Types Of Paper For Printing: How To Choose The Right Stock

The paper stock you select for any print job can impact everything from appearance and feel to durability and production cost. When it comes to choosing the right paper, there are many different options, each suited to different purposes. The right choice will heavily depend on the type of print you’re producing and the impression you want to create. 

Choosing the right paper comes down to 2 decisions: the finish (such as gloss, silk or uncoated) and paper weight (measured in GSM). Getting these right will result in your print looking and feeling exactly as you intend. 

What Does GSM Mean?

The paper weight is one of the most important decisions and is the thing that’s usually most overlooked. GSM stands for grams per square metre, and simply refers to the weight of one square metre of paper. The higher the GSM, the thicker and heavier the paper is. 

GSM really matters. A flimsy leaflet can undermine a premium brand, whilst heavy paper used on a notepad will make writing and turn pages tricky. 

Here’s a quick guide on which GSM is suited to which print product:

GSM Range	Feel & Typical Use
80–100gsm	Lightweight, everyday copy paper. For standard leaflets and internal documents
100–120gsm	Slightly heavier. For letterheads, compliment slips, notepads
130–170gsm	Mid-weight. Most popular for leaflets, flyers, and brochures
200–230gsm	Substantial. For heavier flyers, folded brochures, premium leaflets
300gsm+	Card weight. For postcards, business cards, greetings cards
350–400gsm	Premium card. For luxury business cards, invitations

Coated vs Uncoated Paper

The answer to what you choose will shape every other decision you make. Deciding between coated and uncoated paper isn’t just about how the paper will look, it impacts how the ink sits on the surface, how colours appear and whether or not the finished print can be written on.

Coated Paper

Coated paper has had a treatment applied during manufacture. This coating seals the paper fibres to create a smooth surface that allows ink to sit on top rather than being absorbed into the fibres. The result is sharper details and more vibrant colours. Examples of coated paper options are silk and gloss stocks. 

Uncoated Paper

Uncoated paper has had no surface treatment. Ink is absorbed into the paper fibres, which provides a more natural look. Colours can be a little less vivid, but the surface can be written on, which makes it ideal for notepads, letterheads, appointment cards, compliment slips, activity guides – essentially anything that needs to be filled in by hand. 

Neither option is better than the other. Choose the right one that suits the print job in question.

Paper Finishes Explained

The three main paper finishes in commercial printing are gloss, silk and uncoated. Each has its own distinct look and purpose. 

Gloss

Gloss paper has a reflective surface that makes for vivid colours and images. It’s the finish most people picture when they think of professional print.

Best for: Flyers, leaflets, postcards, product catalogues, anything where vibrant colours are a priority.

Pros:

• Colours appear bright and saturated
• Sharp image reproduction
• Premium, eye-catching appearance

Cons:

• Can show fingerprints
• Not suitable for writing on – ink from pens tends to smear
• Surface can cause glare under bright lights

Silk

Silk is a coated stock with a smooth, less shiny surface – sometimes described as satin.

Best for: Brochures, business cards, premium flyers, anything where you want quality without the high gloss look.

Pros:

• Excellent colour reproduction
• Less prone to fingerprints than gloss
• Feels substantial in the hand

Cons:

• Not ideal for writing on
• Slightly less vibrant for very image heavy print

Uncoated (Matte)

Uncoated paper has no surface treatment. This results in a natural feel and absorbs ink into the paper fibres.

Best for: Notepads, letterheads, compliment slips, stationery, forms – anything that will be written on or needs a natural look.

Pros:

• Easy to write on with any pen or pencil
• Works well for text heavy documents
• Often the preferred choice for recycled stocks or eco friendly projects

Cons:

• Colours are less vivid than on coated stocks
• Not ideal for photographic or highly image-driven print

Recycled Paper For Printing – Does It Compromise Quality?

To address the question directly – no, recycled paper doesn’t have to result in lower quality print. Some older recycled paper stocks can feel rough or look off-white, but modern 100% recycled paper can deliver results that are indistinguishable to most people who pick it up.

A key part of this is the print production process. For example, vegetable based inks are better suited to recycled stocks. Plus, paper is one of the most widely recycled materials (data from Two Sides), so choosing recycled paper stock is far more than just a token gesture. 

Recycled paper is available across a wide range of products and GSM weights. If sustainability matters, ask your printer what recycled options are available.

How To Choose The Right Paper

Still not sure? Here’s a quick checklist:

Will the print be written on? > Choose uncoated. People can write on uncoated stock, writing will smudge or smear on gloss and silk

Does it need to be repeatedly handled? > Choose a stock 300 gsm or above. Lighter stocks will easily crease. 

Is it for a premium brand? > Silk is the most common finish for premium quality print

Is it a high volume print run on a budget? > Choose 80-130gsm on standard coated paper. 

Is sustainability important? > Ask for 100% recycled paper stock.

A good printer will always be happy to talk through the options.

Ready To Print?

Every print job at Inkwell is treated individually. Our 100% recycled paper range is available across a wide selection of products – and it’s backed by a genuine partnership with the Woodland Trust. 

Browse our print catalogue, pick your stock, or simply drop us a message.