Choosing the Right Paper for Your Print Project

When it comes to professional printing, many businesses focus primarily on design, layout, and colour schemes, often overlooking one critical element—the paper. But paper isn’t just a blank canvas; it plays a crucial role in determining the quality, feel, and overall effectiveness of your print project. Whether you’re printing brochures, business cards, reports, or marketing materials, selecting the right paper can make a significant difference in how your final product is perceived.

Understand Your Project Requirements

The first step in selecting the right paper is to clearly define the purpose and audience of your print project. Different types of projects require different paper qualities:

  • Business Cards: These need to be sturdy and durable, so a heavier cardstock (200+ GSM) with a premium feel is best.
  • Brochures and Flyers: For marketing materials, you’ll want something that’s visually appealing and easy to handle. A mid-weight paper (100-120 GSM) with a glossy or matte finish works well.
  • Reports and Proposals: For formal documents, a smooth, high-quality paper with a professional finish is ideal. A heavier paper (150-200 GSM) for the cover and a lighter paper for the inner pages gives a more professional appearance.
  • Posters and Banners: Large-scale prints need a paper that can handle wide-format printing and resist wear and tear, especially if it’s intended for outdoor use.

By understanding the specific needs of your project, you can narrow down the paper options that will best meet your goals.

Consider Paper Weight

Paper weight is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing paper, but it’s also an area that many people don’t fully understand. Paper weight, measured in GSM (grams per square meter), affects thickness, durability, and how the paper feels in hand:

  • Lightweight Paper (70-90 GSM): Commonly used for internal documents, letters, and bulk printing. It’s affordable but lacks the durability for high-end projects.
  • Standard Paper (100-120 GSM): Suitable for everyday printing needs, including brochures and flyers. It offers a good balance between quality and cost.
  • Heavyweight Paper (130-170 GSM): Ideal for premium brochures, high-quality flyers, and marketing materials where durability and a premium feel are important.
  • Cardstock (200+ GSM): Used for business cards, postcards, covers, and other materials where rigidity and durability are essential.
Stacks of neatly bundled paper with varying thicknesses, highlighting durability and consistent paper weight, ideal for professional printing and bulk office use.

Choosing the right weight depends on the purpose of your printed material. Heavier paper often conveys a sense of quality and durability, but it also comes at a higher cost. If you’re unsure which paper weight to choose, our team can guide you through the best options.

Decide on a Finish: Matte, Glossy, or Uncoated

The finish of the paper directly affects both the look and feel of your printed materials. The three most common finishes are matte, glossy, and uncoated:

  • Matte Finish: A non-reflective surface that gives a smooth, sophisticated look. It’s ideal for professional documents, reports, and high-end brochures, as it reduces glare and enhances readability.
  • Glossy Finish: A shiny, reflective surface that makes colours pop. Glossy paper is perfect for images, photographs, and marketing materials where visual impact is crucial.
  • Uncoated Paper: Paper with no coating, giving it a more natural, textured feel. It’s great for business stationery, letterheads, and projects where a traditional, understated look is desired.

When choosing a finish, consider the type of content you’re printing. For projects with a lot of images, glossy paper may be the best choice. For text-heavy documents, matte or uncoated paper might be more appropriate.

Evaluate Paper Colour

Another often-overlooked aspect of paper is colour. Did you know the colour of the paper can influence the overall tone of your printed materials?

  • Bright White: Offers high contrast and sharpness, making it ideal for projects with vivid colours and detailed images.
  • Off-White/Ivory: Provides a softer, more traditional appearance—perfect for invitations, formal stationery, and projects where a warmer tone is preferred.

For branded materials, it’s essential to consider how your brand colours will appear on different shades of white. Printing a test run on various paper colours can help you choose the one that best complements your design.

Think About Sustainability

If your business is environmentally conscious, it’s essential to think about sustainability when choosing paper:

  • Recycled Paper: Made from post-consumer waste, recycled paper is a great choice for reducing environmental impact. It comes in various weights and finishes, making it suitable for a wide range of projects.
  • FSC-Certified Paper: The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certifies paper products that come from responsibly managed forests. Using FSC-certified paper ensures that your materials are produced sustainably.
  • Biodegradable and Compostable Paper: For businesses with a strong focus on sustainability, biodegradable and compostable papers break down naturally, reducing waste.

Choosing sustainable paper options not only supports eco-friendly initiatives but can also enhance your brand’s image as a responsible business.

high-speed industrial printing press in action, showcasing an efficient offset printing method

Consider the Printing Method

The printing method used for your project plays a significant role in the best paper choice. Different printing techniques work better with certain types of paper:

  • Digital Printing: Ideal for short runs and projects with quick turnaround times. Digital printing works well with a wide range of papers, but it’s important to choose paper that’s compatible with the specific printer being used.
  • Offset Printing: Best for high-volume projects. Offset printing delivers high-quality results, especially on uncoated or matte papers. It’s also more cost-effective for large print runs.

Consulting with our printing specialists ensures that the paper you choose is compatible with our printing technology. This will help you avoid issues like smudging, bleeding, or colour inconsistency.

Don’t Forget About Texture

Texture adds a tactile element to your printed materials, enhancing the sensory experience for your audience. Some textured papers, such as linen or felt, can give a premium feel to business cards, invitations, or high-end brochures. However, textured paper isn’t suitable for every project—especially those with detailed images or small text, as texture can interfere with clarity.

Consider your brand identity and the message you want to convey when deciding on texture. A luxury brand might benefit from textured paper, while a tech company might prefer smooth, matte paper that conveys modernity.

Ready to Make a Lasting Impression? 

Whether you’re aiming for an eye-catching, colourful design or a sleek, minimalist look, we’ve got you covered. Refresh your brand and give your business cards an updated, professional feel that truly communicates your value to potential clients. At Jennings Print, we specialise in high-quality printing and care about every detail.

If you’re unsure which paper to choose, our team at Jennings Pint are here to help guide you through the process, ensuring that you get the best results for your print project. Request a quote today to get started.