What types of Paper should I use for my Printing?

Common paper weights vary from 60gsm up to 400gsm.

60-70gsm is very thin, and is usually seen in newsprint and NCR books.  NCR means No Carbon Required and it’s the paper used in Tax Invoice Books or Quotation Books where you write on the top part and the writing automatically copies onto the copy papers below.

80gsm – Most commonly found in white bond.  It’s your standard photocopy paper which you see in the shops.  You can buy Bond paper in many colours and in weight ranges from 80-120gsm.

90 to 115gsm – a thinish paper, often used for the inside of magazines, booklets and marketing flyers. Care needs to be taken with density of ink coverage, as it can be “see through”.  It comes in a number of finishes, Gloss, Satin and Matt.  Can be easily folded.

130gsm to 150gsm – a standard paper, not too thin and not too heavy.  Most commonly used in magazines, marketing flyers and brochures.  Can take high density of ink and has a good feel factor.  Again comes in a number of finishes – Gloss, Satin and Matt.  Can be easily folded.

170gsm to 210gsm would be described as heavier paper, but not quite card.  Wide range of uses from magazine covers, posters, flyers that need some substance to stand up on their own, or flyers which you want to feel more substanial.  Can take high density of ink and has a good feel factor. Again comes in a number of finishes – Gloss, Satin and Matt.  Care needs to be taken with folding to ensure “cracking” doesn’t occur at the 210gsm end.

250gsm to 350gsm would be described as card. Generally used for Business Cards, Presentation Folders, Post Cards, Greeting cards etc.  Can take high density of ink and comes in a number of finishes – gloss, satin and matt.  Paper needs to be scored prior to folding.  Some papers will not fold well, your print professional will provide appropriate advice.

Need further help or want to order some printing, call Diana on 1300 134 894.