Introduction

Paper is the first thing people feel when they pick up a printed item, often before they read a single word. A heavy, smooth business card feels confident. A thin, flimsy brochure feels cheap. A textured uncoated letterhead feels personal and refined. The same design can look and feel completely different depending on the paper it is printed on.

Paper also affects how colours appear, how images reproduce, how well items fold and bind, how long they last and how much they cost. Yet paper is often chosen at the last minute, or left entirely to the printer.

This guide explains the main paper choices in plain language, so you can choose confidently for brochures, catalogues, business cards, stationery, packaging and more.

Why paper choice matters

• Impression. Weight, texture and finish shape how people judge quality.
• Colour. Coated papers produce brighter, sharper colours than uncoated papers.
• Readability. Some finishes reduce glare and make text easier to read.
• Function. Some papers are better for writing on, folding or binding.
• Durability. Heavier papers and boards last longer in use.
• Cost. Paper is a major part of print cost, especially for large runs.
• Sustainability. Recycled and certified papers reduce environmental impact.

Coated and uncoated papers

Coated papers

Coated papers have a thin surface layer that keeps ink on top of the paper rather than letting it soak in. This produces sharper images, brighter colours and crisper detail. Coated papers come in several finishes:

• Gloss: shiny and vibrant, ideal for photography-heavy brochures and catalogues.
• Silk or satin: a smooth, low-sheen finish that balances vivid images with good readability. A popular all-round choice for corporate print.
• Matt: a non-reflective finish that feels refined and is easy to read, while still reproducing images well.

Uncoated papers

Uncoated papers have no surface coating, so ink absorbs into the fibres. Colours appear softer and slightly darker, and images are less sharp than on coated paper. However, uncoated papers feel natural and tactile, are easy to write on and suit understated, premium or eco-focused designs. They are the usual choice for letterheads, notebooks, forms and many books.

How paper affects colour

The same artwork printed on different papers can look noticeably different:

• On coated paper, ink sits on the surface, so colours look brighter and images sharper.
• On uncoated paper, ink spreads slightly into the fibres, so colours look softer and darker, and fine detail is less crisp.
• On cream or natural papers, colours take on a warmer tone.
• On recycled papers with a slightly grey or flecked surface, colours may look less vivid.

This is why brand colours should be defined separately for coated and uncoated papers, and why proofs should simulate the actual paper. Our article on print quality standards explains how printers use different colour profiles for different papers to keep results predictable.

Understanding paper weight

Paper weight is measured in grams per square metre (gsm). Higher gsm usually means a thicker, stiffer, more substantial paper.

These are general ranges. The right weight depends on size, use, folding and the impression you want.

Thickness and bulk

Two papers with the same gsm can feel different in thickness. “Bulk” describes how thick a paper is for its weight. High-bulk papers feel more substantial without adding weight, which can help reduce postage and shipping costs. For perfect-bound books and catalogues, paper thickness also determines spine width.

Brightness, whiteness and shade

Papers vary from bright blue-white to warm natural white or cream. Bright white papers make colours look vivid and crisp. Natural and cream papers feel warmer and are comfortable for long reading. Some papers contain optical brighteners that make them appear whiter under certain lighting, which affects how colours are judged.

When colour accuracy matters, choose the paper before preparing proofs, so proofs can simulate the actual paper shade. Viewing samples under daylight and under the lighting where the item will be used, such as a shop or exhibition hall, gives the most realistic impression.

Opacity

Opacity describes how much show-through there is from the reverse side. Low opacity can make text or images on the back visible through the page, which is distracting in brochures and books. Heavier papers and some uncoated papers have higher opacity.

Grain direction

Paper fibres tend to line up in one direction, called the grain. Paper folds more cleanly and bends more easily along the grain. Folding against the grain, especially on heavier papers, can cause cracking. Printers consider grain direction when planning folded and bound items, which is one reason to discuss paper choices early.

Textured and speciality papers

Speciality papers add character:

• Textured papers, such as linen, laid or felt finishes, add tactile interest.
• Coloured papers create distinctive looks without printing background colour.
• Metallic and pearlescent papers shimmer in the light.
• Translucent papers are used for overlays, invitations and creative effects.
• Cotton papers feel luxurious and are often used for premium stationery.

