Paper 101
PAPER 101, the most common sizes and weights
used in sheet fed printing.
This is by no means a complete explanation of paper, but rather an attempt to explain its most basic elements in a concise manner.
- Everyday copy machine paper described.
- Types of paper
- Paper Finishes
- Coated Paper facts
- Paper thickness chart
Knowing the basic characteristics of everyday bond will hopefully help you understand all other types of paper.
Copy machine paper as a point of reference.
- The typical paper you use in your copy machine is 20lb bond
- This paper is .004 of an inch thick.
- The brightness is around 82, this is a measurement that goes up to around 96
- The finish is considered smooth or sometimes wove, that is with a slight texture.
- This paper is uncoated, versus the clay coating found on gloss or matte stocks.
- This paper typically has a low opacity that refers to the amount of light thatcan pass through.
- This is important if you don’t like to see print from the other side of the sheet.
Types of paper.
- Bond, Writing, usually considered business papers 20lb, 24lb, 28lb & rarely 32lb
- Book (uncoated) 50lb, 60lb, 70lb, and rarely 80lb. Mostly in whites
- Book (coated gloss & matte or dull) 60lb, 70lb, 80lb, 100lb. Mostly white
- Text, 70lb, 80lb. Similar to book, but in a wide variety of colors and finishes.
- Cover (coated gloss & matte or dull) 80lb, 100lb. Mostly white
- Cover (uncoated), Comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes.
Paper finishes most common type.
- Smooth
- Wove, slight texture
- Vellum, heavy texture
- Linen
- Laid
- Light cockle
- Felt, like vellum
- C1s, coated 1 side
- C2s, coated 2 sides
- Gloss, coated both sides
- Matte & dull, coated both sides
Coated Paper Facts.
Did you know…
- 99% of coated paper is made in white?
- The coating is made of clay?
- It is best used where graphic detail is important, like pictures?
- Bond, text and writing papers are not normally coated?
- 80lb book gloss is about the same thickness as standard copy paper?
Paper thickness chart.
