print paperWhen it comes to your next printing project, you want to ensure that it’s done right. After all, your business is relying on this batch of printing to convey your message to future customers. Any type of printing project starts with one basic question: What’s the right type of paper for the project that I’m working on? 

 

Before you call up the local printer to inquire about a new job, here’s everything you should know about choosing the perfect paper:

Paper Weight

The first thing to consider is what weight you want the paper to be. A lower paper weight will indicate a thinner paper, with 16-pound bond paper usually being the lowest. This is frequently used for copy paper, projects with several pages, or internal documents. A small step up to 24-lb bond paper would be best used for letterhead or reports. 

 

You can even go up to 36-pound bond paper for resumés or legal documents, while a heftier 65-pound cover stock is more durable for business cards and brochures. 

Brightness

Most people know that they want their paper to be white, but how white do you really need it? Believe it or not, paper brightness varies and can have a noticeable difference from one end of the spectrum to the other. For those who aren’t printing on coloured paper, this is a very important distinction, so be sure to ask for samples of the paper prior to print. 

 

Brightness is measured on a scale of 0 to 100, where the brightest whites will have a higher rating. Cream will show up on the lower end of the rating scale, while a bright white with a slight blue tint will be the brightest. 

Opacity

Do you want to be able to see through the sheet of paper you print on? Opacity describes how transparent your paper will be. This influences how well you’ll be able to see what’s printed on the back side of the paper, as well as how well you’ll be able to see any pages that follow your top page. 

 

Some people prefer more translucent papers for the artistic effect of being able to see the pages underneath. 

Paper Finishes

You’ll also want to ask what type of finish a paper has. A smooth finish is preferred by many people, while bond paper is a step up. For a rougher finish, you might prefer vellum or cockle. In addition, the finish of the paper will determine how glossy any images will be and how the ink will show up on the page. 

Consult With the Experts

Do you need printing services for your upcoming event? PrintPro Digital & Offset Printing

 can help you with each stage of your next project, from design to paper selection and more. If you need help with your trade show displays in Winnipeg, contact us today to learn more about how we can help you get the print materials you need to make your event a success!