About Paper Stocks

Types of Paper We Carry

Our standard paper inventory for small format printing up to 12" x 18" is white coated stock in varying thickness of text (book) weight and cover weight. We also carry 10 point gloss-coated one-side (C1S) stock.

We will print on color stocks with unique finishes by request which usually carry premium prices and some longer lead times. Special order surface finishes would include, linen, cotton, laid, satin and other finishes.

It's important to note this discussion of available paper stocks only relates to our small format, short-run digital printing presses. Large format graphic printing utilizes different types of both film and paper for displays, banner stands, vinyl banners and retail store merchandising.

Paper Basis Weights

Weights of paper generally refers to the density and thickness of a particular sheet of paper regardless of its final trimmed size. Paper weight basis is determined by the total weight of 500 sheets of a particular type of paper at a certain sheet size. Following is the industry standard of measurement of paper weight basis.

Text (Book) Weight. Weight of 500 sheets at a 25" x 36" sheet size.

Cover Weight. Weight of 500 sheets at a 20" x 26" sheet size.

Bond Weight. Weight of 500 sheets at a 17" x 22" sheet size.

The formula gets rather confusing. For example, an "80 lb Cover" paper stock is thicker than "80 lb Text" because the total weight weight of 500 sheets is measured at differing "parent sheet sizes of 20" x 26" versus 25" x 36".

Choosing The Best Paper For The Project

Our standard inventory of paper stocks for small format digital printing is either "Gloss Coated" or "Dull Coated". We also carry sheets that are Gloss Coated on One Side and Non-Coated on the reverse side. We refer to those paper stocks as "C1S".

The purpose and function of the print projects determines the best paper surface and paper weight to use for your specific needs and objectives.

Gloss versus Dull Coated. Gloss is generally best for photo-intense printing. By reflecting light back at the reader, photos will appear more brilliant and sharper with higher contrast and richer color.

When the printed piece is text-heavy, dull coat is generally the best choice because light rays will cast back at the reader, which makes reading inconvenient and tires the eyes.

If photos and heavy text is relatively balanced on the document a subjective decision is made on what best serves the needs of the target reader.

Gloss and Dull Coated paper stock is premium quality stock that will put your best image forward.

Coated One Side Paper Stocks. Often called "C1S", these paper stocks are generally used for posters, business cards, post cards and note cards. The gloss coated side in best for achieving rich color photos. The non-coated side is more ideal for hand-writing personal messages on postcards, note cards and greeting cards.

Always At Your Service

We are more than glad to suggest the best paper choices for your print projects. The type, weight and surface finishes are highly dependent upon your specific objectives.