Paper is a big part of the experience your audience has with your brand. The feel, thickness, and finish all influence how people perceive your business card, brochure, poster, catalogue, or other piece before they even start reading it.
Choosing the right paper for a project can feel a little overwhelming at first. There are so many options, finishes, weights, and textures that it’s not always obvious where to start. But once you understand what each type of paper is designed to do, the decision becomes much easier (and even fun).
Fortunately, at United GMG, we offer a wide range of commercial printing papers, from everyday office stocks to luxury textures and specialty materials made for packaging, menus, mailers, and more. We’re here to help you figure out which stock best fits your next project.
The Different Types of Printing Paper
Paper comes in many forms, and each one is built to serve a specific purpose. Some are designed for everyday practicality, while others are engineered for outstanding image quality or long-lasting durability.
As you get familiar with each category, you’ll start to see how the right choice can promote your message, reinforce your brand, and support the way your printed piece will be used.
General Use Papers
General use papers are the everyday essentials. They’re the dependable options that work well in high-volume settings or for basic printing needs.
Copy Paper
Copy paper is the classic office staple. It’s lightweight, economical, and designed for quick, reliable printing. While it’s not meant for high-end marketing pieces, it’s ideal for memos, worksheets, drafts, and documents that simply need to get the job done.
Multipurpose Paper
Multipurpose paper offers a bit more versatility. It’s built to run well across laser printers, inkjet printers, and multifunction devices without frequent jamming or smudging. With slightly better opacity and surface quality than standard copy paper, it’s perfect for handouts, training packets, and reports where you want things to look crisp without going over budget.
Bond Paper
Bond paper features a more durable, professional feel. Often made with cotton fibers, it has a stiff, substantial quality that makes it great for letterheads, contracts, legal documents, and other materials that need to withstand repeated handling. Its clean ink holdout and polished appearance instantly elevate your communications.
Text Paper
Text paper is light and flexible but noticeably smoother and more refined than basic office stocks. It’s commonly used in brochures, newsletters, booklets, and other multipage pieces where you want a polished feel without adding unnecessary thickness. Text papers fold beautifully and support both text and images with clarity.
Coated Papers
Coated papers go through a finishing process that gives them a smooth surface and helps ink sit on top of the sheet rather than absorbing into the fibers. It creates sharper details, more vibrant colors, and a more polished appearance overall.
Gloss
Gloss paper has a shiny, high-impact finish. It’s fantastic for photography, product images, and any design where you want maximum color pop. Because it reflects light, it really comes to life in well-lit environments and is widely used for catalogs, postcards, and promotional materials.
Silk/Satin
Silk or satin coatings strike a balance between gloss and matte. They offer rich color reproduction without excessive shine, making them ideal for brochures, booklets, and branding materials that need to look refined but still easy to read. They also resist fingerprints better than high gloss.
Matte/Dull
Matte coated paper provides a soft, elegant finish with almost no shine. It gives colors a more understated look while keeping text highly readable. Matte stocks are popular for reports, presentations, and upscale marketing pieces where sophistication and clarity are the priorities. Some people refer to uncoated paper as “matte” but real matte is actually a coating.
Uncoated Papers
Uncoated papers have no surface coating, which gives them a natural, tactile feel—something people often associate with authenticity, warmth, or craftsmanship. Because they absorb more ink, the printed result has a softer, more organic look. They’re perfect for stationery, envelopes, nonprofit mailings, forms, reply cards, and anything that needs to be handwritten.
Uncoated stocks work especially well when you want to communicate trust, sincerity, or a handcrafted aesthetic.
Specialty & Durable Papers
Specialty papers help your piece stand out visually or withstand demanding conditions. These materials add personality, premium texture, or extra durability.
Photo Paper
Photo paper is designed for exceptional image sharpness and vibrant color. It’s best for art prints, portfolios, proofs, or any piece where photography needs to look rich and detailed.
Cardstock
Cardstock is thick, sturdy, and ideal for business cards, postcards, covers, table tents, and packaging elements. It gives your piece a sense of weight and importance the moment someone picks it up.
Kraft Stock
Kraft stock has a natural brown tone and a rustic, eco-friendly appearance. It’s perfect for artisanal brands, earthy aesthetics, and materials that rely on a warm, organic feel.
Recycled & Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-Certified Papers
These eco-friendly options minimize environmental impact while still delivering strong print performance. Recycled and FSC-certified papers are available in coated and uncoated versions and come in a broad range of textures and weights.
