Types of papers for Printing

There are different types of papers used for printing. With choosing the right paper, colors can become brighter, black text can stand out more, and a document is able to have quite an impact on the individual reading it. Knowing which type of paper is appropriate for which kind of print jobs can make it easier to select the right paper.

There are various types of printer paper available, but not all of them are created for the same purpose.

Matte Paper

Matte paper is best for everyday use. Matte paper is a kind of paper that has a white coating that allows the ink to dry quickly. Because the ink does dry so quickly on matte paper, it is unlikely to smear or become smudged with fingerprints. The relative roughness of the paper surface prevents light from being reflected but it can also have a surface that is smooth but without a reflection, which means that it combines high readability with high image quality.

It is used in all kinds of high quality print work and is suitable for color printing of products like Booklets and Brochures

Glossy Paper

Glossy paper is a kind of paper that has gone through a glazing process, typically used for printing photos because the paper produces sharp, vibrant print due to its glossy finish. The glossy finish actually absorbs the ink to create beautiful pictures. However, it is easy to smudge the paper with fingerprints, so it is important to handle it gently until the freshly printed item has dried completely. Glossy paper can become stuck to pages that are against the printed side, so it is best to avoid using it in situations where it will be used that way, such as in scrapbooks. There is also a specialized kind of glossy paper specifically designed for photo printing.

Photo Paper

Though glossy paper is primarily for photos and similar applications, photo paper is specifically designed just for photos. Photo paper has a glossy finish and it also allows the ink to dry quickly producing picturesque images. Photo paper usually comes in several sizes and weights.

Bond Paper

Bond paper can be printed on both sides. In fact, it is designed for double use. With smooth, non-textured surfaces, it allows the user to print on both sides without affecting the quality of the print. Because of its brightness, it is designed to make black text as well as other colors stand out on the page.

Legal paper

Its paper made heavier and more expensive looking than plain white paper, typically bond paper has a classy cream, ivory, or off-white appeal to it that tells employers and other professionals that the one who printed on this paper really means business. When a buyer wants a document, resume, or important form to stand out in the stack, bond paper does the trick.

Card Stock

Card stock is a very heavy and sturdy paper. It can be used as printer paper as well as for everyday use. Because of how heavy it is, card stock does not go through the printer as quickly as regular printer paper. Therefore cardstock is typically only used for scrapbooking, signage, and printing business cards or postcards.

Embossed paper

This is a type of paper with raised patterns visible on its surface that makes it look attractive, its mainly used in the printing of certificates.

Non tearable

Are special papers that cannot be teared by hands unless cut by a scissor or other cutting devices. They are often used for documents that need to be durable such as invitation cards, temporary Ids, passes etc.

Sticker paper

Sticker papers are often glossy paper with a sticky back which you simply peel off. The glossy paper gives the stickers the shiny look.