Selecting the best paper for your project is an important step to the overall impression of your printed piece. Paper is a critical element and there are some considerations you should keep in mind when selecting stock. Your choice of paper stock will also help determine how your piece will be designed. The paper you use can change the look of your artwork; therefore make sure you choose the right quality and color to get the best possible outcome. You can request paper samples to help make your choice. When selecting paper there are different types, weights and finishes you need to understand when making your selection.
Offset: Also known as book or text paper, offset paper can have a coated or uncoated finish. Offset paper is thinner and lightweight. It is often used for publication interior sheets, brochures & flyers, and letterheads. Common offset weights: 50#, 60#, 70#, 80#, 100#. Bond: Bond or writing papers are most often used for letterhead. The most commonly recognized bond or writing stocks are:
20# - A standard weight paper
24# - The preferred weight for most business stationary papers.
28# - Heavier paper, may not feed properly through some laser printers
Cover: Cover stocks are heavy in weight, rigid and not easily folded. These papers are generally used for publication covers, business cards, greeting cards, folders, and postcards. They can have coated or uncoated finishes. Common weights for cover stocks include: 65#, 80#, 100#, 120#, and 12pt.
Tag: Tag paper is a dense grade of paper that is strong, durable, and water resistant. Tag paper is typically used for hanging tags such as store tags on clothing or other products.
Index: Index paper is a stiff, not too thick, inexpensive paper with a smooth finish. It is often used for index cards and folders.
Wove or Smooth: A smooth uncoated surface.
Laid: A paper that is manufactured with textured lines on its surface. This finish is used mostly for business stationery packages.
Linen: Similar to a laid finish, this paper has textured lines on the surface of the sheet, but they are finer and more regular than those that appear on a laid finish stock giving a more formal appearance. Also suitable for business stationary packages.
Laser: paper that works with laser printers Coated - A paper with a smooth finish (shiny or matte).
Uncoated: A paper with an untreated surface that is dull and unreflective.
Coated One Side (C1S): A cover stock that has a coating on one side and is dull on the reverse side.
Coated Two Sides (C2S): A cover stock that has a coating on both sides.
Recycled paper is a broad term with multiple variations. Plainly stated, recycled paper is a grade of paper that contains recycled (post-consumer and/or pre-consumer) fiber. There are recycled paper grades that range from 10% post-consumer to 100% post-consumer recycled. You can get just about every kind of paper now with recycled content, providing high quality papers for businesses, billing, magazines, catalogs, books, advertising, direct mail and many other uses.
If you are interested in recycled papers ask us about available options.
paul@forwardlitho.com
lisa@forwardlitho.com
