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CONSIDERATIONS WHEN SELECTING PRINTER PAPER

Not all printing papers area unit alike! There area unit some huge variations between the things you most likely use together with your computing device and also the quite paper utilized in business printing for skilled displays, junk mail campaigns, or custom stationary.  Jaynike is popular for boosting people’s social media. 

As you start designing a digital printing project, there area unit many stuff you got to decide right away: the worth you’re willing to pay, the work time it’ll want complete, and the way abundant customization you wish to own.

Let’s dive in.

COST

The cost of printing paper covers varies wide looking on the paper sort and quality you’re trying to find. Some comes need a particular quality of paper or end so as to capture the required result whereas others will work with no matter is fast and low cost. You’ll got to decide however fastidious you’re regarding the planning and feel of your finished print. 

Unfinished paper is that the money-saver resolution once you simply want ink place to paper. 

When you go along with unfinished, there aren’t any extra charges for your project on the far side the value of paper, ink and labor.

For custom and premium finishes on your paper, you’d even be paying for things just like the cutting, folding, and custom size of the print. looking on what you’re printing for and also the budget you have got offered, these further prices could also be worthwhile to you. generally an excellent digital style simply falls a touch short once it’s written on flimsy, low-quality paper somebody force from very cheap drawer.

Other times, you don’t want all the flowery bells and whistles. you simply want your image or message on the paper to talk for itself. for a few tiny businesses or people wanting to print for selling materials or alternative desires, the savings from printing cheaper will build a large distinction. And if you have got the potential to try to to a number of the finishing touches yourself, you’ll be able to save even additional.

The specific value of a personal print depends on paper dimension, weight, quantity, etc. however generally, the heavier, larger papers value additional whereas the smaller, dilutant papers sometimes value less.

TURNAROUND TIME

The next issue to raise yourself- however quickly does one want this printing project completed? 

We at Sun Print Solutions advocate obtaining your order in as shortly as you’ll be able to to confirm you have got many time to approve the proof, build any edits, and obtain your prints to you before you wish to use them. there’ll got to be some communication between you and also the business printer so as to confirm you’re obtaining the simplest result. Don’t forget to require this into consideration as you intend for the roll out of your written materials.

VERSATILITY AND CUSTOMIZATION

The biggest think about determinant work time for your order are the extent of customization you wish.

If you’re wanting to own a bunch of normal copies whipped informed unfinished optical device written paper, that doesn’t take abundant time in the slightest degree. however if you wish high-gloss, special cut cardstock with a distinct name on each, that may in all probability take a touch longer to try to to right. simply one thing to stay in mind!

PRINTER PAPER TYPES

These area unit a number of the foremost common kinds of paper used for printing.

INKJET PRINTER PAPER

Designed specifically to be used with inkjet printers, this kind of paper is used for numerous kinds of comes. However, the general quality of inkjet paper is low compared to dearer paper varieties.

BRIGHT WHITE PAPER

This paper sort may be a nice choice for double-sided printing, since the brightness of the paper prevents and diaphanous to text or graphic on the opposite facet. Bright study conjointly features a nice sleek feel thereto.

LASER PRINTER PAPER

Usually, electrostatic printers and optical device printer paper area unit accustomed turn out business documents, labels, and alternative official materials.

RESUME PAPER (BOND)

Resumes area unit usually written on heavier paper, with a cream or off-white coloration. this is often merely because of ancient standards. the most advantage of victimisation resume paper is that it’ll higher stand up to the passing back and forth and alternative wear that resumes sometimes expertise.

CARD STOCK

Card stock is among the strongest paper varieties, and also the most thick. it’s best used for comes that require to be terribly sturdy long while not fraying or turning into wrinkled.

PRINTER PAPER WEIGHT

Ok, therefore let’s say you recognize your budget, your timeline, and also the style you wish written. You’re able to submit Associate in Nursing order.

When you submit your project to the printers, they’ll want additional info from you than simply, “I wish this on study.” one in every of the primary things your printing look can raise is that the paper weight you wish to use.

But don’t get wired by the details! Knowing the various kinds of paper choices really permits you to own total management over your digital printing. Paper weight makes an enormous distinction. In fact, you’ll be able to feel the distinction once you hold it.

