Paper Range
When selecting paper for printed materials, the coating and finish of the stock have a major impact on colour vibrancy, readability, durability, and overall visual feel. Below is an overview of the four main categories of print paper—Gloss, Silk, Matte, and Uncoated—including their properties, best uses, pros, cons, and finishing compatibility.
- Gloss is best for vivid, high-impact imagery where colour and sharpness need to stand out – great for magazines, flyers, and promotional print, but can cause glare for text-heavy content.
- Silk offers a versatile middle ground with vibrant colours and easy readability, making it the most popular choice for brochures, leaflets, posters, and general marketing materials.
- Matte provides a modern, non-reflective finish ideal for text-heavy or premium brand pieces, and works exceptionally well with contrasting finishes like spot UV or foil.
- Uncoated delivers a natural, tactile, eco-friendly look and feel, often made from recycled materials, but colours are more muted and the stock is less durable for folding.
- For image-led designs, choose Gloss or Silk; for premium or text-focused designs, choose Matte or Uncoated.
- Consider the final purpose of the product—visual impact, readability, sustainability, durability, and budget—to select the most suitable stock.
Gloss Coated Paper
Gloss coated paper, as the name suggests, has a high-shine, reflective finish. A gloss coating is applied to both sides of the sheet, creating a smooth, polished surface that delivers a photographic quality ideal for image-rich designs.
Key Features & Benefits:
- High colour vibrancy & contrast: The gloss coating reduces ink absorption, allowing colours to sit sharply on the surface. Blacks appear richer and images look more saturated and crisp.
- Smooth premium finish: Gives printed materials a modern, high-end feel.
- Enhanced with finishing treatments: Can be further elevated with gloss machine sealing, gloss UV varnish or full gloss lamination for maximum shine.
- Resistant to cracking when folded: Ideal for folded brochures or leaflets, often without the need for scoring.
Drawbacks:
- High reflectiveness = glare: Not ideal for large volumes of text, as the shine can make content harder to read under direct light.
- Fingerprints more visible: Particularly on dark backgrounds.
Best Uses:
- Magazines
- High-impact flyers
- Catalogues
- Product brochures
- Posters featuring photography and imagery
Silk Coated Paper
Silk (also known as satin) coated paper provides a middle ground between gloss and matte. It delivers a subtle sheen without the high shine and glare of gloss, making it one of the most versatile and popular coated papers.
Key Features & Benefits:
- Balanced finish: Smooth surface with a soft sheen—neither shiny nor flat.
- Vibrant yet readable: Colours remain bright, while text stays clear and easy to read.
- Professional appearance: Offers a refined, sophisticated look that suits both images and text.
- Widely compatible with finishing options: Works well with spot UV, foil blocking, embossing/debossing, and lamination.
Drawbacks:
- Slightly less vibrant than gloss for full-colour images.
- Not as tactile or “natural” as uncoated stock.
Most Popular Use Cases:
Silk is the most commonly used coated stock for commercial print, ideal for:
- Corporate brochures
- Leaflets & flyers
- Posters
- Presentation folders
- Packaging sleeves and cartons (e.g., pillow packs, box sleeves)
- Event programmes and annual reports
Matte Coated Paper
Matte coated paper has a non-reflective coating applied to both sides, producing a dull, smooth finish. It combines a modern aesthetic with practical readability.
Key Features & Benefits:
- Anti-glare surface: Comfortable to read, making it ideal for text-heavy documents.
- Soft, understated colour reproduction: Colours are solid and well-defined, but not as glossy or vibrant as silk or gloss.
- Pairs exceptionally well with contrasting finishes: Matte stock makes spot UV, foiling, or raised varnish stand out dramatically for a premium effect.
Drawbacks:
- Colours appear more muted compared to gloss or silk.
- Fingerprints can sometimes be more noticeable on darker matte surfaces.
Best Uses:
- High-end brochures & brand books
- Luxury product catalogues
- Reports & manuals
- Stationery (menus, invitations, presentation documents)
- Projects that combine matte with spot UV or foil for contrast
Uncoated Paper
Uncoated paper has no surface coating, leaving the fibres exposed. This produces a natural, tactile feel with more visible texture. It has grown significantly in popularity due to the demand for sustainable and eco-friendly print materials.
Sustainability Benefits:
- Often available as 100% recycled or high-recycled content
- Fully recyclable and often compostable
- Lower chemical processing than coated stocks, depending on the grade
Key Features & Benefits:
- Natural, tactile, premium feel: Suggests authenticity, craftsmanship, and sustainability—ideal for brands with an eco-conscious or artisanal identity.
- Highly absorbent: Ink sinks into the fibres for a softer, more muted look, which is desirable for subtle, understated design styles.
- Excellent for writing on: Perfect for stationery or items that require handwriting or stamping.
Drawbacks:
- Colours are less vibrant: Absorbs ink, reducing sharpness and saturation.
- Less durable: More prone to scuffing, tearing, and cracking when folded unless scored first.
- Not ideal for photography-heavy print if colour accuracy is critical.
Best Uses:
- Business stationery (letterheads, compliment slips, business cards)
- Notebooks and writing pads
- Sustainable packaging and wrap-arounds
- Menus & invitations
- Luxury tactile brochures and brand collateral
- Books (particularly literary, art, or eco-focused publications)
Choosing the Right Paper: Quick Comparison
| Paper Type | Finish | Colour Vibrancy | Best For | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gloss | High shine | ★★★★★ | Photography, marketing | Glare, harder to read text |
| Silk/Satin | Soft sheen | ★★★★☆ | Brochures, flyers, mixed content | Slightly less vibrant than gloss |
| Matte | Smooth, non-reflective | ★★★☆☆ | Text-heavy, premium brand pieces | Muted colours |
| Uncoated | Natural texture | ★★☆☆☆ | Sustainable & tactile items | Easily marks, colour absorption |
Frequently Asked Questions
Uncoated paper is the best option for items requiring handwriting, stamping or signing, such as letterheads, notebooks, and certificates. Coated papers tend to resist pen ink and can smudge.
Generally, coated papers are slightly more expensive due to the additional manufacturing process. However, pricing varies depending on weight, brand, and sustainability certifications.
Yes, but results differ. Coated papers produce sharper imagery and stronger colours on both methods; uncoated paper absorbs more ink, meaning colours may look slightly duller—especially in litho printing.
It depends on the product. For example:
- Flyers: 130–170gsm
- Brochures & posters: 150–250gsm
- Business cards & covers: 300–400gsm Heavier paper feels more premium but may increase cost and postage weight.
Uncoated paper is commonly the most sustainable option, especially when FSC® certified or made from 100% recycled fibres. However, many coated stocks are now available with recycled content too.
Folded print on gloss or silk is less prone to cracking, while uncoated paper may show more cracking unless scored first. Thicker paper of any type should be scored before folding.
Matte and uncoated stocks are most associated with a luxury, premium feel—especially when paired with finishes like foil, embossing/debossing, or soft-touch lamination.
