When preparing a printing job, it is necessary to select the right paper. Even if you have a standard list of types of paper available for each printer, you have to be sure that the thickness of the material can meet your needs. The thickness of printing paper is one aspect that every printer, graphic designer, and anyone else in the print industry should know, as it refers to all things printed on paper. You need to know about the most common types of printing paper. Here are our recommendations and also the outlines that will help understand how to carry out the print job with maximum profits and minimum losses in printing.
Offset Paper Weight and Thickness
Offset papers are available in various weights, which are measured in GSM (grams per square meter). The lower the GSM number, the lighter the paper. Lighter papers are more suitable for printing on while heavier ones are better suited for high-quality artwork. Here’s a list of some of the most common weight types:
100GSM: This is a very lightweight paper that is generally used for flyers and brochures. It has a smooth and also shiny finish and can be recycled without any problems.
130GSM: This type of paper is ideal for business cards, postcards, and also greeting cards because it offers a medium weight with an elegant look. It’s also good for aqueous coating for printing on both sides if you want to save money on ink costs or use recycled paper stock instead of virgin materials whenever possible!
160GSM: This type of paper is often used by professionals who need something durable enough to withstand also wear and tear over time without losing its luster too quickly. This type of material would work well with glossy finish options like gloss lamination or UV coating options
Matt Coated Paper
Matt coated paper is is coated with a layer of polyamide. It has good gloss, high color saturation, and strong brightness. It has good properties of anti-static, heat resistance, and moisture resistance. This paper is widely used in packaging printing such as food packaging, medicine packaging, cosmetic packaging, stationery packaging, etc. Matt coated paper has a GSM that ranges from 160 to 200
High Glossy Paper
High Gloss Paper has a high gloss finish. This means that the surface is smooth, shiny, and reflective. Glossy photo paper is used for printing photos and other images in magazines, calendars, and also other printed media. The glossy finish makes the colors look more vibrant and brings out details that would otherwise be hidden by matt or semi-gloss paper. The higher the gloss level, the more light reflects off the surface. High glossy photo paper is used for printing photos and photos with high contrast, such as portraits and landscapes.
Gloss coated paper has a GSM that ranges from 180 to 210.
Grey Board Paper
Grey Board Paper is a packaging printing paper that is made of wood pulp. It has a high opacity level, which means that it doesn’t allow a lot of light through. This makes it an ideal option for printing packaging that needs to be kept in dark areas like closets or storage rooms. It is also well-suited for printing black & white images because of its uniform color and also smooth surface.
Sticker Paper
Sticker paper has a smooth, glossy surface and is often used to print stickers. This type of paper is usually made using recycled materials and can be recycled after use. Sticker paper comes in many different weights, ranging from 75 gsm (grams per square meter) to 300 gsm. The weight of the sticker paper depends on what you want to use it for; if you are going to be printing small stickers or labels, then you will need a lower weight of sticker paper so that it does not bend or crease as easily.
