Different Types of Paper Used for Printing

The quality and durability of a printed material depend on the type of paper you choose. If you fail to select the right paper for your printing project, then the overall appearance of the finished product is affected and you do not get the desired outcome of your efforts.

There is a wide range of paper types available that feature distinct properties and are suitable for different types of printing needs. With so many options to choose from, the selection might become quite confusing and challenging as several factors need to be considered. To make it easier for you, our expert printers have come up with a guide to the different types of paper used for printing. Go through it, understand the features of each variety and then decide which one will be a suitable option for your printing project.

Bright White Paper

The most common type of paper used with Inkjet printers is called bright white paper. This ultra-smooth, acid-free paper is perfect for web printing, emails and other documents. The paper has blue undertones and displays a clear and crisp image. Ideal for day-to-day business and personal printing needs, bright white paper is known for making printed images stand out because of bright and vivid colours.

Bond Paper

Bond paper is a stronger and more durable paper compared to other types. Made from rag fibre pulp which makes it sturdy, this paper is especially suitable for electronic printing. This opaque paper is perfect for printing business stationery such as envelopes, business forms, letterheads, invoices and typed reports. If you’re looking for a fuzz-free paper that offers a great finish, then go for bond paper.

Coated Paper

Coated paper, as the name suggests, is a paper coated by a mixture of materials such as calcium carbonate, Kaolinite and Bentonite. It has a smooth, glossy surface that makes it ideal for high-quality printing needs with a shiny appearance and excellent colour rendering such as magazines, business cards and brochures. This type of paper does not absorb ink and lets it remain on the surface. Also, the ink remains concentrated on the surface and does not spread, thus giving a better effect to the printing image.

Matte Paper

Matte paper is the opposite of gloss coated paper. It has a lusterless appearance as it lacks the coating of chemical additives or other mixtures, leaving pores between the paper fibres. As a result, the paper is more porous and absorbs more ink which makes the image less concentrated. Also, it does not feature a vibrant colour finish, unlike coated paper. But, the printed image is not affected by fingerprints and the photographs are non-glare. It is the best choice for pamphlets or other marketing tools that are without pictures as the glare is missing, the text is more convenient to read.

Watermarked Paper

Used for high-quality printing needs, a watermarked paper is the one where a subtle image is permanently impressed into the paper by attaching a wire pattern during the manufacturing process. It gives a feel of luxury and symbolizes authenticity. It is commonly used as a security feature by educational institutions, law firms and businesses for printing important documents with their company or firm’s name or logo.

The choice of paper is an important aspect of printing. Consider how you want your finished product to look and then make the decision. For example, if you want a high-shine print, then go for a coated paper, but if you have text only printing need, then choose a matte paper.

In order to understand what each type of paper is capable of and whether it suits your printing needs, talk to the experts at Micro Printing in Mississauga.