Paper Finishes
• Choices in Uncoated Offset
• Choosing Coated Papers
• Paper Considerations
• Choose Appropriate Coated Paper
• Paper Finished
• Choices in Uncoated Offset
• Choosing Coated Papers
• Paper Considerations
• Choose Appropriate Coated Paper
• Paper Finished
Choices in Uncoated Offset
Many of the printed pieces you see are printed on uncoated paper. Uncoated paper is any type of paper that does not have a glossy or matte coated finish. As paper is approximately 25% of the total cost of a project, choosing the paper to meet your objective and budget is an important consideration.Cost is the most common reason people choose uncoated papers over coated papers. Coated papers are more expensive than uncoated papers.
Uncoated papers are frequently used for newsletters, price lists, books, directories, flyers, manuals and some brochures and catalogs. Uncoated papers provide excellent value in printed pieces. Pieces printed on uncoated sheets are easier to read than those on glossy paper.
Commodity Offset
This type of paper refers to inexpensive uncoated sheets. Popular good quality brands are Husky, Springhill, Scott and Williamsburg. These are very common, utilitarian papers. Commodity offset grades can be suitable for use on price lists, directories, books, manuals and flyers. Anytime you want to produce a piece that looks good at a reasonable cost, turn to uncoated offsets.
You can think of this class of papers as similar to "copier paper." However, unlike "copier paper," uncoated offset comes in various weights (which translates to thickness) that can dramatically enhance the feeling of substance in the final printed piece. They are usually produced in 50#, 60# and 70# weights.
The lightest weight, 50#, is good for bound, multi-page pieces such as price lists, directories and catalogs where low cost is important. The next weight, 60#, adds durability, bulk and opacity from an increased thickness. If you are looking for a good all around sheet, 60# offset is the paper of choice. Brochures or flyers can benefit from the added weight of 70# where longevity, thickness and substance are desired.
Inexpensive uncoated papers are sometimes produced in a choice of pastel colors. More expensive uncoated papers usually have pastel and more vibrant colors available.
Opaque Offset
Chemical whiteners and brighteners are added to commodity offsets to yield opaque papers. These papers are more expensive than commodity offsets but offer a more impressive appearance. Popular brand names are Cougar, Finch, Hammermill, Nekoosa, Torchglow and Accent.
Common uses for these papers are books, newsletters, brochures or flyers when you want to put your best foot forward. Typically opaques are used if the piece will be sent to customers or prospects and you want to project a slightly more refined image.
As the name implies, opaque papers have less "see through" than commodity offsets of similar weight. "See through" describes as how well you can see type and graphics printed on the other side of the sheet. If your piece will utilize large solid areas of ink or photos, think about using an opaque sheet.
Some opaque offset brands offer colors which are usually more varied than the colors offered in commodity offset lines. Opaque grades almost always have accompanying cover weights of 65# or 80#.
Reply Card Stock
This is a special type of paper used to meet postal regulations for thickness. Common uses of this paper is for postcards, single sheet direct mail pieces and any brochure with a tear out return reply card portion.
Any piece of mail less than .007 inches in thickness does not meet postal guidelines and therefore may not reach it's destination. Reply card stock is manufactured to be a minimum of .007 inches thick by adding bulk in the form of more loosely packed wood fibers. As a comparison, regular 60# offset has a thickness of .0047 inches. Reply card papers usually have a vellum ("toothier") finish which also increases bulk.
In general, reply card stocks are not considered as nice as other uncoated sheets. The added bulk without weight results in a rather flimsy feel for their thickness and the pronounced vellum finish doesn't reproduce images very faithfully. Reply card stocks are produced in commodity and opaque grades but even the opaque varieties should be reserved for mailed cards only.
Vellum Bristol
Often referred to as the "poor man's cover", this type of paper is relatively thick and comes in colors. This is what you might remember as "construction paper" from your youth. The paper is not as commonly used today because it has an inexpensive feel and doesn't reproduce images as well as other cover stocks.
Index
This grade of paper actually is quite versatile. Index stock is relatively thick, comes in white and the basic pastel colors and has a very smooth finish. However, the whites are not as white and bright as opaque papers. Index papers are suitable for inexpensive covers and reply cards (some weights meet postal regulations). Ink sits up well on the very smooth finish and therefore will reproduce images faithfully. Of course, die cut index tabs are usually printed on this type of paper, as the name suggests.
