Artisan Design Studio provides this guide to paper types and grades. Choosing the right paper for your print project is essential. With so many papers to choose from, these categories can help narrow down the choices. Once you know the type of paper and grade (usually based on your project budget), your designer can provide samples and advise you on colors and textures.
Paper with clay or other coating applied to one or both sides. They are finished in high or dull gloss or matte. Coated papers are best used for four-color photographs or graphics, as they produce sharper, brighter images. Coated papers are categorized into grades by their brightness and gloss levels.
Premium Coated
Most expensive, highest grade coated; gives best four-color reproduction. Used for high-end and luxury marketing materials.
Coated #1
Less expensive than premium. Gives excellent four-color reproduction. Used for art books, art-quality posters, high-end advertising.
Coated #2
Less expensive than #1. Used for high quality magazines, posters, and Advertising.
Coated #3
Less expensive than #2. Typical coated paper grade stocked by many paper distributors. Used for advertising, brochures, higher-end catalogs, and advertising.
Coated #4
Less bright, less expensive than #3. Used for high volume magazines, catalogs, and advertising.
Coated #5
Least bright, least expensive. Used for mass marketing productions, high volume catalogs.
Paper with no coating applied. Is available in different finish colors and weights. More absorbent than coated papers. (Heavy inks may spread).
(Text Paper, Offset Paper) Suitable for offset printing, comes in different finishes, coated or uncoated. More opaque than Bond Paper, good for two sided printing. Basic size is 25” x 38”. 22 lb.– 150lb. Used for books, brochures, annual reports, collateral marketing materials, newsletters, and booklets.
(Card Stock) Heavy, stiff paper. Basic size 20” x 38”. Matching book (color/finish) in some stocks. Used for book covers, file folders, presentation folders, greeting cards, business cards, postcards, and brochures.
Inexpensive; but has a shorter life span than other papers. Basic size is 24” x 35”. Used for newspapers, trade magazines.
Paper that has had the acid removed from the pulp (neutral 7.0pH). Used for fine art prints, limited edition printing, permanent records.
Archival
Acid free and lignin free. Lasts longer (100 years or more); holds color well. Used for critical, permanent records.
(Bristol board) Heavyweight stock. Used for paperback book covers or catalog covers, file folders, tags, tickets.
Strong, but lightweight paper. Comes coated or uncoated. Basic size is24” x 36”, 9lb – 28lb. Used for mail order catalogs, and directories.
A grade of writing or printing paper where strength, durability and permanence are essential requirements. Used for letterheads, business forms, etc. The basic size is 17"x22".
Grades of uncoated paper with textured surfaces and attractive colors. Used for announcements, booklets and brochures.
Hard surface, high wet-strength. Is resistant to grease and dirt. Used for certificates, diplomas, and old-fashioned looks.
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