for a seal varnish because the ink does not wipe off.  It is shiny, has a larger colour palette and has more contrast than other varieties of paper. It is frequently used for marketing and periodicals that contain a lot of colour imagery, as it has a crisp, vibrant look.

2. Matt coated paper

Matt paper is the opposite of gloss paper; is coated with a matt finish to provide a non-shiny look that prevents glare. It seems lighter to the touch and has a lower sheen than conventional paper. This paper dries rapidly and is resistant to fingerprint smudges. This ensures that the quality remains excellent. This paper is ideal for reports, flyers, and pamphlets.

3. Recycled paper

Individuals interested in reducing their environmental impact can use recycled paper because it is made from reused paper goods. The amount of paper consumed is reduced when the reverse sides of printing sheets are successfully utilised for printing draughts or taking essential notes. This not only saves money but also promotes a clean atmosphere. Recycled paper is now available as an alternative for a wide range of print projects, including business cards, newsletters, reports, memo paper, and forms.

4. Carbon-balanced Paper

By using Carbon Balanced Paper, Carbon Balanced Prints can be created. It allows you to decrease the small but inevitable carbon footprint of your printed marketing messages. Carbon-balanced paper is a one-of-a-kind product. This is where the paper has been assessed in terms of the amount of CO2 released during its manufacturing and transit. It’s a simple and practical approach for businesses to lower their printed media’s environmental footprint.

How to choose the right paperweight:

The weight of paper is defined technically as how much a sheet of paper with a surface area of one square meter weighs. It is expressed in grams per square meter (gsm). It’s a technique of differentiating various papers on the market, along with distinct paper kinds.

A high wood fibre concentration can cause the paper to become thicker and heavier. Some paper mills add additives to pulp to produce certain aesthetic and tactile effects. The density of the paper can be affected by the type of processing utilised, with a higher density pulp producing thinner paper and a lower density pulp producing thicker paper. Weight is crucial in print because the improper weight of paper can create printing errors. 

• 90gsm: This is uncoated paper that has not been chemically treated. It’s ideal when printing a lot of content, making it ideal for books, printing documents, and headed paper.
• 130gsm: This kind matures nicely and works best with a matte or gloss finish. It’s an excellent choice for posters, periodicals, pamphlets, and flyers.
• 170gsm: This paperweight is a  versatile paper since it comes in recycled varieties, coated versions, and matte or gloss finishes. It’s mostly used for catalogues, presentations, certifications, and posters.
• 350gsm: As a semi-rigid paperboard, this paperweight is suitable for business cards,  book covers, and invitation cards.
• 380gsm: This is one of the heaviest varieties of paper and is best suited for folders, packaging, hard book covers, product tags, and display covers.

Here at Humd, we’re always looking for ways to make processes easier for our clients. That’s why we’ve prepared a  print guide to assist you through each stage of the printing process. We provide a wider collection of printing and customisation products, as well as an excellent quality of papers with different quantity options that can be tailored to meet the needs of the customer.

Humd is the GCC’s first printing marketplace, committed to assisting customers and sellers with printing and customising needs. We understand the significance of selecting the best technique, materials, and even vendors to print collaterals, apparel, or other items for your business. We want to help you choose the right material when you submit personalized orders with us. Our expert team is here to attend to you throughout the process, whether with technical issues or with your design. We will link you with the best vendor in your area and handle the whole process of your order, from conception to delivery.

Making printing simple and hassle-free is our goal. Visit our website for more information.