To choose a paper stock correctly for your next project, you need to understand three basic things: paper type, paper weight and finishing options. These three things collectively are often understood as “Paper Stock.”
Terminology
The world of paper has its own set of language, but we only need to identify a few common terms surrounding our goal to create the perfect professional business card.
- Bond Paper — Paper with rag content that was originally used for bonds and bank notes, often used for documents, letters, and general printing. This is the stuff we usually by in 500-sheet reams, measured in pounds. Bond paper is also called text weight paper.
- Cover Paper — Heavier card stock paper generally used for business cards, greeting cards, covers, menus, and postcards, etc. Cover paper is also called card weight paper, or card stock.
- Finishing — A texture that is applied to the business card, usually matte or glossy, in a range of varying textures (metallic, antique, etc.) and colors.
- Point — A point (pt) is used to indicate the thickness of cover (card stock) papers. Common point sizes are written as 8 pt, 10 pt, 12 pt, and 14 pt paper. The higher the pt value, the thicker the paper. A point—or pt—equals .001 inch.
- Thickness — The thickness of paper is measured in points (pts), the thickness of a sheet in thousandths of an inch. Card stock thicknesses generally range from 8-14 pts (8-11 pts flimsy, 12-14 pts firm).
- Weight — Weight is the term used to measure the heaviness of paper in pounds, and based on grams per square meter. Weights range from 20 to 80 pounds for bond paper and 50 to 140 pounds for card stock. In terms of grams per square meter (gsm), the range is usually from 60 gsm to 150gsm.
Firm Card Stock
Using firm card stock paper that is thicker feels more substantial and lends visual weight to your business card. This firm, heavy weight paper signifies importance and seriousness in your business card and in turn your business.
- Printing on firm card stock. Thicker papers hold up well with heavy ink coverage used for bold typefaces and images. Industrial printers handle thicker papers better than desktop printers do. Printing on the proper card stock paper creates a quality look that shows you mean business.
- Reading from firm card stock. Reading text and viewing images created on firm card stock creates visual satisfaction, especially when good ink absorbs properly into quality card stock paper.
- Handling firm card stock. Presenting your contact with a firm business card creates a valuable and lasting image for your business.
Paper Type
Before we describe the difference between paper stocks, it’s a good idea to understand that paper basically comes one of two ways: GLOSSY or UNCOATED. It is then described by the weight and with any additional finishing options that may be applied. Paper Stock is written in terms of paper weight, paper type and any optional finish that may be applied. For example, “12 pt. Gloss” means the paper has a weight of 12 points with an inherent gloss sheen. However, “12 pt UV Gloss Coated” means that an additional finish (UV coating) has been applied.
GLOSS
Refers to the coating of the paper. Not to be confused with a post-production finishing process such as UV Coating or AQ Coating. “Gloss” simply refers to the actual gloss sheen of the paper itself, prior to printing. In finishing, however; “gloss” can describe an additional UV or AQ coating. Gloss stock may additionally be described in terms of C1S or C2S:
C1S
Coated One Side: Sheet is glossy on front, flat with no coating on back.
C2S
Coated Two Sides: Sheet is glossy on both sides.
UNCOATED
Uncoated means just that; there is no additional coating. This stock is commonly use for letterhead, envelopes and personal stationary. In this case, we recommend that you DO NOT use dark colors with high color density on this stock (black, purple, blue, brown, etc) because they may soak into the paper and possibly bleed. Use lighter colors for best results on uncoated stock.
Silk /Satin / Dull Cover
Matte, dull and silk coated stocks have a flat, unreflective or dull finish. These types of paper are frequently used to make pages easier to read that are text or type intensive. Having said that, it is still difficult for the end user to actually the difference in most instances. Dull Matte cover stock is a less expensive alternative to “Silk” or “Satin” cards because its elegant smooth finish closely resembles that of the more expensive silk or satin cards on the market.
Paper Weight
Now that you understand the two types of paper options and the various finishes they can have, it becomes much easier to understand the third and final factor: paper weight.
The weight of the paper stock, also known as caliper, is measured in 1/1000 of an inch. While their are a variety of weights, there are really only two options – COVER or TEXT.