Specialty and Embossed Finished Papers
Often referred to as text papers, these expensive sheets have embossed finishes such as linen, laid, felt and groove. Embossed sheets are used when the feeling of opulence is required. Suggested uses are brochures, covers for high end pieces or direct mail projects for expensive products or services. In reality, most of these papers are a little dated and are not used as much as they were 5 years ago. Other papers have come to take their place in popularity.
Many of the printed pieces you see are printed on uncoated paper. Uncoated paper is any type of paper that does not have a glossy or matte coated finish. As paper is approximately 25% of the total cost of a project, choosing the paper to meet your objective and budget is an important consideration.Cost is the most common reason people choose uncoated papers over coated papers. Coated papers are more expensive than uncoated papers.
Uncoated papers are frequently used for newsletters, price lists, books, directories, flyers, manuals and some brochures and catalogs. Uncoated papers provide excellent value in printed pieces. Pieces printed on uncoated sheets are easier to read than those on glossy paper.
Commodity Offset
This type of paper refers to inexpensive uncoated sheets. Popular good quality brands are Husky, Springhill, Scott and Williamsburg. These are very common, utilitarian papers. Commodity offset grades can be suitable for use on price lists, directories, books, manuals and flyers. Anytime you want to produce a piece that looks good at a reasonable cost, turn to uncoated offsets.
You can think of this class of papers as similar to "copier paper." However, unlike "copier paper," uncoated offset comes in various weights (which translates to thickness) that can dramatically enhance the feeling of substance in the final printed piece. They are usually produced in 50#, 60# and 70# weights.
The lightest weight, 50#, is good for bound, multi-page pieces such as price lists, directories and catalogs where low cost is important. The next weight, 60#, adds durability, bulk and opacity from an increased thickness. If you are looking for a good all around sheet, 60# offset is the paper of choice. Brochures or flyers can benefit from the added weight of 70# where longevity, thickness and substance are desired.
Inexpensive uncoated papers are sometimes produced in a choice of pastel colors. More expensive uncoated papers usually have pastel and more vibrant colors available.
Opaque Offset
Chemical whiteners and brighteners are added to commodity offsets to yield opaque papers. These papers are more expensive than commodity offsets but offer a more impressive appearance. Popular brand names are Cougar, Finch, Hammermill, Nekoosa, Torchglow and Accent.
Common uses for these papers are books, newsletters, brochures or flyers when you want to put your best foot forward. Typically opaques are used if the piece will be sent to customers or prospects and you want to project a slightly more refined image.
As the name implies, opaque papers have less "see through" than commodity offsets of similar weight. "See through" describes as how well you can see type and graphics printed on the other side of the sheet. If your piece will utilize large solid areas of ink or photos, think about using an opaque sheet.
Some opaque offset brands offer colors which are usually more varied than the colors offered in commodity offset lines. Opaque grades almost always have accompanying cover weights of 65# or 80#.
Reply Card Stock
This is a special type of paper used to meet postal regulations for thickness. Common uses of this paper is for postcards, single sheet direct mail pieces and any brochure with a tear out return reply card portion.
Any piece of mail less than .007 inches in thickness does not meet postal guidelines and therefore may not reach it's destination. Reply card stock is manufactured to be a minimum of .007 inches thick by adding bulk in the form of more loosely packed wood fibers. As a comparison, regular 60# offset has a thickness of .0047 inches. Reply card papers usually have a vellum ("toothier") finish which also increases bulk.
In general, reply card stocks are not considered as nice as other uncoated sheets. The added bulk without weight results in a rather flimsy feel for their thickness and the pronounced vellum finish doesn't reproduce images very faithfully. Reply card stocks are produced in commodity and opaque grades but even the opaque varieties should be reserved for mailed cards only.
Vellum Bristol
Often referred to as the "poor man's cover", this type of paper is relatively thick and comes in colors. This is what you might remember as "construction paper" from your youth. The paper is not as commonly used today because it has an inexpensive feel and doesn't reproduce images as well as other cover stocks.
