Paper Weight - Which To Use

Paper quality is determined by three parameters: density, grade and type. One of the most important characteristics is the density of the paper, which is measured in grams per square meter. The longevity of the printed product and its quality depend on this characteristic: the denser the paper, the longer it can last. At the same time, paper of the same density can differ both in stiffness and in sheet thickness. These parameters vary depending on the technology used in its production, and will be different for different manufacturers.

paper density




For various types of printing products, paper density is selected based on their purpose. So, for leaflets, offset paper is most often used, having a density of 65 - 170g / m 2 . For promotional products and covers paper from 80 - 800 g / m 2 can be used . Paper with a low density (up to 45g / m 2 ) is usually used when issuing newspapers - they do not need to be stored for a long time. The weight of paper for business cards is usually quite high. A business card should be attractive and of high quality, therefore paper with a density of 225-300 g / m 2 is used . To give products special strength and to create a better effect, lamination is used (one-sided or two-sided).





paper weight for business cards




For use in the office, paper with a density of 80 g / m 2 is best suited . Modern technology can work with almost any paper, but too dense can wrinkle and jam, and the device can capture several sheets of thin sheets at once. The description of office equipment usually indicates the maximum and minimum value of the parameter at which high-quality work is guaranteed. Most often, the density of paper for the printer, in which the device operates without interruption, is 70-80g / m 2 , although for matrix paper you can use paper with a density of 60-65g / m 2 . For productive work and maintaining the working capacity of printers, it is very important to choose the right type of paper and focus here not on the brand or price, but on the efficiency of work.

Types of paper

printer paper weight




Paper can be coated, offset, design and self-adhesive. Coated paper is coated with a special composition and can be matte or glossy. Magazines, posters, postcards, and promotional items are usually printed on a glossy one. The density of paper of this type can be from 70 - 300g / m 2 .

Offset paper is used when printing on printers, used for letterhead and books. The density of such paper varies from 55 to 160 g / m 2 . Designer paper and cardboard have an unusual texture, coatings, or visual effects. They are used for the manufacture of representative types of products: business cards, envelopes, invitations and greeting cards. The density of this type of paper can be very different: from 70g / m 2 to 300g / m 2 .

Self-adhesive paper consists of several layers. The top layer, as a rule, is made of coated paper. On one side, a special adhesive is applied to it, which is covered with a protective film. Self-adhesive paper is dull, glossy, semi-glossy, and its density is usually 80 g / m 2 . It is used for the manufacture of labels, announcements, stickers, etc.




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