The Thickness of Printing Paper List
| Name | Thickness/mm | Name | Thickness/mm |
| 80gsm art paper | 0.065 | 105gsm matt coated paper | 0.09 |
| 105gsm art paper | 0.085 | 128gsm matt coated paper | 0.12 |
| 128gsm art paper | 0.105 | 157gsm matt coated paper | 0.16 |
| 157gsm art paper | 0.135 | 200gsm matt coated paper | 0.19 |
| 200gsm art paper | 0.17 | 210gsm matt coated paper | 0.21 |
| 210gsm art paper | 0.19 | 230gsm matt coated paper | 0.23 |
| 230gsm art paper | 0.21 | 250gsm matt coated paper | 0.25 |
| 250gsm art paper | 0.23 | 300gsm matt coated paper | 0.34-0.35 |
| 300gsm art paper | 0.305 | 350gsm matt coated paper | 0.365 |
| 350gsm art paper | 0.345 | 60gsm matt coated paper | 0.06 |
| 400gsm art paper | 0.41 | ||
| 60gsm offset paper | 0.08 | 210gsm single side coated board | 0.2 |
| 70gsm offset paper | 0.09 | 230gsm single side coated board | 0.295 |
| 80gsm offset paper | 0.10 | 250gsm single side coated board | 0.32 |
| 100gsm offset paper | 0.12 | 300gsm single side coated board | 0.425 |
| 120gsm offset paper | 0.135 | 350gsm single side coated board | 0.46 |
| 140gsm offset paper | 0.16 | 400gsm single side coated board | 0.54 |
| 180gsm offset paper | 0.19 | ||
| 250gsm ivory board | 0.31 | ||
| 300gsm ivory board | 0.32 | ||
| 250gsm grey back MC board | 0.295 | 350gsm ivory board | 0.49 |
| 300gsm grey back MC board | 0.37 | ||
| 400gsm grey back MC board | 0.48 | 100gsm Munken | |
| 450gsm grey back MC board | 0.55 | 115gsm Munken | 0.15 |
| 210gsm C1S art board | 0.26 | 230gsm C1S art board | 0.28 |
| 250gsm C1S art board | 0.325 | 280gsm C1S art board | 0.36 |
| 300gsm C1S art board | 0.40 | 350gsm C1S art board | 0.48 |
| Name | Thickness/mm | Name | Thickness/mm |
| 300gsm grey board | 0.45 | 400gsm grey board | 0.6 |
| 467gsm grey board | 0.7 | 533gsm grey board | 0.8 |
| 600gsm grey board | 0.9 | 645gsm grey board | 1.0 |
| 714gsm grey board | 1.1 | 779gsm grey board | 1.2 |
| 844gsm grey board | 1.3 | 909gsm grey board | 1.4 |
| 974gsm grey board | 1.5 | 1039gsm grey board | 1.6 |
| 1104gsm grey board | 1.7 | 1169gsm grey board | 1.8 |
| 1234gsm grey board | 1.9 | 1299gsm grey board | 2.0 |
| 1364gsm grey board | 2.1 | 1429gsm grey board | 2.2 |
| 1623gsm grey board | 2.5 | 1688gsm grey board | 2.6 |
| 1753gsm grey board | 2.7 | 1818gsm grey board | 2.8 |
| 1833gsm grey board | 2.9 | 1848gsm grey board | 3.0 |
| 2013gsm grey board | 3.1 | 2273gsm grey board | 3.5 |
| 2597gsm grey board | 4.0 | ||
| 60gsm kraft paper | 0.10 | 30gsm bible paper | 0.04 |
| 80gsm kraft paper | 0.12 | 32gsm bible paper | 0.04 |
| 120gsm kraft paper | 0.17 | 35gsm bible paper | 0.05 |
- 80 gsm offset printing paper: This is used for printing documents and also the pamphlets
- 115gsm offset printing paper: This is used for the same purpose as 80 gsm woodfree offset printing paper, but it’s slightly heavier and also more durable
- 128 gsm coated paper: This is used for printing brochures and also other documents that require a premium finish
- 157 gsm coated paper: This is also used for the same purpose as 128 gsm coated paper, but it’s even heavier and also more durable than either of those two papers
- 200gsm coated paper: This is used for printing magazines and also the books that require a very high level of quality (think luxury editions)
- 30gsm coated paper: The highest quality option available on the market right now, this type of paper is perfect for any kind of publication or print job—including magazines, books, brochures, posters, flyers, banners… everything!
Central idea
You might not think the quality of printing paper would make much of a difference, but it can. It’s the quality of the paper that ultimately dictates how crisp and beautiful your print job will look in the end. The thickness or thinness of the paper stock will directly affect the way you’re final product will look. Choosing the right thickness of packaging printing paper is crucial in determining the overall quality and durability of your printed product. Whether it be a gift box, curvy bottle, or even a custom packing box, these papers are designed to pack a punch and keep it well.
Can you please describe “GSM”?