Cover
As the name suggests, this stock is often used for the covers of brochures, booklets, calendars or products such as business cards, postcards, rack cards, collectors cards, bookmarks, hang tags, presentation folders and items requiring a durable paper stock. Cover stock is meant for products not typically meant to be folded, bent or easily torn. If bending is needed (such as with greeting or tent cards) then a score is required. Cover stock weight is described in points (pt). For example, “14 pt. Gloss Cover”. The higher the points, the thicker the paper. While this is not a complete list of cover stocks available, here is a list of the more popular:
10 pt. Cover Gloss
10 pt. Cover Soft Gloss; 10 pt. Heavy Duty Soft Cover Gloss; 10 pt. Soft Cover Gloss.
Description: Same as 14 pt Cover Gloss, but thinner for different applications.
Popular Uses: brochures, menus, flyers, door hangers, catalog covers, greeting cards, posters.
Noted Attributes: Foldable.
10 pt. Cover Matte
10 pt. Cover Soft Matte; 10 pt. Heavy Duty Matte Cover Gloss; 10 pt. Soft Cover Matte.
Description: A thick cover stock with a dull finish and soft texture.
Popular Uses: brochures, menus, flyers, door hangers, catalog covers, greeting cards, posters.
Noted Attributes: Foldable, markable, limited printer support, recycled material.
11 pt. Cover Gloss – 100lb Cover Gloss
Similar to 100 lb Gloss Text, but much thicker and heavier.
Description: Thicker than 10pt cover stock with a soft shine and texture. Similar to 100 lb Gloss Text, but much thicker and heavier. Use when durability, not just thickness is a factor.
Popular Uses: brochures, menus, flyers, door hangers, catalog covers, greeting cards, posters.
Noted Attributes: Durable.
11 pt. Cover Matte – 100lb Cover Matte
Variations Include: 11 pt. Matte Cover lb Gloss Text, but much thicker and heavier.
Description: Same as 100 lb Gloss Cover but Matte, having a dull finish and notably smooth.
Popular Uses: brochures, menus, flyers, door hangers, catalog covers, greeting cards, posters.
Noted Attributes: Durable, smooth finish, environment friendly.
14 pt. Gloss Cover
Variations Include: 14 pt. Gloss Coated; 14 pt. Heavy Duty Gloss; 14 pt. Gloss UV Coated.
Description: This is a very popular heavy duty slick surfaced gloss paper.
Popular Uses: Business cards, postcards and rackcards or any product where a thick stock and slick surface is desired.
Noted Attributes: Extra thick card stock with gloss finish, not writable or printable.
14 pt. Uncoated Cover
14 pt. Premium Uncoated Cover; 14 pt. Cover Uncoated; or similar variations refer to a heavy duty cover stock with an uncoated finish.
Description: This is a Heavy Duty Stock with no extra coating applied.
Popular Uses: as above or any product where a thick stock with no shine is desired
Noted Attributes: Mailing friendly, heavy card stock
14 pt. Dull Matte Cover
14 pt. Dull Coated; 14 pt. 14 pt Cardstock, Dull Matte Coated, 14 pt. Dull Cover, 14 pt. Matte, 14 pt. Matte Cover or any variation of the above may the same thing.
Description: A heavy duty stock dull coated for an elegant and smooth matte finish.
Popular Uses: business cards, club card flyers, postcards, hang tags, rack cards, presentation folders.
Noted Attributes: mail friendly, markable, limited printer support
14 pt. UV Gloss Cover
Variations Include: 14 pt. Ultra-Violet Gloss Stock; 14 pt. Cover High Gloss; 14 pt. Gloss UV Coated;
Description: This is a Heavy Duty Stock with “ultimate” shine that features a Fade-Resistant UV Coating. This stock is almost always picked for the business card and rack card printing we do, with postcards being very close behind.
Popular Uses: Business cards, club card flyers, postcards, hang tags, rack cards,
folders, brochures, booklets, bookmarks, greeting cards.
Noted Attributes: Extra thick card stock with ultra high gloss finish, not writable or printable.
14 pt. Gloss, AQ Coated
14 pt. Gloss Coated; 14 pt. Ultra-Violet Gloss Stock, 14 pt. Cover High Gloss, 14 pt. Heavy Duty Gloss, 14 pt. Gloss UV Coated or any variation of the above all means the same thing.
Description: This is a heavy-duty gloss stock with an additional Aqueous Coating.
Popular Uses: Business cards, club card flyers, postcards, hang tags, rack cards,
folders, brochures, booklets, bookmarks, greeting cards.