Linen, Felt, Laid, & Cotton Papers
Textured papers offer rich tactile experiences. Linen and laid sheets mimic traditional stationery patterns, felt stocks have a soft, fabric-like feel, and cotton papers provide exceptional durability with a luxurious touch. They’re perfect for invitations, certificates, and donor mailings.
Pearlized & Stipple Papers
Pearlized papers add a subtle shimmer that catches light beautifully, while stipple textures bring depth and visual interest. Both are excellent choices when you want your piece to feel elevated and memorable.
Synthetic/Waterproof Papers
Synthetic papers are tear-resistant, wipeable, and designed for environments where durability is essential. They’re ideal for menus, outdoor signage, maps, or industrial instructions.
Thermal Transfer Paper
Used in labeling systems for shipping, logistics, and healthcare, these papers withstand the heat of thermal transfer printers and maintain crisp, scannable barcodes.
7 Factors to Consider When Buying Printer Paper
Choosing the right paper involves several considerations. Each factor contributes to the overall look, feel, cost, and performance of your finished piece.
1. Paper Size
Size influences layout, foldability, and visual impact. Standard sizes like letter or legal help keep costs manageable, while custom sizes let you create unique formats that stand out.
The size you choose affects how elements fit on the page, how the piece prints on press sheets, and how it functions once finished. A printer like United GMG can walk you through options that balance creativity with efficiency.
2. Weight
Weight affects how sturdy, premium, or flexible a printed piece feels. Heavier stocks convey quality, making them great for postcards and covers. Lighter papers suit multipage documents where flexibility and affordability matter.
Think about the piece’s purpose: Will it be mailed? Handled frequently? Folded? Matching weight to usage helps your project look polished and perform well.
3. Brightness & Whiteness
Brightness refers to how much light the paper reflects. Higher brightness boosts contrast and color vibrancy, while lower brightness creates a softer look. Whiteness describes the tone of the sheet: from cool blue-white to warm cream. The right combination influences your design’s mood and readability.
4. Coated or Uncoated
Coated papers produce sharp details and vivid color, making them ideal for imagery and marketing materials. Uncoated papers provide a natural, tactile feel, perfect for text-heavy or handwritten pieces. The choice often comes down to the tone you want your piece to convey.
5. Color & Material
Paper comes in many shades and textures. Even before ink is applied, the base color sets a tone. Bright white feels modern, cream feels classic, and kraft feels rustic and eco-friendly.
Then, texture adds personality. Smooth stocks feel sleek, while linen, felt, cotton, and laid textures add richness and dimension.
6. Eco-Conscious Options
Environmentally friendly papers—such as recycled or FSC-certified stocks—support sustainability goals without sacrificing print quality. These options not only help reduce environmental impact but also resonate with audiences who value responsible choices.
7. Ream Count & Volume
Ordering in the right quantities helps avoid shortages or waste. Higher volumes often reduce cost per unit, making premium stocks more affordable. Planning ahead for reprints or long-term campaigns can also help you stay consistent in quality and pricing.
Types of Printing Paper Weight & Thickness: GSM vs. LB vs. PT
Paper weight impacts how your printed piece feels, how it folds, how durable it is, and what kind of impression it creates. Heavier stocks tend to feel more premium and substantial, while lighter sheets are practical, versatile, and budget-friendly.
How Paper Weight Is Measured
Paper weight can feel confusing at first because different systems measure it in different ways. But once you understand the basics, it becomes much easier to compare stocks.
Essentially, paper weight is a measurement of density—how thick or heavy the sheet is. It’s generally measured in grams per square meter (GSM) or in pounds (lbs.) per 500 sheets.
GSM is the global standard. The higher the number, the thicker and heavier the paper. Because GSM is consistent across all paper types, it’s often the easiest system for comparing options. In the United States, however, pounds are used to describe the weight of a ream before it’s cut to its final size. Most commercial printers list both GSM and pound weight. GSM gives you accuracy across paper categories, while pounds provide a familiar reference for buyers in the US.
Also, keep in mind that text and cover papers have different base sheet sizes, which is why two papers can both be labeled “80 lb.” but feel completely different.
How Paper Thickness Is Measured
Paper thickness is often measured in points (pts). This system is straightforward: one point equals one thousandth of an inch. So, for example, a 10 pt sheet is 0.010 inches thick, a 14 pt sheet is 0.014 inches thick, and so on. The higher the number, the thicker and more rigid the paper feels in your hands.
