Offset printing help: Information about coated papers for printed pieces, catalogs, newsletters, brochures

How to choose the appropriate coated paper

You may have noticed that within each category of papers there are sheets at different price levels. Have you ever wondered what accounts for these price differences? This article will give you some information about what makes one coated sheet more expensive than another.

All types of paper come in various grades or quality levels. Coated (also referred to as "glossy or "enamel") paper is no exception. These grades are similar to price points for retail products such as electronics or appliances. Items at various price points will have different quality, fit and finish.

In general, coated papers are chosen because they reproduce photos better than uncoated sheets. The ink stands up nicely on the clay coating. Ink tends to soak into an uncoated paper a little, thus softening the image slightly. Almost all four color printing is done on coated sheets.

The grades of coated paper suitable for sheetfed printing, in ascending order of quality and price are; #3, #2, #1, #1 Premium and Super calendared. Web coated grades also include #4 and #5.

The main visible difference in the cost of coated papers is the quality of the finish. All coated papers have a coating of clay applied to the base sheet. The clay coating is then buffed, similar to shining your shoes.

A #3 grade sheet will have a smaller amount of clay and will not be buffed as long as a higher-grade sheet. The result is a finish that looks a little less smooth than a more expensive sheet. The sheet still looks glossy and smooth, but when you look closely you will see some variance in the coating on the surface of a less expensive grade sheet.

In addition, the more expensive sheets will usually be whiter and brighter than the lesser grade sheets. Additional chemical whiteners and brighteners are added to more expensive sheets.

The super calendared sheets are kind of in a league of their own. These sheets have been buffed (calendared) a great deal. The finish is quite shiny, almost like glass. However many high gloss printed pieces today are actually coated on press. It can be difficult to discern a super calendared sheet from a printed piece that has been treated with an additional coating.

One last type of paper to mention are coated one side covers. These sheets have a gloss coating on only one side, the other side being uncoated. The coated sides of theses sheets typically have a finish similar to a #2 grade. However, some of the super calendared sheets come in a coated one-side version.

Listed below are suggested uses for various grades of coated sheets. Please note that these are just general guidelines and that you should talk to your printer about the most economical sheet for you specific project.

Super calendared - Use this sheet when you want a superior gloss. The glare from these sheets can often make reading somewhat difficult so be careful where you use it. Typical uses are for covers.

#1 Premium - Only used when you want the very smoothest of finishes, short of a glass like super calendared look. Annual reports or covers for a very high profile piece are good examples

#1 grade - Used for nicer versions of the same pieces you would use a #2 grade sheet for. Use this grade when you want the piece to have a slightly more opulent or rich look. For instance, if you were selling a very high cost medical item you may want to enhance the piece by going to a #1 grade.

#2 grade - A good all purpose sheet. Used for newsletters, smaller direct mail pieces, brochures or catalogs. Will reproduce one to four color images quite well.

#2 grade coated one-side covers - Used almost exclusively as covers for catalogs or similar pieces. This is the paper of choice for most covers where a gloss finish is needed on the outside. The uncoated inside makes it very good for perfect binding (adhesive or paperback) as the glue will adhere nicely to the uncoated surface.

#3 grade - Typically used as interiors of large one or two color catalogs or large direct mailing pieces.

#4 web grade - good for catalogs, direct mail pieces and magazines.

#5 web grade -used for magazines, newspaper inserts, catalogs

If you need help picking the grade of paper most suited to your application please contact us. The object is to pick the least expensive paper that will meet your design and marketing objectives.