Last Updated on August 27, 2025 by Packoi Team
For businesses, the right choice can boost how people see your brand. For designers, it can make or break the final result. The wrong paper can dull colors, mess with layouts, or make a premium product feel cheap.
This guide is for business owners, marketers, graphic designers, and anyone who needs to print something that matters. We’ll walk you through 10 common types of printing paper, so you can pick the one that fits your project best.
Why the Right Printing Paper Matters?
The paper you choose has a big impact on how your final print looks and feels. A great design can fall flat if it’s printed on the wrong type of paper. On the other hand, the right paper can make colors pop, text stand out, and images look sharp and professional.
Each project has different needs. A bold flyer may need glossy paper for bright visuals. A luxury brochure might look better on thick, matte stock that feels smooth and high-end. Matching the paper to your design helps you stay true to your message and your brand.
Cost is another factor. Some papers are more expensive, but that doesn’t always mean they’re better. By choosing the right paper for the job—not the most expensive one—you can save money without losing quality.
Sustainability also matters. Many businesses now choose recycled or FSC-certified paper. These options help reduce waste and show customers that you care about the environment. Since the cost of FSC certification has decreased recently, you don’t have to spend a lot to achieve these benefits.
Whether you’re printing business cards, posters, or catalogs, the right paper plays a key role. It affects how people see your brand and how much you spend. Choose wisely, and your print materials will work harder for you.
Common Paper Categories for Printing
The most common printing paper types are as follows.
Coated vs. Uncoated Paper
Coated paper has a smooth surface that helps ink sit on top, not soak in. It’s great for projects that need sharp images, like photo paper, flyers, and brochures. This category includes glossy paper, matte paper, and even silk finishes. Coated paper makes colors look bold and clean.
Uncoated paper, like bond paper, has a rougher texture. It’s easier to write on and is often used for letterheads, forms, or everyday paper for printing. Uncoated sheets can absorb more ink, which gives a softer look.
The following table compares both types in further detail.
| Feature | Coated Paper | Uncoated Paper |
|---|---|---|
| Surface Finish | Smooth, sealed surface | Natural, rough texture |
| Ink Absorption | Minimal absorption (ink sits on top) | High absorption (ink soaks in) |
| Color Vibrancy | High – colors appear sharper and brighter | Lower – colors appear softer or muted |
| Best For | Brochures, magazines, catalogs, posters | Stationery, forms, books, handwritten notes |
| Readability | Can reflect light, sometimes causing glare | Easy to read, no glare |
| Writeability | Harder to write on (ink may smudge) | Easy to write on with pens or pencils |
| Texture Options | Glossy, matte, satin | Often comes in natural or textured finishes |
| Print Detail | Excellent detail and sharp image reproduction | Softer detail, more organic appearance |
Glossy vs. Matte Paper
Glossy paper has a shiny finish. It’s often used for photos, magazines, and marketing printed materials. It helps images pop, but it can show fingerprints and glare.
Matte paper has no shine. It’s more subtle and often used for reports or printed materials that should feel clean and modern. It’s easier to read and doesn’t reflect light.
Text Weight vs. Cover Weight
Paper weight affects how thick or sturdy it feels. Text weight is thinner paper, often used for books, reports, or standard bond paper. Cover weight is thicker paper, good for business cards, postcards, and heavyweight paper uses.
Knowing the different paper weights helps you choose what fits your project best—without overspending.
Inkjet vs. Laser-Compatible Paper
Inkjet paper is made to absorb ink without smearing. It’s perfect for photos and designs with rich color. Laser printers, on the other hand, work better with smooth, bright white paper and coated paper that can handle heat.
Both inkjet and laser-compatible paper come in different weights. For example, you can find 20 lb., 24 lb., or even heavier paper for both printer paper types. The key is to choose the right weight for your project’s needs.
If you’re printing a report with mostly text, standard 20 lb. printer paper will work well for both inkjet and laser printers. However, if you plan on printing pictures or graphics, a higher weight, such as 24 lb. or higher, would be more suitable to achieve a professional and high-quality result.
10 Popular Types of Printing Paper Explained
Below, we discuss the different types of printing paper available on the market and their specific uses.
Bond Paper
Bond paper is a sturdy, everyday paper commonly used in offices for printing letters, memos, and business forms. With a typical paper weight of 16–20 lb, it’s considered a thinner paper that still feels reliable.
It’s a top choice for general-purpose paper for printing, thanks to its clean appearance and easy handling. Many offices rely on bond paper for its compatibility with both writing and laser printing tasks.
Features:
- Lightweight and versatile
- Smooth texture, ideal for pens, typewriters, and laser printers
- Often available in bright white paper, but it comes in other colors, too
- Economical option for bulk printing without sacrificing clarity
Text Paper
Text paper is an uncoated, lighter-weight paper often used for brochures, newsletters, and marketing materials. It’s one of the more refined paper types, offering a soft feel and a slightly more upscale look than standard copy paper.
While it handles images and color well, its true strength lies in delivering sharp text with a natural finish. This makes it a great choice for printed pieces that need to look professional yet approachable.
Features:
- Available in smooth, laid, and linen finishes
- Natural texture gives a more elegant and polished appearance
- Works well with both inkjet paper and laser printers
- Holds color without heavy ink absorption for clear results
- Ideal for showcasing both design and message with balance
Cover Paper
Cover paper, also known as cardstock, is a thicker paper with a strong, durable feel. It’s commonly used for business cards, postcards, folders, and light packaging.
With a paper weight usually between 80 and 110 lb, it adds a sense of quality and sturdiness to any printed material. This type of paper is available in both coated and uncoated paper options, offering flexibility for different finishes.