Index
This grade of paper actually is quite versatile. Index stock is relatively thick, comes in white and the basic pastel colors and has a very smooth finish. However, the whites are not as white and bright as opaque papers. Index papers are suitable for inexpensive covers and reply cards (some weights meet postal regulations). Ink sits up well on the very smooth finish and therefore will reproduce images faithfully. Of course, die cut index tabs are usually printed on this type of paper, as the name suggests.
Specialty and Embossed Finished Papers
Often referred to as text papers, these expensive sheets have embossed finishes such as linen, laid, felt and groove. Embossed sheets are used when the feeling of opulence is required. Suggested uses are brochures, covers for high end pieces or direct mail projects for expensive products or services. In reality, most of these papers are a little dated and are not used as much as they were 5 years ago. Other papers have come to take their place in popularity.
Choosing Coated Papers
What Constitutes Print Quality?
Fine printing is a showcase. It should reflect your intentions in the best possible light-to instruct, to convince, to sell. The overall image that is presented is, in fact "print quality". Regardless of style or personal taste, we know it when we see it.It's the result of effort, talent, skill and material. The components must start with a solid concept and good creative elements-design, copy, photography, illustration and typography. Then comes the pre-press. Whatever method or system is used it must result in excellent color separations. Printing and binding are important. And finally, all of this comes together on paper.
Paper selection is critical when planning all printed communications. Paper has a major influence on the final appearance of any printed piece. Plates, inks, press, the work itself can all be identical; but printing on different papers, even No. I and premium papers, will lead to very different looks.
We will address some basic qualities of printing paper and examine how they interact with other elements in the process of producing printed materials that say "print quality" And we will show that in paper selection, quality is more than a number. We will discuss: The Printing Surface, Print Surface Smoothness, Color , Whiteness and Brightness.
The Printing Surface
There are convincing and undeniable reasons why coated papers provide the best printing surface. The best halftones are found on smooth surfaces, and the best smooth surfaces are found on coated paper. It permits each dot to print accurately and maintain its original dimensions. As new pre-press and on-press techniques develop, the printing surface becomes even more critical. These technologies hold out the promise of controllable dot gain. The finest presentation of any production technique is on a Number 1 or premium coated paper.
This characteristic of coated printing paper is critical to print quality, possibly the most important single criterion. It starts with the manufacture of the base sheet. The formation of this sheet is essential to the smooth and level application of coating. Fibers are a uniform depth from the sheet surface. This reduces mottling (galvanizing) tendencies and contributes to final print smoothness.
Next in the process comes drying the base sheet then, finally, coating. Some paper makers combine the whole process in a single machine. But Consolidated Papers separates base sheet manufacture from coating through the use of Off-Machine Blade Coating. When a single machine is used, compromises are made in the course of balancing the many variables involved. When the functions are separate, there are no compromises. Consolidated uses Off-Machine Blade Coating to assure the most consistently uniform and smooth printing surface.
The coating recipe consists of a thick layer of fine clay particles and other additives. This improves printability because:
1. Clay slows the paper's absorbency rate, retaining more ink vehicle and pigment on the surface.
2. Clay has a more uni-form rate of absorbency than cellulose.
3. Clay particles improve smoothness by filling in the hills and valleys between cellulose fibers of the base sheet.
Surface smoothness also improves printability. The rougher the paper surface, the more light reaching it is scattered, giving printed results a washed out look. Black solids on rough paper, for example, tend to look gray.
What Constitutes Print Quality?
Fine printing is a showcase. It should reflect your intentions in the best possible light-to instruct, to convince, to sell. The overall image that is presented is, in fact "print quality". Regardless of style or personal taste, we know it when we see it.It's the result of effort, talent, skill and material. The components must start with a solid concept and good creative elements-design, copy, photography, illustration and typography. Then comes the pre-press. Whatever method or system is used it must result in excellent color separations. Printing and binding are important. And finally, all of this comes together on paper.
Paper selection is critical when planning all printed communications. Paper has a major influence on the final appearance of any printed piece. Plates, inks, press, the work itself can all be identical; but printing on different papers, even No. I and premium papers, will lead to very different looks.
We will address some basic qualities of printing paper and examine how they interact with other elements in the process of producing printed materials that say "print quality" And we will show that in paper selection, quality is more than a number. We will discuss: The Printing Surface, Print Surface Smoothness, Color , Whiteness and Brightness.
