Paper stock and coatings

Paper Stock

There are many different types and weights of paper stock; paper density is the mass of the product per unit of entry. If little light can be seen through the paper it has higher density known commonly as paper board, the more light can be seen through it the less dense paper stock. The denser the paper the more expensive the stock is.

There are four different densities of paper stock:

·      90 – 100 gsm – used for magazine pages, flyers, brochures, booklets and stationary

·      120 – 170 gsm – used for magazine and booklet pages, flyers, and brochures similar to the 90 - 100 gsm paper stock. The higher the density the more up market or professional feel to the product.

·      200 - 250 gsm – used mostly for magazine and booklet covers

·      280 – 420 gsm – used mainly for booklet, book and cards of all sorts

There are some different techniques or coatings and embossing that can be added to the paper or card to give it something extra. Some of these coatings are:

·       Laminating/Celloglaze – provides an extra coating that is waterproof and increases the durability of the product. It comes in matte or gloss celloglazing to give the product something extra.

·      Raised printing – raised printing is when powder is applied to the wet ink then being passed through a heat tunnel to create a raised effect on the page. It enables people to be able to touch not only read the writing.

·      Embossed printing – embossing will enable fine patterns to have an extra demention.

·      Foil stamping – Foil stamping is used for packaging, wedding stationary, invitations, personalized stationary, corporate stationary, brochures, gift cards and presentation folders. There are also many different colours to choose from.

Textured and Metalic Papers

·      Linen paper stock – comes in light colours, subtle linen pattern and has a strong surface.

·      Tant paper stock – only features on the front side and is unevenly embossed.

·      Nouveau paper stock – Nouveau stock is warm, neat and simple.

·      Silky matte paper stock – very easy to view text, soft and features a bright white surface and a good colour results when printed on.

·      Particles paper stock – heavy environmental friendly paper and softly textured with a slight antique look.

·      Vintage paper stock – similar to the particles paper stock.

Coated and uncoated paper stock

Coated

Coated paper stock comes in four different types gloss, matte, dull and satin finishes. Coating reduces the dot grain by the ink sitting on the surface of the page to create a brighter and solid image when printed.

·         Gloss – used for magazines, creating a high gloss finish that is less expensive than matte and dull papers and makes the graphics and images stand out on the page.

·         Dull – dull is halfway between gloss and matte paper.

·         Matte – matte paper coating is very low shine, flat and not glossy. Matte is higher cost and has greater bulk.

Uncoated paper stock 

Uncoated paper stock has no sealent or coating on the paper, allowing the ink to soak into the paper. It can be featured in a variety of types of paper and smooth and textured surfaces.

Design Pink 2012, Paper types and Paper stocks, http://designpink.com.au/paper-types-and-paper-stocks/, viewed 26/3/12

Summit Printing 2011, Commercial printing paper types, http://www.summitprintingpro.com/paper-types.html, viewed 26/3/12