Speciality papers can be more expensive and may have limited availability, so check stock and samples before committing. They are often most effective when used selectively, for example on a cover or invitation, rather than throughout a large document.

Boards for covers and packaging

Heavier boards are used for covers, folders and packaging:

• Folding boxboard (FBB) is stiff and has a good printing surface, widely used for food and consumer packaging.
• Solid bleached board (SBB) offers a premium white surface for high-end packaging and covers.
• Recycled boards are cost-effective and have a lower environmental impact.
• Kraft boards have a natural brown look suited to rustic and eco-focused brands.

Our article on printing labels and folding cartons explains packaging boards in more detail.

Paper for packaging inserts, tags and labels

Smaller printed items have their own requirements:

• Swing tags for clothing need stiff board that survives handling, often 300 gsm or more, sometimes with a reinforced hole.
• Product inserts and instruction leaflets often use thinner papers that fold compactly.
• Paper labels need surfaces suited to the adhesive and container, and may need moisture resistance for refrigerated products.
• Gift cards and thank-you notes inside packaging benefit from tactile papers that make unboxing feel special.

For the group’s own clothing brand, Duiker, and its food brands, choices like these shape how customers experience the product after purchase.

Synthetic papers

Synthetic papers, made from plastic films, are waterproof and tear-resistant. They suit restaurant menus, outdoor signs, maps and labels that must survive moisture. They require compatible inks and printing processes, so check with your printer.

Recycled and certified papers

Many businesses choose papers with environmental credentials:

• Recycled papers contain post-consumer or pre-consumer recycled fibre.
• Certified papers, such as FSC-certified stocks, come from responsibly managed sources, with chain-of-custody certification tracking the material through the supply chain.

Recycled papers have improved greatly and now include smooth, bright options suitable for corporate print. Choosing them is one of the simplest ways to reduce the environmental impact of a print project, and it can support a business’s wider sustainability story. Certification marks should only be printed when the paper and printer chain of custody allow it.

Matching paper to printing method

Not every paper suits every press. Offset presses handle a very wide range of papers and boards. Digital presses work best with papers approved for the specific machine, especially for heavy weights, textured surfaces and speciality stocks. When planning a job, confirm that your preferred paper is suitable for the chosen printing method. Our blog article on offset versus digital printing explains how to choose between them.

Matching paper to finishing

Paper also affects finishing:

• Heavier papers need creasing before folding to avoid cracking.
• Some textured papers do not take lamination or spot UV well.
• Embossing works best on thicker, softer papers.
• Foil stamping is sharpest on smooth surfaces.
• Very thin papers can wrinkle during lamination or binding.

Paper for writing and office printing

If people will write on the printed item, such as letterheads, forms, notebooks and order pads, choose uncoated papers that accept pen ink and pencil. If letterheads will also be used in office laser printers, choose papers that work reliably in those printers and avoid heavy coatings that may not suit them.

Paper in Sri Lanka’s climate

Heat and humidity affect paper. Paper absorbs moisture from the air, which can cause curling, wavy edges and printing problems. Good practice includes:

• Storing paper in its wrapping in a dry, cool area until needed.
• Allowing paper to acclimatise to the pressroom before printing.
• Storing finished items in dry, shaded conditions.
• Packing printed items carefully for transport, especially for long journeys or overseas shipment.

Paper availability and cost

Most printing paper used in Sri Lanka is imported. Industry representatives have estimated that around three quarters of printing raw materials are imported, so paper prices can be affected by exchange rates, global supply and shipping costs. Speciality papers may have longer lead times.

To manage cost and availability:

• Choose papers early, especially for large or speciality jobs.
• Consider standard stocks your printer keeps in regular supply.
• Allow alternatives where an exact paper is not essential.
• Plan print formats that use standard sheet sizes efficiently.

Choosing paper by product

These are starting points. Samples and dummies help confirm the right choice for your specific design and budget.

Matching papers across a set

Businesses often print several related items together: business cards, letterheads, envelopes, compliment slips and folders, or a brochure, price list and flyer for the same campaign. Choosing papers from the same range, in different weights, keeps colour and feel consistent across the set. Many paper ranges are made in matching shades and textures for exactly this purpose.

