Guide To Paper Finishes: Gloss, Satin, Uncoated, And More
Bright and glossy, smooth and sophisticated, or uniquely textured: the choice of how your paper products look and feel is up to you. Part of the printing process includes picking which paper to print on, and this allows for a wide amount of variation.
Papers can have many kinds of finishes, including glossy, matte, satin, and more. In this article, we’ll explain the types of paper finishes that you can choose, and we’ll provide advice to help you choose the right type of paper for your next project.
What Is A Paper Finish?
Paper finish is the texture or sheen of a piece of paper. It influences the paper’s look and feel. Paper finish therefore affects readers’ experience of reading your materials and can change their opinions about your organization.
Many factors contribute to paper finishes, including the material a paper is made of, any coating that has been added to the paper, and the methods that were used to create the paper. With a little bit of research, you are sure to find a paper finish that meets your needs and suits your product’s intended look.
Types Of Paper Finishes
Here are the main types of paper finishes that you can choose for your next print project.
Glossy Finish
Glossy finish is one of the most common types of paper finishes. Glossy paper has a coating applied to it which creates a sheen that reflects light, makes colors pop, and leads to crisp definition in your images. It is therefore an optimal paper choice for promotional items, color printing, and materials containing pictures. It is a top choice for print items such as magazines, brochures, and other marketing materials that need to make a splash.
On the other hand, glossy papers are not easy to write on, so they are not recommended for materials such as questionnaires and applications. Depending on the type and thickness of gloss, glossy paper can occasionally show fingerprints. Be sure to keep these qualities in mind as you are considering which paper to use in your next project.
Matte Finish
Matte finish papers offer a smooth yet duller surface. This finish does not reflect light, leading to a more muted look. Due to its lack of glare, matte papers are useful for documents with a lot of text and are easy to read for extended periods of time.
Matte paper is often considered to have a sophisticated look and feel. Matte finish business cards, for example, are sophisticated and create a good first impression. However, matte papers produce colors that are less vibrant than glossy papers. Therefore, if your materials focus on bright colors or detailed images, glossy paper might be the way to go.
Satin Finish
Satin finish paper is a semi-glossy paper. Its level of shine is between matte and glossy paper, which makes it a middle ground that is suitable for printing many types of materials. Given satin paper’s subtle shine, it is often used for printing photos and promotional products. In short, its status as the middle ground between glossy and matte increases its versatility and makes it a suitable option for all kinds of printed products.
It is possible to write on satin paper with a ballpoint pen, although writing on it with a pencil would be more difficult.
Uncoated Papers
Unlike the above papers, uncoated paper does not have a coating on top. It is more absorbent than coated papers, which makes it easier to write on. Uncoated paper is therefore a top choice for items such as stationery, letterhead, and notepads. Uncoated paper is also a common paper for applications and other papers that are frequently written on.
Given its lack of glossy coating, uncoated paper is less optimal for materials that contain photographs or color inks.
Embossed Papers
Embossed papers have designs that are pleasing to the touch. Some types of embossed papers include the following:
- Linen paper, which has thin crosshatch lines running through it. Linen paper is embossed to look like linen fabric.
- Laid paper. The predominant kind of paper created until the 19th century, laid paper has thicker lines and a ribbed texture consisting of texture running in two directions, called the laid and the chain.
Embossed papers come in a wide range of styles and textures, so ask your printing partner about which papers they offer.
Factors To Consider When Choosing A Paper Finish
As you’re picking a paper finish for your next project, think about the following:
- Desired aesthetic. What will your material be used for? Pick a paper finish that fits the look you’re aiming for. For vibrant and color-filled materials such as magazines, aim for glossy papers. If you’re printing sophisticated stationery, think about opting for a matte finish.
- Durability needs. Different paper finishes provide different levels of protection. Coated papers are slightly more durable than uncoated papers, so they’re a good choice for items that you’d like to hold up over time.
- Price. Paper finishes can have a wide range of prices. For example, linen paper is typically a more expensive option that provides a luxurious look and feel to your print products.
Choosing a paper finish can be a complicated decision that takes a wide range of factors into account. Feel free to talk with your printing partner for advice about which paper makes the most sense for your project.
Get Started With The Print Experts
Whether you’re just starting to learn about paper finish options or are ready to choose the paper for your next project, ZoePrint can help you every step of the way. With decades of expertise in printing for businesses, we provide all the print products you’re looking for, including business cards, brochures, flyers, and more, with papers in all the finishes you need.
To get started, order online or ask ZoePrint for more information about the paper finishes we offer.
