In this article:
Paper types
Depending on the product category you choose, we can offer different paper types, weights and the option to add protection.
Matte (uncoated)
Matte paper is uncoated. It is generally more expensive than coated paper, less consistent in different countries and is also not available as widely around the world. Matte paper should be avoided with heavy ink coverage, as it can look mottled. Heavy ink coverage is better suited to coated stocks with protection to stop rub and scratching (read more on protection below).
Silk (coated)
Silk paper is a coated paper with a slight sheen. It should be used for documents with heavy ink coverage. You can apply both a matte or glossy protection to silk paper (read more on protection below). Silk paper cannot be used for pages designed to write on.
Protection
Protection is a good way to protect against scratches and against colour rubbing off, especially on heavily coloured documents. We recommend always selecting protection for heavily coloured cover pages on saddle-stitched or perfect bind documents in order to avoid cracks in the spine. We offer both glossy and matte protection.
Important notes
- Protection can be added only on silk paper (matte paper cannot be laminated due to its physical characteristics)
- Protection options are available on thicker silk paper
- Protection can be added only to cover pages (front and back) of the brochures
- Protection can be added to a single side or to both sides of flyers and business cards
Paper equivalence
The table below compares paper types in European standard (gsm) to paper types in American and Canadian standard (lb):
| Paper types | Equivalent for US/Canada | Available for (Products) |
| 90 gsm Matte | 60lb text matte | Letterheads, Notebooks, Brochures (multi-page) |
| 90 gsm Silk | 60lb cover silk | Brochures (multi-page) |
| 115 gsm Silk | 80lb text silk | Brochures, Flyers, Posters, Folded cards (A5) |
| 115 gsm Matte | 80lb text matte | Brochures, Flyers, Posters, Letterheads, Folded cards (A5), Notebooks |
| 170 gsm Matte | 100lb text matte | Brochures, Flyers, Posters, Notebooks |
| 170 gsm Silk | 100lb text silk | Brochures, Flyers, Invitation and Cards, Posters |
| 200 gsm Silk | 80lb text silk | Table calendars |
| 250 gsm Matte | 100lb cover matte | Brochures, Flyers (A4/LT, A5/LG, SQ), Folded Cards (A5/LG), Posters |
| 250 gsm Silk | 100lb cover silk | Brochures, Flyers (A4/LT, A5/LG, SQ), Folded Cards (A5/LG, A6/SM), Posters |
| 300 gsm Silk | 110lb cover silk | Folders |
| 300 gsm Matte | 110lb cover matte | Business Cards, Brochures, Flyers, Invitation and Cards, Brochures, Posters |
| 350 gsm Silk | 130lb cover silk | Business Cards, Brochures, Flyers, Invitation and Cards, Posters, Folded cards (A5) |
| 350 gsm Matte | 130lb cover matte | Business Cards |
For Roll Up, only single-sided printing is possible. For business cards, flyers, invitation cards, posters, folders and letterheads, single- and double-sided options are available. Double-sided printing is the norm for brochures and notebooks.
Note: This is an indicative list of the paper types that we support for different product categories. We are constantly adding new products and paper types. You can find all the products, formats, sizes and paper combinations in our Products and Prices page.