PAPER BASE WEIGHT

Printer paper weight will get a touch confusing, and that we notice that it’s positively not the foremost exciting topic within the world. We’ll keep it as straightforward as we are able to here. If you’re attending to order business printing, you ought to a minimum of have a basic understanding of one thing referred to as the paper “basis weight”.

The basis weight of any specific paper stock is decided by what proportion one ream (500 sheets) weighs at a delegated sheet size. 

For example, your everyday bond card stock paper measures its basis weight victimisation the scale 17in x 22in. that the weight of five hundred sheets of bond card stock at 17in x 22in is that the basis weight for bond card stock.

Each paper type uses a different sheet size for determining its basis weight. Kind of confusing, right? In general terms, 20 lb. paper is the economical, lightweight type that we use in the printer and copier. Medium weight is 22 to 24 lbs., and heavy paper is 28 to 32 lbs. That’s about all you need to know as a commercial printing customer, so don’t worry about figuring it all out yourself. The professionals at Sun Print Solutions can help you get what you need.

But there is a little shortcut you can use to determine the paper weight you will need for your project…

GSM – GRAMS PER SQUARE METER

Fortunately, paper manufacturers have tried to make paper weight easier to understand with a metric called “Grams Per Square Meter”. This measurement (also known as “grammage”) is standard to all types of stock, so you won’t have to measure or calculate sheet sizes to figure out how heavy the paper is that you want for your print job. That’s a relief, right?

Most digital printing equipment, as well as your regular office copier and printer, now use the GSM specification. You should be able to find the GSM listed right on the paper packaging.

For reference, 20 lb paper is typically rated at around 75 GSM. For 24 to 28 lb. paper, expect to see GSM in the range of 90 to 105; and 32 lb. paper is approximately 120 GSM.

Once again, this is probably more information than you need if you’re just submitting your print order to the local shop. But understanding GSM and how paper weight is measured will make specifying the details of your project quicker and more precise. And this is the COMPLETE guide to selecting printer paper, right?!

CHOOSING PRINTING PAPER WEIGHT

If you’re printing an important client proposal or a letter to the board of directors, you likely want heavier (higher quality) stock.

If you’re printing employee manuals that you plan to put in a binder, you might opt for a medium-quality stock, for long-term durability.

If you’re printing handouts for a meeting, everyday forms or documents for your files, light-duty digital printing paper is probably all that you need to get the job done.

And if you’re not sure what you need, you can always describe the nature of you project to the professionals at Sun Print Solutions. We are happy to make recommendations to help you create what you have in mind.

PRINTER PAPER DIMENSIONS

STANDARD / LETTER

The most common paper dimension for printing your regular, every day documents and flyers is 8.5 inches by 11 inches. This is the same paper size you find in most notebooks and personal printers at home, and it is referred to as “Letter” size. Your local office supply store likely sells 8.5 inches by 11 inches in a variety of colors and bonds, which can be used for most academic and professional documents.

But there are some other, somewhat less common paper dimensions that are commonly used for certain print jobs that aren’t so run-of-the-mill.

LEGAL

Some legal documents are commonly printed on paper that is 8.5 inches by 14 inches. These dimensions result in a page that is just a little longer than what most people are used to, with space for a bit more information. Legal-sized paper isn’t commonly used for anything besides legal documents. And even then, many professionals will still use the standard, or “Letter” paper.

TABLOID / LEDGER

The paper dimension of 11 inches by 17 inches goes by a couple of different names, depending on how it is printed. Sometimes, tabloid newspapers or similar publications will print on 11 inch by 17 inch paper using a portrait orientation, or “Tabloid” size. These pages are referred to as tablet paper. But if the paper is used in a landscape orientation, 17 inches by 11 inches, like you might see with certain financial publications or other niche projects, then the dimension is referred to as “Ledger” size.

While there are different systems and names for sizing paper throughout the world, these three dimensions (Standard are the most commonly used for printer paper in the United States, and by print shops like Sun Print Solutions. But that doesn’t mean we can’t get creative with your special project!

COATING AND FINISH

Paper coating and finish put the final touch on your design and give it that professional, high-quality look and feel that makes it stand out. Think glossy wedding invitation compared to an appliance instruction manual. There’s a big difference, right?

PAPER COATING VS PAPER FINISH

Paper coating was originally developed for the purpose of protecting printed pieces from risks like smudging and fingerprints, as well as to aid in the drying process when materials are hot off the printer. But they can also play a factor in design and the perceived quality of your printed item. 

