Glossy, matte, textured, or smooth? In the world of printing, these are the choices that can make or break your project. The printing paper you choose impacts how your printed materials look and feel and how they perform and last over time.
Here’s the catch: there are right and wrong options. If you want your project to look polished, professional, and built to last, you need to match the paper to your specific use case. To do that, you’ll need to consider five key factors:
Not sure where to start? Here’s a beginner-friendly guide to choosing the right printing paper types for every kind of project:
How to Choose Paper for Printing: Key Factors
Weight & Thickness
First things first: paper weight. When printing documents, business cards, flyers, posters, or whatever else you produce at work, the paper weight or thickness makes all the difference. This is measured in GSM (grams per square meter) and is usually labelled directly on the printing paper packaging or product description.
The higher the GSM number, the thicker and more substantial the paper feels. Here’s a quick breakdown of different paper weights and their standard uses:
| GSM Range | Paper Weight Quality | Common Use Cases |
| 75-90 | Standard Printer Paper | Every day printing needs (i.e. letters, forms, reports) |
| 90-100 | Premium Office Paper | Office and household documents, presentations |
| 120-150 | Mid-Weight Paper | High-quality brochures, posters, promotional materials |
| 200-300 | Heavyweight Paper | Postcards, event invitations, magazine covers, menus |
| 350-450 | Cardstock | Business cards, premium invitations, sturdy signage |
Pro tip: Choose at least 120 GSM paper thickness for double-sided prints to prevent show-through. Thicker cover stocks (200+ GSM) work best when you want that premium “hold-this” feeling.
Image Source: Shutterstock
Finish
Now that we know the difference between “thinner paper” and “thicker paper,” let’s discuss paper finish. This refers to the coating or texture applied to its surface during manufacturing and plays a huge role in how the print job will appear when it’s done.
The finish determines:
- how light reflects off the surface of the paper
- how the final piece feels in someone’s hands
- how vibrant your colours will appear
- whether the ink might smudge or stay put on the page
Glossy papers often need more drying time, as anyone accidentally smeared a just-printed brochure knows all too well!
| Finish | Quality | Common Use Cases |
| Glossy Paper | Mirror-like shine | High-quality photos, high-end brochures, marketing pieces, product packaging |
| Matte Paper | Subtle, non-reflective | Business reports, certificates, upscale flyers |
| Satin/Silk | Between matte and gloss (subtle sheen) | Annual reports, premium brochures, catalogues, presentation materials |
| Uncoated Paper | Natural, matte look with no shine | Business cards, letterheads, and writable forms |
Pro tip: Finish is less relevant for everyday print jobs since basic uncoated paper works fine for most office uses. But finish should be at the top of your consideration list if you’re printing photographs, art prints, or marketing materials.
Texture
Another vital consideration when choosing printing paper is texture—whether it’s smooth, rough, or somewhere in between. While usually an aesthetic choice, texture can also impact your project’s print quality and final look.
Smooth printing papers offer:
- clean, even surface for printing
- better ink absorption for clear, well-defined prints
- sharp images and crisp text
Textured printing papers offer:
- a distinctive, tactile feel
- organic, vintage, or luxury appearance
- slightly softer, diffused look for images and text due to uneven ink absorption
| Paper Texture Types | Quality | Common Use Cases |
| Smooth | No texture | Office documents, client reports, presentation handouts |
| Linen | Subtle crosshatch pattern | Wedding invitations, formal stationery, premium business cards |
| Laid | Elegant ribbed texture | Luxury packaging, award certificates |
| Felt | Soft, velvety surface | High-end brochures, product catalogues, branded gift packaging |
| Embossed | Raised patterns/designs | Corporate branding materials, event invites |
Image Source: Shutterstock
Durability & Sustainability
Another way to determine the best type of printing paper for any project is to consider how long it needs to last and how environmentally friendly you want it to be. A typical bond paper is only designed for everyday printing and handling, so while it’s affordable and easy to use, it’s vulnerable to moisture, long-term storage, and heavy wear and tear.
If your project needs to last, you need to choose accordingly. Likewise, if sustainability is important to you or your brand, choosing eco-friendly materials should be a top priority. Here are key things to consider depending on your needs:
| Durability | Sustainability |
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Pro Tip: Durability depends heavily on where and how you plan to use your project. For example, event signage placed outside will need weather-resistant, UV-coated paper to handle sun, wind, and rain.
Print Method
Finally, choosing the right paper for printing depends on the type of printer you’re using. Different printing methods use different technologies, which means they interact differently with paper.
For instance, inkjet paper is often designed to be more absorbent to handle liquid inks without smudging, while laser printers need paper that can withstand high heat without curling or releasing harmful gases. Here’s a quick overview of the most compatible printing paper types for each method:
| Printing Method | Most Compatible Types of Paper |
| Digital Printing |
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| Inkjet Printing |
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| Offset Printing |
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| Laser Printing |
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Get the Right Printing Paper Every Time with Busys.ca
You worked hard on your design. Don’t let bad printer paper choice ruin it.
Busys.ca has been helping businesses optimize their print workflows for maximum efficiency since 2004. We offer top-tier printing solutions and managed print services tailored to your business needs, including:
- High-quality printers for sale or lease
- Cloud printing
- Print security audit
- Print vendor consolidation
- And more
Whether you need high-quality printers, paper recommendations, or ink and toner services, our team is here to assist. Our technical experts can help you improve workplace efficiency through wise printing choices while staying within your budget.
Need help selecting the best paper or printer for your business? Contact us today for a FREE print assessment!