The Printing Surface
There are convincing and undeniable reasons why coated papers provide the best printing surface. The best halftones are found on smooth surfaces, and the best smooth surfaces are found on coated paper. It permits each dot to print accurately and maintain its original dimensions. As new pre-press and on-press techniques develop, the printing surface becomes even more critical. These technologies hold out the promise of controllable dot gain. The finest presentation of any production technique is on a Number 1 or premium coated paper.
This characteristic of coated printing paper is critical to print quality, possibly the most important single criterion. It starts with the manufacture of the base sheet. The formation of this sheet is essential to the smooth and level application of coating. Fibers are a uniform depth from the sheet surface. This reduces mottling (galvanizing) tendencies and contributes to final print smoothness.
Next in the process comes drying the base sheet then, finally, coating. Some paper makers combine the whole process in a single machine. But Consolidated Papers separates base sheet manufacture from coating through the use of Off-Machine Blade Coating. When a single machine is used, compromises are made in the course of balancing the many variables involved. When the functions are separate, there are no compromises. Consolidated uses Off-Machine Blade Coating to assure the most consistently uniform and smooth printing surface.
The coating recipe consists of a thick layer of fine clay particles and other additives. This improves printability because:
1. Clay slows the paper's absorbency rate, retaining more ink vehicle and pigment on the surface.
2. Clay has a more uni-form rate of absorbency than cellulose.
3. Clay particles improve smoothness by filling in the hills and valleys between cellulose fibers of the base sheet.
Surface smoothness also improves printability. The rougher the paper surface, the more light reaching it is scattered, giving printed results a washed out look. Black solids on rough paper, for example, tend to look gray.
Considerations
Before selecting a coated printing paper, please consider ...
- What is the size of the run?
- With smaller runs, paper is a smaller percentage of the total cost.
- Will the project have a long life?
- Is archival quality important?
- How much four color process?
- How much white space?
- And how much type (i.e. text) is involved?
- What is the ratio of color to type?
- Which element-color, white space or type-is most important?
- Will it be mailed?
- Will it be folded or bound?
- How much solid color coverage-special colors, process tints or screens-is there?
- Is print fidelity critical, as in medical or fashion catalogs?
- What about heft or body?
- Heavier weight conveys an impression of greater worth or importance.
- Are you considering a paper with a color shade that might affect printed results?
- Will people be writing on the final piece with ink or pencil by hand?
- Is recycled content that meets EPA guidelines a factor?
- Consider the desired opacity of the project. Heavier weights are more opaque.
- Will there be a self-cover that matches the body, or a separate cover?
- This decision may determine a maximum basis weight.
- How does the paper feel to the touch?
- Do the papers perform well on press and in the bindery?
- What is the degree of desired contrast between image and non-image areas?
- How does it print?
- Have you seen printed samples?
Before selecting a coated printing paper, please consider ...
- What is the size of the run?
- With smaller runs, paper is a smaller percentage of the total cost.
- Will the project have a long life?
- Is archival quality important?
- How much four color process?
- How much white space?
- And how much type (i.e. text) is involved?
- What is the ratio of color to type?
- Which element-color, white space or type-is most important?
- Will it be mailed?
- Will it be folded or bound?
- How much solid color coverage-special colors, process tints or screens-is there?
- Is print fidelity critical, as in medical or fashion catalogs?
- What about heft or body?
- Heavier weight conveys an impression of greater worth or importance.
- Are you considering a paper with a color shade that might affect printed results?
- Will people be writing on the final piece with ink or pencil by hand?
- Is recycled content that meets EPA guidelines a factor?
- Consider the desired opacity of the project. Heavier weights are more opaque.
- Will there be a self-cover that matches the body, or a separate cover?
- This decision may determine a maximum basis weight.
- How does the paper feel to the touch?
- Do the papers perform well on press and in the bindery?
- What is the degree of desired contrast between image and non-image areas?
- How does it print?
- Have you seen printed samples?
How to Choose the Appropriate Coated Paper
You may have noticed that within each category of papers there are sheets at different price levels. Have you ever wondered what accounts for these price differences? This bulletin will give you some information about what makes one coated sheet more expensive than another.
In general, coated papers are chosen because they reproduce photos better than uncoated sheets. The ink stands up nicely on the clay coating. Ink tends to soak into an uncoated paper a little, thus softening the image slightly. Almost all four color printing is done on coated sheets.