Unlike weight, which can vary depending on the type of paper and its base sheet size, point thickness is a direct physical measurement. That makes it a reliable way to compare sturdiness across different stocks, especially when you’re evaluating cover materials. It gives you a clear sense of how substantial a printed piece will be before you even touch it.
Printers and packaging manufacturers use point thickness most often for postcards, business cards, packaging materials, retail tags, and any application where rigidity matters. As the thickness increases, the piece becomes more durable, resists bending, and conveys a premium tactile experience. For example, a 14 pt postcard offers a crisp, professional feel that holds up well in the mail, while a 16 pt or higher stock adds noticeable heft for premium marketing pieces or luxury products.
Common GSM Printer Paper Ranges & Their Uses
Different projects require different levels of thickness, rigidity, and durability:
- 70–100 GSM: Lightweight sheets for everyday documents, inserts, and high-volume printing
- 120–170 GSM: A versatile middle range often used for brochures and posters
- 200–300 GSM: Thick cardstock for business cards, covers, and invitations
- 300+ GSM: Extra-rigid stocks for luxury pieces, menus, and packaging
These ranges give you a helpful baseline when deciding what weight makes sense for your project. Lighter weights are great for folded or multipage pieces, medium weights balance flexibility with quality, and heavier options create a more substantial, premium feel.
Text & Cover Paper in LB & PT
Text and cover stocks behave differently because they’re engineered for different roles in printed materials.
Text Paper Weights
Text papers are thin, flexible sheets designed for the inside pages of multipage documents. They’re sturdy enough for frequent page turns but light enough to keep booklets and brochures from becoming bulky:
- 60 lb. text paper: Good for budget-friendly flyers and inserts
- 70 lb. text paper: A solid all-purpose choice for newsletters and letters
- 80 lb. text paper: Great for brochures needing a more substantial feel
- 100 lb. text paper: A premium choice for high-end booklets and marketing pieces
Text stocks fold smoothly and support both imagery and text without adding unnecessary bulk. They’re an excellent fit for anything intended to be read, flipped through, or handled regularly.
Cover Paper Weights
Cover stocks are much thicker and offer structure and stability:
- 80 lb. cover paper: Lighter covers and entry-level postcards
- 100 lb. cover paper: Common choice for standard postcards
- 110 lb. cover paper: A sturdier option for folded cards or mailers
- 120 lb. cover paper: A premium weight with a high-quality feel
Cover weights span a wide spectrum, letting you dial in the exact level of rigidity and presence you want. Lighter covers offer some flexibility, while heavier ones feel more durable, which helps postcards stay flat in the mail and gives branded pieces a polished finish.
Heavy Cover & Board Options
These stocks are designed for maximum rigidity and long-term durability:
- 130 lb. cover paper: Great for dimensional mailers and sturdy packaging
- 14 pt stock paper: Popular for refined postcards and retail cards
- 16 pt stock paper: Thick, luxurious stock for premium mailers
Heavy cover and board stocks deliver a strong first impression through touch alone. They hold up beautifully during mailing and frequent handling, and when combined with specialty finishes, they elevate the look and feel of any printed piece.
5 Steps to Choosing the Right Type of Printer Paper
Once you understand your options, choosing printer paper becomes a straightforward, step-by-step process.
Step 1: Identify Your Project’s Purpose
Ask yourself what the piece needs to achieve. Is it educational? Promotional? Functional? The purpose influences everything from finish to weight.
Think about longevity as well. A short-term flyer likely doesn’t need heavyweight stock, but a presentation folder or menu definitely does.
Step 2: Understand Your Printing Method
Different printing methods perform differently on various papers. Digital presses may need specific coated stocks, while offset printing offers more flexibility. If you’re adding personalization—like names or addresses—make sure the paper works well with variable-data printing.
Step 3: Decide Between Coated & Uncoated
Coated stocks shine (literally or subtly) when photography or graphics play a major role. Uncoated papers shine in their own way when warmth, readability, or a handwritten element is important. Some projects even benefit from a combination, such as uncoated envelopes paired with coated inserts.
Step 4: Choose the Right Weight
Weight communicates quality immediately. Thicker stocks feel more important and hold up better as standalone pieces. Lighter weights work beautifully for multipage booklets, inserted materials, and anything designed for easy folding or mailing.
Step 5: Consider Handling, Finishing, & Longevity
Consider how the piece will be folded, mailed, or displayed. Some stocks require scoring to prevent cracking. Others accept specialty coatings or lamination better than certain alternatives.
For tough environments or repeated handling, synthetic or waterproof papers can dramatically extend the life of your piece.