Noted Attributes: Extra thick card stock with a notable gloss sheen, not writable or printable.
Text / Book
Also known as “book” stock – Text stock gets its name because it is meant for products that often include a lot of text and can be easily folded. Products such as flyers, posters, menus, catalogs, brochures, newsletters, door hangers, letterhead, envelopes, stationery, sales sheets, are most popular. Text stock weight is described in pounds (lb). For example, “100 lb Text Gloss”. The lower the weight, the thinner the paper. While this is not a complete list of cover stocks available, here is a list of the more popular:
100 lb Gloss Book
Also called: 100 lb Text Gloss; 100 lb Gloss Text; 100 lb Book Gloss.
Description: Heavy Text Stock (25% Thicker than 80lb Gloss Text; 40% Thinner than 11pt Cover/100 lb Cover) with a soft gloss finish and Aqueous Coating.
Popular Uses: flyers, brochures, newsletters, sell sheets, mini menus, door hangers, catalog pages, posters.
Noted Attributes: Foldable.
100 lb Matte Book
Also called: 100 lb Text Matte; 100 lb Matte Text; 100 lb Book Matte.
Description: Heavy Text Stock with a soft finish and usually Dull Aqueous Coating.
Popular Uses: booklets, flyers, brochures, newsletters, sell sheets, mini menus, door hangers, catalog pages, posters.
Noted Attributes: Foldable, markable.
80 lb Matte Book
Also called: 80 lb Text Matte; 80 lb Matte Text; 80 lb Book Matte.
Description: 20% thinner than 100lb Gloss Text; 10% Thicker than 70 lb book with a soft matte finish and sometimes dull Aqueous Coating.
Popular Uses: Letterhead, envelopes, note pads, sales sheets.
Noted Attributes: Foldable, printer friendly, environment friendly.
70 lb Text Uncoated
Also called: 70 lb White Smooth; 70 lb Offset Smooth; 70 lb Book Smooth; 70 lb Opaque Smooth.
Description: High quality stock commonly used for corporate and personal stationery.
Holds color remarkably well.
Popular Uses: Letterhead, envelopes, notepad, personal stationary, sales sheets.
Noted Attributes: Foldable, printer friendly, environment friendly.
Finishing Options
Now that you understand the difference between paper types, let’s discuss the various finishing options available.
UV Coating
Ultra Violet Coating; UV; U.V.; Gloss UV, High-Gloss, Ultra-High Gloss.
A protective coating applied to a printed piece for a super glossy finish which enhances colors and provides limited protection against UV and water damaged. UV Coating is applied to a printed sheet, then bonded and cured with ultraviolet light, as opposed to Aqueous (AQ); which is cured with heat and evaporation. UV Coating tends to have a much glossier appearance (often described as a “high impact”, “ultimate shine” or “glossy” appearance that adds slightly to the overall weight of the product) than AQ Coating. The gloss feels very slick and refracts light well. Often combined with a heavy duty paper weight, the result truly looks fantastic and produces a product that won’t tear or bend easily.
AQ Coating
Aqueous Coating; Semi-Gloss Coating; Smudge-Proof Coating; Aqueous Silk.
Abbreviation for Aqueous Coating. This is available in gloss, satin (gloss + matte) and matte finishes. “Smudge-Proof”, “Smudge-Resistant”, “Water-Resistant” are all descriptive of AQ Coating. This clear coating is a semi post-production process in that it is applied directly after the inks. When the coating is applied, the product is sent through a heated air system that quickly dries the coated sheets for post production work. AQ Coating has long been an inexpensive substitute for a costly varnish application. The fast-drying, water-based, protective sheen provides a finish which boasts a very effective rub or scuff resistance (ideal for sales sheets and other material that will be handled a lot). In addition, aqueous coating protects the surface from dirt, smudges, fingerprints and scratches. AQ coating can also improve a products durability which is helpful for direct mailing, provided addresses are not directly ink-jet onto the AQ surface.
Unlike UV Coating which provides an ultra shinny high gloss finish, AQ Coating can be provided in either a semi-gloss or matte finish. For example, AQ Silk
Matte / Dull / Satin
Matte; Dull Matte; Dull Matte Coated; Satin Finish; Premium Satin.
Refers to the matte finish of AQ coating. Not to be confused with an uncoated paper type.