Paper Stocks Explained: How To Choose The Right Paper For Your Print
Designing your artwork is exciting…choosing your paper? Maybe not quite as thrilling - but it’s secretly one of the most important choices you’ll make during your quest for print perfection.
The stock you print on can completely change the finished result, shaping everything from how vibrant your colours appear to how your print feels in someone’s hands. Choosing the right paper is part of the creative process - the moment where texture, weight and finish turn a great design into something memorable and interesting.
Meet The Stocks
Paper stock refers to the type, weight and finish of the sheet you choose - the qualities that decide how heavy, thick or textured your print feels. Every stock has its own personality, from silky and smooth to matte and modern, matching the right finish to your design is where the magic happens.
Starting with the simplest of the bunch, uncoated paper keeps things laidback and professional. Without a glossy coating, it has a beautifully natural appearance with a soft velvety feel that’s easy to write on. It’s an excellent choice for stationery, appointment cards and printed pieces that people are likely to make notes on.
Gloss paper is the extrovert of the family - the show‑off, if we’re being honest. Its reflective coating brings colours to life, making images brighter, blacks deeper and every detail that little bit more eye‑catching. If you’re printing posters, flyers, promotional leaflets or anything built to make an instant impact, gloss delivers exactly that.
Silk paper is the calm middle child - happily sitting between uncoated and gloss, offering the best of both worlds. Its smooth finish and subtle sheen enhance colour without tipping into the reflections you get from gloss. Rich images, colourful graphics and detailed illustrations all look beautifully balanced on silk, and its premium feel makes it a favourite for brochures, leaflets and marketing materials.
Worth The Weight
Paper weight is the difference between something light and flexible, and something satisfyingly substantial. It’s measured in GSM (Grams per Square Metre) - simply a way of describing how thick and sturdy a sheet is. The higher the number, the heavier and more robust your finished print will feel, from light flyers to weighty brochures that throw their presence around a little more.
A lightweight 100gsm stock is similar to everyday office paper and works perfectly for documents and letterheads. Step up to around 200gsm and you’ve got a versatile option that’s ideal for flyers, leaflets and posters, offering a reassuringly solid feel without becoming bulky. At the beefier end of the scale, 350gsm delivers the rigid, premium finish you’d expect from quality business cards, postcards and booklet covers.
Choosing the right weight comes down to how your print will be used. Folded leaflets often benefit from stocks that crease neatly, while products designed to impress at first touch usually feel all the better for a little extra weight.
Funky Finishes
Sometimes it’s the finishing touch that steals the show. Lamination for example, doesn’t just protect your print from everyday wear and tear - it changes the entire look and feel of the printed piece, adding that final layer of polish, durability and crucial character.
Gloss lamination is the spotlight‑stealer. It amplifies colour, adds a shiny surface and makes graphics and imagery leap off the page. Bold, vibrant and impactful, it’s perfect for designs that are meant to catch the eye immediately.
Matt lamination heads in the opposite direction, creating a smooth, understated finish that feels sophisticated and keeps reflections to a minimum. It’s a favourite for premium brochures, business cards and corporate literature where elegance is the desired effect.
Soft Touch lamination is the luxury option - the one people can’t resist picking up. With its distinctive velvety texture, it gives printed products an unmistakably premium feel and leaves a lasting impression. The spotlight‑stealer of all finishes, it’s the one that outshines the rest without breaking a sweat.
For the best of both worlds, we can mix things up with two‑sided items that utilise different finishes on each side - a subtle way to add extra character. Feeling even more adventurous? Our standard stocks cover just about every printing project you can imagine… but if you’ve got something a little different in mind, we’re always up for a challenge!
From specialist papers to bespoke finishes, our team will happily help you find the perfect combination to bring your ideas to life. Head over to our Sales Enquiry page and let’s create something worth falling in love with.