Features:
- Heavier than text paper, typically around 80–110 lb cover weight
- Sturdy and long-lasting
- Comes in coated paper and uncoated finishes for different looks
Gloss Coated Paper
Gloss-coated paper features a shiny finish that enhances color and detail. It’s often used for catalogs, posters, magazines, and marketing materials that need to look vibrant and eye-catching.
The glossy paper surface makes colors appear richer and sharper, but it may reflect light and smudge with heavy handling.
Features:
- Smooth, high-gloss finish
- Maximizes color brilliance and fine detail
- Can smudge easily, so requires careful handling
Matte Coated Paper
Matte-coated paper has a non-reflective surface, giving it an elegant and professional look. It’s a popular choice for brochures, reports, and upscale marketing materials. While it doesn’t offer the same vibrancy as glossy paper, its smooth finish makes it easier to read and perfect for text-heavy designs.
Features:
- Elegant and refined appearance
- Ideal for designs with a lot of text
- Less vibrant than glossy finishes, but it offers better readability
Uncoated Paper
Uncoated paper has no shiny surface, giving it a more natural and raw texture. It’s ideal for writing, printing forms, or creating an organic, handcrafted look. Often used for stationery, invitations, and business cards, this paper is highly absorbent and easy to write on.
The use cases for uncoated paper are endless. It can be used for brochures, flyers, menus, and even books. Due to its absorbent nature, it works well with designs that incorporate a lot of text and illustrations.
Features:
- Rougher texture that offers a tactile experience
- Easily absorbs ink, resulting in a more muted color tone
- Writable surface, ideal for forms or handwritten notes
Cardstock
Cardstock is a thicker paper that stands between regular printer paper and cardboard. It’s widely used for business cards, greeting cards, invitations, and sturdy flyers. Its heavier feel adds weight and durability to printed materials, making them feel more premium.
Features:
- Available in matte, glossy, and textured finishes
- A more durable option compared to regular printing paper
- Ideal for high-impact, long-lasting designs
Recycled Paper
Recycled paper is made from post-consumer waste and is a sustainable option for companies focused on eco-conscious branding. It’s commonly used for packaging, stationery, and corporate materials. This type of paper may have a more textured surface and slight color differences due to the recycling process.
Plus, using recycled paper helps reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and conserves natural resources. So, you can feel good about using recycled paper for your packaging needs while also promoting your brand as environmentally responsible.
Plus, you can satisfy customers who want brands to be eco-conscious amidst the growing rate of global warming.
Features:
- Made with 30–100% post-consumer content
- More textured than non-recycled options
- Ideal for eco-friendly branding and sustainability goals
Photo Paper
Photo paper is designed for high-resolution image printing. It’s typically used for photographs, calendars, and fine art prints. With a glossy paper or satin finish, it enhances color vibrancy and detail, and is often compatible with inkjet paper for best results.
Photo paper also comes in different weights, which refers to the thickness of the paper. The higher the weight, the thicker and sturdier the paper will be. Heavier weight will provide better durability for displaying or framing your prints.
Features:
- Heavyweight and glossy for vivid image reproduction
- Usually optimized for inkjet paper printers
- Great for printing photos and professional-grade artwork
Synthetic Paper
Synthetic paper is made from plastic-based materials, making it waterproof, tear-resistant, and ideal for use in harsh conditions. It’s commonly used for outdoor signage, menus, maps, and labels. Though more expensive, it offers a long-lasting alternative to traditional paper.
In addition, synthetic paper is also environmentally friendly, as it is recyclable and does not require cutting down trees for production. It also has a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional paper, as it requires less energy and water to produce.
Features:
- Waterproof and tear-resistant
- Suitable for demanding environments like outdoors or kitchens
- Long-lasting and more durable than standard paper types
Choosing the Best Paper for Your Print Job
When selecting the right paper for everyday printing or a specialized project, it’s important to consider the design complexity and color density. If your design has intricate details or vibrant colors, you may need a smoother, coated paper that will help your colors pop and give a sharp, clean look.
On the other hand, for simpler printing documents or more muted colors, a more basic, uncoated high-quality paper might be sufficient. You should also take into account how the paper works with your printing method. Different printers require specific types of paper to achieve the best results.
For instance, inkjet printers may work best with paper that absorbs ink well, like photo paper, while laser printers tend to do better with smoother, heavier paper types that can handle heat.
Lastly, matching the paper to the product is key. For example, flyers and brochures generally look great on lightweight, glossy paper, while menus or business cards need thicker, more durable cardstock. Choosing the right paper not only enhances the appearance of your print job but also ensures it performs as needed for its intended purpose.
FAQs
Q1: What is the difference between coated and uncoated paper?
Coated paper has a smooth surface for sharp images, while uncoated paper offers a natural texture better for writing.
Q2: Which paper is best for business cards?
Thick cover stock or cardstock is best for business cards due to its durability and premium feel.
Q3. Is recycled paper good for printing?
Yes, recycled paper is eco-friendly and works well for most marketing and office printing needs.
Q4. What weight of paper should I use for brochures?
Brochures typically look best on 100–170 gsm coated paper for a professional finish.
Q5. Can inkjet and laser printers use the same paper?
Some papers are universal, but inkjet paper absorbs ink better, while laser-compatible paper handles heat more effectively.
Conclusion
In conclusion, selecting the right paper, whether it’s coated, text, or cardstock, can greatly enhance your design’s impact, durability, and overall appearance. The proper paper choice ensures your project stands out. For customized needs, it’s always a good idea to consult a print expert to find the perfect match. You’ll be amazed at how much a seemingly small detail like paper can make a big impact on your final product.
Find Your Ideal Paper Match at Packoi!
Looking for a reliable bulk supplier to meet your printing needs? Packoi stands out for its exceptional service, matchless quality, and diverse paper options. Contact us for a quote.