The grades of coated paper suitable for sheetfed printing, in ascending order of quality and price are; #3, #2, #1, #1 Premium and Cast Coated. The main difference in the cost of coated papers is the quality of the finish. All coated papers have a coating of clay applied to the base sheet. The clay coating is then buffed, similar to shining your shoes.
A #3 grade sheet will have a smaller amount of clay and will not be buffed as long as a higher grade sheet. The result is a finish that looks a little less smooth than a more expensive sheet. The sheet still looks glossy and smooth, but when you look closely you will see some variance in the coating on the surface of a less expensive grade sheet. In addition, the more expensive sheets will usually be whiter and brighter than the lesser grade sheets because extra chemical whiteners and brighteners are added to them.
The cast coated sheets are in a league of their own. These sheets have been buffed a great deal. The finish is quite shiny, almost like glass. However, many high gloss printed pieces today are actually coated in a post printing process. It can be difficult to discern a cast coated sheet from a printed piece that has been treated with an additional coating.
One last type of paper to mention is coated one side covers. These sheets have a gloss coating on only one side. The coated side of these sheets typically have a finish similar to a #2 grade. However, some of cast coated sheets come in a coated one side version.
Listed below are suggested uses for various grades of coated sheets. Please note that these are just general guidelines and that you should talk to us about the most economical sheet for your specific project.
#3 Grade: Typically used as interiors of large one or two color catalogs or large direct mailing pieces.
#2 Grade: A good all purpose sheet. Used for newsletters, smaller direct mail pieces, brochures or catalogs. Will reproduce one- to four-color images quite well.
#1 Grade: Used for nicer versions of the same pieces that would normally be printed on a #2 grade. Use this grade when you want the piece to have a more opulent look. For instance, if you were selling a very high cost item you may want to enhance the piece by going to a #1 grade.
#1 Premium: Only used when you want the very smoothest of finishes, short of a glass like cast coated look. Annual reports or covers for a very high profile piece are good examples.
Cast Coated: Use this sheet when you want a superior gloss. The glare from these sheets can often make reading somewhat difficult, so be careful where you use it. typically used for covers.
#2 Grade coated one side covers: Used almost exclusively as covers for catalogs or similar pieces. This is the paper of choice for most covers where a gloss finish is needed on the outside. The uncoated inside makes it very good for perfect binding (adhesive or paperback) as the glue will adhere nicely to the uncoated surface.
You may have noticed that within each category of papers there are sheets at different price levels. Have you ever wondered what accounts for these price differences? This bulletin will give you some information about what makes one coated sheet more expensive than another.
In general, coated papers are chosen because they reproduce photos better than uncoated sheets. The ink stands up nicely on the clay coating. Ink tends to soak into an uncoated paper a little, thus softening the image slightly. Almost all four color printing is done on coated sheets.
The grades of coated paper suitable for sheetfed printing, in ascending order of quality and price are; #3, #2, #1, #1 Premium and Cast Coated. The main difference in the cost of coated papers is the quality of the finish. All coated papers have a coating of clay applied to the base sheet. The clay coating is then buffed, similar to shining your shoes.
A #3 grade sheet will have a smaller amount of clay and will not be buffed as long as a higher grade sheet. The result is a finish that looks a little less smooth than a more expensive sheet. The sheet still looks glossy and smooth, but when you look closely you will see some variance in the coating on the surface of a less expensive grade sheet. In addition, the more expensive sheets will usually be whiter and brighter than the lesser grade sheets because extra chemical whiteners and brighteners are added to them.
The cast coated sheets are in a league of their own. These sheets have been buffed a great deal. The finish is quite shiny, almost like glass. However, many high gloss printed pieces today are actually coated in a post printing process. It can be difficult to discern a cast coated sheet from a printed piece that has been treated with an additional coating.
One last type of paper to mention is coated one side covers. These sheets have a gloss coating on only one side. The coated side of these sheets typically have a finish similar to a #2 grade. However, some of cast coated sheets come in a coated one side version.
Listed below are suggested uses for various grades of coated sheets. Please note that these are just general guidelines and that you should talk to us about the most economical sheet for your specific project.