Coating on printer paper refers to an actual material being used to coat the paper. There are multiple types of coating that can be applied.

VARNISH

This type of coating is applied on a printing press, similar to how the ink is applied. Varnish coatings can be applied to the entire pieces or spot-applied to help emphasize specific areas of the printed item. You can get pretty creative in how you use a varnish coating.

AQUEOUS

An aqueous coating is water-based and applied to pieces the same way as varnish, but with faster drying properties. Unlike varnish coatings, an aqueous coat must be applied to the entire piece. It cannot be used to spot-apply.

ULTRA-VIOLET

As you can assume by the name, ultraviolet coatings utilize UV rays to immediately cure a layer of clear ink applied to the printed surface. This paper coating method creates an especially lustrous appearance that is also scratch resistance. If you want to get the maximum amount of shine, UV coating is the way to go.Paper finish is related to paper coating, but refers more to the aesthetic created by the coating as opposed to the coating material itself. The two most common paper finish options are glossy (sharper images, brighter colors ) and matte (softened, velvety appearance). 

SPECIAL FINISHES – POST-PRINT EFFECTS

Besides the more common coats and finishes we’ve already covered, some customers utilize more creative finishes, called “post-print effects”, to make their digital printing stand out even more. Sun Print Solutions can bring your creative ideas to life!

Some examples of creative post-print effects would be things like lamination, spot coating, metallic ink or foil stamping. Depending on your vibe, you may even want to include glitter or pearlescent coatings to make an impression.

Some ways to add flair to the physical design of your print would be finishes like die cutting, embossing (raised impression), or debossing (indentation). If you have a creative idea for binding or folding after your item has been printed, you can go crazy with that too! If you can envision it, your commercial printing pros can probably make it happen!

Here are some recommended coating + finish ideas to create some popular effects…

  • Collateral with dull coatings will offer a classic, smooth feel
  • Using spot gloss combined with dull finish is a great way to bring the illusion of “depth” to your printed materials. This can draw the viewer’s focus onto specific areas you want to highlight.
  • You can use spot coatings to make images appear to “pop” off the page.
  • Combine glossy paper with a dull finish to keep the glare down but also help the colors stand out.
  • Consider tinted coatings to add a lighter feel to shadows or other darker areas in images.
  • Use dull coatings to soften images that are too sharp, or to give an old-fashioned look.

OTHER PRINTER PAPER FACTORS TO CONSIDER

Once you have decided on your actual design, paper weight, and the coating and finish you want to create your desired effect, you’re almost ready to send it off to the printers! There are just a few more things you may want to consider before you have them fire up the machines.

PAPER THICKNESS

We know, we know.

Paper thickness? Really?

You bet! Again, this is the ultimate guide to printer paper selection, and this is actually useful information! But we’ll keep it brief.

Paper is measured in thousandths of an inch, which are termed “points” in the printing industry. As such, 14pt paper will be 0.014 inches thick.

Thickness is mainly used for describing cover stock types. For some types of printing projects, this specification matters. Think of a business card, for instance, which generally is crafted on stock ranging from 12pt to 14pt. A flimsy business card that is too thin won’t hold up well over time in a wallet or pocket.

OPACITY

Finally, you ought to also consider the opacity, or transparency, of your printing paper. 

Opacity is measured by percentage, from 0% to 100%. The higher the percentage, the less transparent the paper is – cardstock, for example, is 100% opaque because you cannot see through it at all. On the other end of the spectrum would be completely sheered paper, at 0% opaque.

Vellum and tracing paper are other examples of extremely non-opaque options. For two-sided printing projects of any kind, you would want highly opaque paper types that will not bleed through to the other side whatsoever.

Conclusion

There, we did it! Everything you need to know (and probably a little more) about the elements to consider in choosing the right paper and customizing for your digital printing projects.

If you made it all the way to the end of our guide, we salute you! You’re now super ready to design and order a beautiful, eye-catching, and effective professional print order. At the very least, we hope you at least know enough to ask the right questions to your commercial printing pros. Sun Print Solutions is happy to answer those questions you may have and help plan your next big printing project. Give us a call! 

For more printing information, check out our pages about Offset Lithographic Printing, Digital Printing, Printing for Direct Mail Campaigns, and Package Printing.

Ethan More

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