Printing Paper Type Descriptions

Paper 101 Make your print projects eco-friendly and sustainable with Printing for Less’s wide range of recycled and sustainably sourced papers.

Learn more about How to Choose the Best Paper Stock for Your Project. 

Standard House Paper Stocks

24# Uncoated Text and 28# Uncoated Text

• The 28# is thicker and heavier than the 24#.
• Standard uses: this stock is commonly used for envelopes, also called White Wove.

70# Uncoated Text

(is slightly thicker than copy paper)

• This ultra-premium uncoated (non-glossy) white stock is guaranteed safe for laser printing.
• Feels thick and substantial in your hands, and is the best type of uncoated paper stock available for full-color printing.
• Standard uses: we exclusively offer 70# Lustre for stationery, envelopes, and newsletters.

80# Coated Text

(is the thickness of a quality magazine page) 80# Gloss Text

• Standard glossy paper provides an excellent opaque base for rich process color printing.
• Standard uses: brochure printing, catalog inserts, flyers, posters, etc.

80# Dull/matte Text

• This stock is finely coated with a satin finish.
• It provides an excellent opaque base for easy to read, crisp typography.
• Standard uses: brochures, newsletters, catalog inserts, and flyers, etc.

100# Coated Text

(is 25% thicker than 80# gloss text) 100# Gloss Text

• Similar to the 80# gloss text, but 25% thicker and heavier, for a more substantial feeling piece.
• Standard uses: brochures, information sheets, self-mailers, posters, and door hangers.

100# Dull/matte Text

• Thicker and heavier than our 80# dull/matte text for a more substantial feeling piece.
• Provides a non-glossy, opaque base for detailed, crisp printing.
• Standard uses: brochures, information sheets, self-mailers, posters, and door hangers.

80# Coated Cover

(is the thickness of a postcard or baseball card) 80# Gloss Cover

• This stock is coated with a glossy finish, making photographs and other images look beautiful.
• Standard uses: durable, heavy-weight brochures, catalog covers, and packaging.

80# Dull/matte Cover

• Our dull/matte cover is a thick 9pt cover stock with a smooth, non-shiny coating.
• It is well suited for detailed, crisp printing without sacrificing the ability to easily write on it.
• Standard uses: typically used with our 80# dull/matte text option for catalog or booklet pages.

100# Uncoated Cover

(is the thickness of a standard business card)

• This bright white, uncoated smooth #1 grade cover stock is 14pt in thickness.

• You can easily write on this stock.

• This heavier option is a great companion to our 70# uncoated text for texture consistency across your marketing materials.

• Standard uses: great option for appointment or reminder cards and business cards.

120# Coated Cover

(is the thickness of a standard business card) 120# Gloss Cover

• This is one of our most popular papers.

• It is a heavy 14pt stock with a glossy, coated finish.

• It makes photographs and other images look beautiful. UV coating, often called liquid lamination, is a great addition for added pop and shine.

• Not recommended for cards that you would like to write on.

• Standard uses: business cards, brochures, hang tags, and presentation folders.

120# Dull/matte Cover

• Our dull/matte cover is a substantial paper with a smooth, non-shiny coating.

• It is a heavy 14pt stock well suited for detailed, crisp printing without sacrificing the ability to easily write on the paper.

• You can also add UV coating on the front of a dull/matte card to add pop to the side that isn’t needed for writing.

• Standard uses: excellent choice for business cards, postcards, and greeting cards.

160# Coated Cover

(about 30% thicker than standard business cards)

• At 18pt, this is our thickest and sturdiest paper stock.

• It has a glossy, or dull/matte smooth finish that produces vibrant colors and professional image quality.

• It works really well for die cuts and foil stamping.

• Standard uses: business cards, postcards, hang tags and rack cards.

Premium and Specialty Papers

SmartFlex^® Synthetic Paper

• Our standard plastic substrate stock is flexible and water, heat and tear resistant.

• Available in 6pt, 8pt, 15pt and 20pt thicknesses.

• Tree and Pulp Free and 100% Recyclable.

• Standard uses: maps, menus, door hangers, posters or any product that can benefit from the increased durability of plastic.

Premium Papers

• Many Recycled Paper varieties from partial to 100% Post Consumer Waste.

• Textured finishes such as laid, linen, ribbed and felt are available with and without watermarks.

• Many colored stocks from light to dark colors for specialty projects.

• Get your company and printed pieces noticed and stand out from the crowd with a premium paper stock.

Coatings

Aqueous Coating

• This clear coating is used to protect your printed pieces.

• It provides a high-gloss surface that deters dirt and fingerprints.

• Improves the durability of postcards as they go through the mail, and protects business cards as they get shuffled between clients.

• It also looks beautiful on brochures, catalog covers, and stand-alone flyers.  Learn more…

UV Coating

• UV coating, often called liquid lamination, is a highly protective, ultra-shiny gloss coating that we apply over aqueous coating and then cure on a special machine using ultraviolet light.

• The solvent-free UV coating provides an extremely hard finish that’s chemical and abrasion resistant.

• It makes details really pop! On deep colors, it results in a stunning, almost wet appearance.

• Perfect when you want a durable, environmentally-friendly piece with a richer, high-end look and feel.

• NOTE: UV Coating cannot be used on the addressed side of mailed pieces, unless the address is printed first and then the coating is applied.  Learn more…

Soft Touch^® Coating

• This coating creates a velvety texture.

• The paper becomes “soft” to the touch and increases the tactile appeal.

• Softer look and feel than aqueous or UV coating, while creating a barrier which is fingerprint resistant.

• It dries fast, is non-yellowing, and is eco-friendly.

• Luxurious and sophisticated are words often used to describe the finished product. 

Learn about using recycled paper for green printing