#3 Grade: Typically used as interiors of large one or two color catalogs or large direct mailing pieces.
#2 Grade: A good all purpose sheet. Used for newsletters, smaller direct mail pieces, brochures or catalogs. Will reproduce one- to four-color images quite well.
#1 Grade: Used for nicer versions of the same pieces that would normally be printed on a #2 grade. Use this grade when you want the piece to have a more opulent look. For instance, if you were selling a very high cost item you may want to enhance the piece by going to a #1 grade.
#1 Premium: Only used when you want the very smoothest of finishes, short of a glass like cast coated look. Annual reports or covers for a very high profile piece are good examples.
Cast Coated: Use this sheet when you want a superior gloss. The glare from these sheets can often make reading somewhat difficult, so be careful where you use it. typically used for covers.
#2 Grade coated one side covers: Used almost exclusively as covers for catalogs or similar pieces. This is the paper of choice for most covers where a gloss finish is needed on the outside. The uncoated inside makes it very good for perfect binding (adhesive or paperback) as the glue will adhere nicely to the uncoated surface.
Paper Finishes
There are two basic categories of paper finishes commonly used today: uncoated and coated. All paper starts out uncoated and is commonly used in this form. The non-glare surface makes it suitable for all types of reading material, and so it is used extensively in paperbacks, newsletters and textbooks.
If paper is coated with fine white clay, the result is coated paper. Coated or "glossy" paper, as it is sometimes called, is used in the printing of glossy covers, magazines and brochures. The most distinguishing feature of coated paper is that printing inks will sit on top of the coating. The result is a clean, sharp image. For this reason, coated papers are used when precise color matches, extremely clear detail, or the faithful reproduction of photography (both color and black-and-white) is desired. In contrast, ink tends to soak into a sheet of uncoated stock. Although coated stock is generally more expensive than uncoated, it is the paper of choice for fine quality printing. Coated papers are not commonly available in colors.
Both types of paper-coated and uncoated-come in a variety of finishes. Uncoated sheets are relatively smooth, and this is the finish most commonly seen. More expensive uncoated stock may have an embossed finish. These finishes include felt, linen and laid-terms which describe the appearance of the paper. A laid sheet is textured to resemble handmade paper. Coated paper is rarely embossed.
There are, however, various types of finishes available on coated sheets: matte, dull, gloss and cast coated. Matte and dull sheets have a coating, but the coating has not been buffed to a gloss. Matte sheets look dull but have a thinner coating than conventional dull sheets. Cast coated sheets have a very high gloss finish and are more expensive.
The accompanying chart lists common paper finishes and their uses. Items are loosely arranged from least expensive to most expensive. Please remember that each type of paper is available in different grades at various price points.
There are two basic categories of paper finishes commonly used today: uncoated and coated. All paper starts out uncoated and is commonly used in this form. The non-glare surface makes it suitable for all types of reading material, and so it is used extensively in paperbacks, newsletters and textbooks.
If paper is coated with fine white clay, the result is coated paper. Coated or "glossy" paper, as it is sometimes called, is used in the printing of glossy covers, magazines and brochures. The most distinguishing feature of coated paper is that printing inks will sit on top of the coating. The result is a clean, sharp image. For this reason, coated papers are used when precise color matches, extremely clear detail, or the faithful reproduction of photography (both color and black-and-white) is desired. In contrast, ink tends to soak into a sheet of uncoated stock. Although coated stock is generally more expensive than uncoated, it is the paper of choice for fine quality printing. Coated papers are not commonly available in colors.
Both types of paper-coated and uncoated-come in a variety of finishes. Uncoated sheets are relatively smooth, and this is the finish most commonly seen. More expensive uncoated stock may have an embossed finish. These finishes include felt, linen and laid-terms which describe the appearance of the paper. A laid sheet is textured to resemble handmade paper. Coated paper is rarely embossed.
There are, however, various types of finishes available on coated sheets: matte, dull, gloss and cast coated. Matte and dull sheets have a coating, but the coating has not been buffed to a gloss. Matte sheets look dull but have a thinner coating than conventional dull sheets. Cast coated sheets have a very high gloss finish and are more expensive.
The accompanying chart lists common paper finishes and their uses. Items are loosely arranged from least expensive to most expensive. Please remember that each type of paper is available in different grades at various price points.