You order business cards at the print shop. Question: "What paper weight?". Answer: "Umm... normal?". Print shop: "170g, 250g, 350g? Coated matte or offset?". This is not an exam – it's the basics of printing. After reading this article, you'll know exactly what paper you need.
Paper Weight: What Does It Mean?
Paper weight is the weight of the paper expressed in grams per square meter (g/m²). The higher the weight, the thicker and stiffer the paper.
Popular Weights:
- 80g/m² – office paper, photocopy (thin, flexible)
- 130-170g/m² – leaflets, posters (medium thickness)
- 250-300g/m² – brochure covers (stiff)
- 300-350g/m² – business cards (very stiff)
Types of Paper: Coated, Offset, or Decorative?
1. Coated Paper
The most popular in advertising printing. Coated with a layer that makes it smoother and whiter.
- Gloss Coated: Vivid colors, photos look "juicy". Ideal for advertising leaflets and posters.
- Matte Coated: Elegant, does not reflect light, pleasant to the touch. Great for business cards and prestigious catalogs.
2. Offset Paper
Natural, uncoated (like office printer paper, just thicker). Matte and... absorbent.
- You can write on it (with a pen, stamp)
- Ideal for: letterhead, notebooks, cards
- Colors are more subdued (less saturated than on coated paper)
3. Decorative / Eco Papers
Papers with texture (stripes, grid), dyed in mass (colored paper) or recycled (gray, kraft).
- Used for: invitations, premium business cards, diplomas
- Builds image (eco, prestige)
Enhancements: "The Cherry on Top"
Paper alone is not everything. You can further enhance it:
- Film (matte/gloss/soft-touch): Protects the print and adds stiffness
- Selective UV varnish: Glossy elements on a matte background (e.g., glossy logo)
- Foil Stamping (Hot-stamping): Metallic, gold or silver elements
Not sure which paper to choose?
Contact us. We will advise and send paper samples so you can touch and see the difference.
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