How United GMG Can Help with Your Next Printing Project
Partnering with United GMG means you don’t have to make these decisions alone. Our team will work with you to understand your goals, audience, and budget and then guide you toward the paper options that will make your project shine.
Personalized Paper Recommendations
We take the time to understand your project, your audience, and the impression you want to make. Based on your needs, we recommend stocks that balance cost, durability, and visual impact.
In other words, you get exactly what you need—without overspending on unnecessary upgrades or underspecifying materials that need more strength.
Samples & Swatch Books
Paper is incredibly tactile, and sometimes the best way to decide is to feel it. We offer samples and swatch books so you can see how different weights, colors, and textures look in real life.
Having physical samples also makes collaboration easier. Everyone can gather around the same pieces and agree confidently on the direction.
Compatibility & Production Expertise
Different papers behave differently on press. We understand how each stock performs on both offset and digital equipment, and with our experience, we’ll help you avoid issues like smudging, banding, or slow drying times so the result is a consistently polished final piece you’ll be proud to share.
Guidance on Coatings, Folding, & Mailability
Paper choice also influences finishing steps such as coatings, varnishes, folding, and scoring. At United GMG, we can help you choose stocks that complement your finishing plans. We’ll also flag potential mailing challenges and recommend options that travel well, meet postal guidelines, and arrive looking just as sharp as when they left the press.
Mailing & Postage Support
Postage adds up quickly, especially for direct mail. We’re here to help you evaluate paper choices through the lens of mailing regulations and postage efficiency as well as guide you toward options that meet USPS requirements while still giving your mailer a sturdy, professional feel.
FAQs About the Types of Paper for Printing
Choosing the right paper raises a lot of common questions, especially when you’re comparing weights, finishes, and stock types. This FAQ section breaks things down in a simple, practical way so you can make a decision for any print project.
What Are the Types of Paper for Printing?
Printing papers generally fall into several main categories: uncoated papers, coated papers (such as gloss, silk, and matte), text papers, cover stocks, cardstock, and specialty materials like kraft, linen, synthetic, or photo papers. Each category serves a different purpose, from everyday office needs to high-end marketing pieces or durable outdoor materials.
What Are the Different Weights of Printer Paper?
Printer paper weights range widely, from lightweight text sheets to thicker cover stocks. Weight affects rigidity, thickness, durability, and how premium the paper feels in hand.
Is Heavier Printer Paper Better?
Heavier paper isn’t always better. It’s simply better for certain applications. For example, heavier stocks feel more premium and withstand handling well, but they can increase postage costs and may not be ideal for documents that need to fold easily or include many pages. The best weight depends on your project’s purpose.
What Is Thick Printer Paper Called?
Thick printer paper is typically referred to as “cover stock,” “cardstock,” or “heavy cover.” These papers offer more rigidity and are commonly used for business cards, postcards, covers, packaging, and premium marketing pieces.
Which Paper Is Best for Printing?
The best printing paper depends on the project. Coated papers are ideal for vibrant imagery; uncoated papers work well for text-heavy pieces and anything requiring handwriting; heavier cover stocks shine in postcards or business cards; and specialty papers elevate luxury items. The best paper is the one that supports your design and intended use.
How Do I Select the Right Paper Weight?
Start by thinking about how the piece will be used. Lightweight papers are ideal for multipage documents, inserts, and anything that needs to be folded. Medium weights work well for posters and brochures, while heavier papers are best for postcards, covers, business cards, or pieces that need to feel substantial. Consider mailing requirements, handling, finishes, and your desired brand impression.
Does United GMG Help Customers Choose the Right Paper?
Yes! At United GMG, we work closely with you to understand your goals, brand, budget, and the way your printed piece will be used. Our team recommends the paper types, weights, and finishes that will give you the best results.
Can United GMG Provide Paper Samples?
Absolutely. We offer swatch books and individual samples so you can feel the texture, compare thicknesses, and see how different papers handle color. Our hands-on approach makes it much easier to choose confidently before going into production.
Need a High-Quality Print? Contact United GMG
Whether you’re printing everyday business materials, premium marketing pieces, or durable specialty items, the right paper plays a huge role in how your finished piece looks, feels, and performs.
At United GMG, we are a one-stop shop for all your printing, signage, and direct mail marketing needs. Our experienced marketing and printing teams are ready to help you determine what types of printer paper would resonate most with your audience and print your project with our high-quality machines.
Contact us today to get a free quote or talk with a printing specialist about your next project.