Paper weight and shipping

Heavier papers increase the weight of printed items, which affects postage and shipping costs, especially for catalogues, direct mail and materials sent overseas to exhibitions. Choosing a slightly lighter or higher-bulk paper can reduce costs significantly without making items feel cheap. It is worth weighing a dummy before finalising paper for large mailings or shipments.

Paper for exhibitions and events

Event materials are handled heavily and often carried around all day. Covers should be strong enough not to crease in bags, and laminated or coated finishes help resist fingerprints and moisture. Lighter inner pages keep brochures easy to carry, while heavier business cards and folders create a confident first impression at the stand.

Ask for samples and dummies

The best way to choose paper is to see and feel it. Ask your printer for:

• Paper sample books or swatches.
• Printed samples on the papers you are considering.
• A blank dummy: an unprinted mock-up of your actual item, made with the chosen papers and binding, to check weight, feel, thickness and folding.

An illustrative example

Here is an illustrative example. It does not describe a specific client.

A boutique hotel wants a new welcome brochure and stationery set.

• Brochure. 170 gsm uncoated natural white paper for a warm, tactile feel, with a 300 gsm uncoated cover with blind embossing.
• Letterheads. 120 gsm matching uncoated paper, tested in the hotel’s office printers.
• Business cards. Heavy uncoated board with gold foil.
• Menus. Synthetic paper for durability in the restaurant.
• Samples. The hotel approves a blank dummy of the brochure and printed samples of the cards before production.

Common mistakes

• Choosing paper only from a screen description, without seeing samples.
• Using paper that is too thin for covers or business cards.
• Folding heavy papers without creasing.
• Choosing coated paper for items people need to write on.
• Selecting speciality papers without checking availability.
• Forgetting how paper affects spine width and postage.
• Judging colour on a proof printed on different paper from the final job.
• Choosing a bright white paper for a brand whose look depends on warm, natural tones.

Paper and brand personality

Paper choice is part of brand identity. A law firm might choose heavy, smooth white papers that feel precise and authoritative. A natural food brand might prefer uncoated or recycled papers with a warm shade. A luxury hotel might choose cotton or textured papers with embossing. Including preferred papers in brand guidelines helps keep printed materials consistent, even when they are produced by different suppliers.

A paper checklist

1. What impression should the item create?
2. Is it photo-heavy, text-heavy or both?
3. Will people write on it?
4. Will it be folded, bound, laminated or embossed?
5. How long must it last, and in what conditions?
6. Which printing method will be used?
7. Is the paper available in the required quantity and timeline?
8. Are sustainability credentials important?
9. Have you seen samples or a dummy?

Frequently asked questions

What is the best paper for a brochure?

Silk coated paper is a popular choice for corporate brochures because it reproduces images well and is easy to read. Uncoated papers suit brands that want a natural, premium feel.

What gsm should business cards be?

Most professional business cards use 350 gsm or heavier board. Premium cards may use thicker boards or laminated layers.

Is recycled paper lower quality?

Not necessarily. Many recycled papers now offer smooth, bright surfaces suitable for professional print.

Should brochure covers be heavier than inner pages?

Usually, yes. A heavier cover protects the brochure and creates a stronger first impression, while lighter inner pages keep it easy to fold, bind and carry.

Why do some papers crack when folded?

Heavier papers and coated papers can crack along folds, especially when folded against the grain or when printed with heavy ink coverage. Creasing before folding prevents this.

Can I choose any paper for digital printing?

Not always. Digital presses work best with approved papers, so check with your printer.

Conclusion

Paper shapes how printed materials look, feel and perform. Understanding coated and uncoated papers, weights, finishes, opacity, grain, speciality stocks and environmental options helps you choose the right paper for every project, and seeing samples before deciding avoids disappointment.

Dsigngo Group’s print team helps clients choose papers that suit their design, budget, printing method, finishing and timeline.

Unsure which paper to choose? Ask us for samples and a blank dummy.

Request Paper Samples

Sources

• Industry guidance on paper grades, weights and finishes.
• Sri Lanka Association of Printers and industry reporting on imported printing materials (Business Today).
• Forest Stewardship Council, chain-of-custody certification.

Check each detail against the original source before publishing.