When it comes to printing, the paper you choose is an important factor in helping you to achieve the results you want.
There are various factors to influence your decision as well as many choices to consider. It helps to understand the properties, finishes and paper weight.
Recently, we attended Spicers Knowledge Workshop presented by Carol Ramsay to learn more about paper.

Here are some fun facts we’d like to share:
How is paper weight determined?
– The Basic Weight is calculated by weighing 500 sheets (or 1 ream) of basic sheet paper.
– The most common paper weights are:
• Writing / Bond paper – 20 lb, 24 lb, 28 lb
• Text / Offset paper – 50 lb, 60 lb, 70 lb, 80 lb, 100lb
• Cover paper – 65lb, 80lb, 100lb, 120lb, 130lb
Why does 24lb bond paper feel the same as 60lb text?
– Basic weight is based on 500 sheets of paper, but the basic sheet size differs between bond versus text which is why the paper thickness can be identical but the weight can be different. e.g. 500 sheets of 17”x22” (bond) weighs 24lbs and 500 sheets of 25”x38” (text) weighs 60lbs
What’s the difference between uncoated and coated paper?
– Uncoated paper is paper that is simply air dried without pressing or smoothing. The surface feels rough to the touch and allows ink to absorb into the fibers more readily, creating a ‘washed out’ look. The overall look appears more understate because the rougher surface scatters light and results in less defined detail and color reproduction.
– Coated paper is treated with a ‘coating’ to seal the surface and consists primarily of highly refined clay and additives. The finish of coated paper depends on the degree of polishing to achieve a matte, silk or gloss finish.  Coated paper allows ink to ‘sit on top’ of the surface, allowing for sharper definition and more defined colour reproduction.
Why does 80lb matte feel heavier than 100lb gloss?
– The difference is in the amount of processing applied. Matte finish is simply paper dipped in coating and allowed to dry, which is why matte grades have a chalky feel (often referred to as ‘toothy’). Silk grades are coated paper that have been pressed through rollers to create a smoother surface. Gloss grades are further pressed through steel rollers and as a result becomes thinner due to the pressing. This is why 100lb gloss paper feels thinner.
50+ Shades of white!
– There are different shades of white paper as there are in white paint. Blue white paper appears brighter and enhances cool colours; best to enhance ‘flashy’ subjects. Warm white paper emphasizes warm colours & skin tones;  best to enhances reds and yellows. Neutral or balanced white represents true colors as it represents all colours equally.
FSC logo Use
– The FSC logo is a stamp to guarantee the paper comes from responsible sources that support forest conservation, but that do all the various FSC logos mean?

– FSC 100% > made from 100% virgin material from FSC-certified forests
– FSC MIX > made from a combination of FSC virgin fibre and/or recycled materials
– FSC RECYCLED > made from 100% recycled fibre
We learned a lot from the presentation and if you’re as passionate about print or paper as we are, and would like to learn more or have any questions, drop us a line.
Posted by: May