Have you ever printed a flyer or business card only to realize the paper ruined the look you were going for? The right choice of printing paper can fix that.
But which is the best printing paper for your project? Find out in our blog post. Below are the top 15 types of printing paper most used in printing materials.
1. Coated Paper
Characteristics
Coated paper comes in two main types: smooth coated, where one side is smooth, and double coated, where both sides are smooth.
Common Uses
This paper is used in brochures, magazines, and advertisements to give items a glossy finish.
Common Weights
The paper's weight categories range from 80g to 400g. That means you can get one at any of the following categories:
80g
105g
128g
157g
200g
250g
300g
350g
400g
2. Corrugated Paper
Characteristics
Corrugated paper is a material that has a distinctive fluted layer sandwiched between two flat sheets of paper. It is the top most popular in the United States and the other parts of the world.
Did you know that the demand for corrugated paper rose to $47 billion in 2024 in the United States alone? This paper is a staple in many people's daily lives.
Common Uses
You can use it for any of your everyday tasks. Be it protecting items during transit or storage, Corrugated paper remains the most popular option.
Common Thickness
There are multiple grades available, each made for various needs. This adaptability makes it an appealing choice for most users.
3. Woodfree Paper
Characteristics
Woodfree paper features a thin coating on both sides that improves its ability to absorb ink. This printing paper is common on single-color or multicolor materials.
Common Uses
Most of its applications are in book covers and text pages for books. But it is also found in the maps, postures, packaging materials we use in our day to day lives.
Common Weights
Woodfree comes in two main weight options: the 60g-120g and the 150g category. This is a lot of options, particularly for the lightweight categories.
4. White Cardboard
Characteristics
This is very distinctive: one of its sides is coated while the other side remains uncoated.
Common Uses
You may find it in the book covers, business cards, menus, packaging boxes, shopping bags, calendars, and tags you use daily.
Common Weights
White cardboard comes in 210g, 250g,300g,350g, and 400g weight categories.
5. Gold and Silver Cardboard
Characteristics
This is a premium type of paper that has a recognizable metallic sheen. The downside is its cost. Gold and silver cardboard is more expensive than most of the other types. This boils down to the cost of the metallic ink which is a key part of the coating process.
Common Uses
Because of its luxurious feel, this type of cardboard is a popular option for invitations, packaging, and decorative items. You may have seen it on any of these items below:
Cigarette
Liquor
Cosmetics
Toothpaste
Gift
Pharmaceutical
Common Weights
Do you want flexibility or durability? These weight options will determine what you get.
125g
250g
270g
320g
370g
420g
6. Matte Coated Paper
Characteristics
Matte coated paper has a smooth and a non-reflective surface. Some people call it “the uncoated copperplate paper.”
Common Uses
The items mostly printed on a matte coated paper include:
High-end catalogs
Elegant brochures
Premium matte magazines
Common Weights
Here are the most popular weight options for matte paper:
105g
128g
157g
200g
250g, or
The 300g
7. Light Coated Paper
Characteristics
Light-coated paper provides an affordable alternative to standard coated paper. This type of paper is also referred to as the low-density coated (LWC) paper.
Common Uses
It's used in magazines, advertisements, and product catalogs, among others.
Common Weights
There are many weight options for LWC paper. What you choose determines what you get.
48g
50g
58g
64g
70g
80g.
8. Pearl Paper
Characteristics
This is the paper that gives off a beautiful pearlescent sheen that you see in gift tags or other items listed below.
Common Uses
Pearl paper makes some of the best high-end catalogs, greeting cards, gift tags, and books out there.
Common Weights
The weight options include:
120g
250g, and
280g
9. Dull Finish Paper
Characteristics
Dull finish paper is an option if you want your prints to look professional without being overly glossy. It is referred to as “offset printing paper” and features a non-coated surface that delivers clear images.
Common Uses
You can rely on dull finish paper for your wedding albums, notebooks, and photo printing needs.
Common Weights
You can choose the lighter 70g or 80g for projects where durability isn't a top concern. But that is not all.
There are heavier options (100g and 120g) that work well for items that demand a bit more substance.
10. Sulphite Paper
Characteristics
Sulphite paper is a semi-transparent paper that resists sunlight, heat, and aging. This paper doesn't deform easily.
Common Uses
Its unique qualities makes it common in cover pages, clothing tags, or bookbinding.
Common Weights
Another good thing is that this paper is available in several weight categories. You have the following options:
70g
80g
100g, and
120g
11. Specialty Paper
Characteristics
Specialty paper is what people go for when regular paper just doesn't cut it. This type of paper is designed with specific features in mind, like being water-resistant, extra absorbent, or super opaque.
Common Uses
You'll often find specialty paper in fancy catalogs, luxurious brochures, or sleek business cards. It's perfect when you need something that looks and feels a cut above the rest.
Common Weights
This paper comes in over five weight options, so you've got plenty of choices. Some common weights include 80g, 105g, 128g, 157g, 200g, 250g, 300g, and 350g. Whatever your project, there's likely a weight that fills.
12. Kraft Paper
Characteristics
Kraft paper is one of the most durable types of paper available. You can easily recognize it based on its distinctive yellow-brown color. While this is usually unbleached, some people choose to bleach it for a lighter appearance.
Common Uses
This versatile material is used for creating durable shopping bags to hold groceries, clothes, or other purchases without tearing.
Common Weights
The lightest one weighs 100g and you can choose up to 400g of water-resistant material for your printing project.
13. White Kraft Paper
Characteristics
This is the bleached kraft paper. It features a striking white color unlike the yellow to brown color of traditional kraft paper.
Common Uses
White kraft paper adds charm to everyday essentials. Most people use it in shopping bags, file folders, or gift bags. You can use it in envelopes as well.
Common Weights
It is available in a 80g to 200g weight range, which allows you to choose the perfect material for your needs.
14. Grayboard
Characteristics
This is a thick paperboard that features a rough uncoated surface. It is easy to identify thanks to its grayish appearance.
Common Uses
Grayboard is not used for high-quality printing. Instead, its durability makes it a practical choice for applications that require only strength. Some of which includes:
Single-layer boxes
Corrugated boxes
Paper tags
Labels
Common Weights
Grayboard doesn't confine you to a single weight class. It's available in five distinct categories: 250g, 300g, 350g, 400g, and 450g.
15. Duplex Board
Characteristics
A Duplex board is a type of paperboard that is shiny on one side and rougher on the other.
Common Uses
Duplex board is perfect for vibrant designs on book covers and gift boxes.
Common Thickness
There are various thickness options available to suit your needs. The most popular choices include: 5mm, 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, and 3.5mm. Each offer you a distinct advantage.
Conclusion
Your project deserves the best, so take your time choosing a paper that complements your vision. The right choice can provide elegance, durability, and a professional finish. The wrong one will fail to bring your vision to life.
