Determine The Paper Types Before You Print Your Magazine

By Elsa Noel


Printing jobs are always challenging. It will test your patience and knowledge as to what printing providers and kind of paper to be used. Paper talk can be a long conversation as it involves several aspects making it hard for most printers in the industry. Papers are classified into types, colors, weights, grades, and textures or finishings.

The first question for printing is what type of paper suitable for printing business. The answer to this question would vary to the experiences and opinions. Some would say that this paper type is better than the other or the other way around. It is quite frustrating especially to the beginners in this industry. Before you print your magazine, determine first what special finishing you desire and the paper type for the print project.

Let us focus first with the paper finishing. Finishings refer to the paper coat which is applied in the reproduction process. The common paper finishings are matte sheets, glossy type, and the uncoated paper. Cast coated papers have the highest gloss effect both on papers and boards perfect for covers, labels, and cards.

For the magazines, use the popular lightweight coated papers. It is well-known for printers due to its thin, light weight, and well coated surface. Most publishers use this paper for brochure making and printing catalogues. Its weight usually is forty grams.

The next paper is this matte finished sheets wherein it has relative rough surface and can avert the reflection of light. Matte paper is grouped into two -- the coated and the uncoated. Printers select this paper because its finishings produce high quality colors.

Now for the paper types there are grouped into its usages. First is the coated paper that contains enamel coat permits it to give off shiny or glossy surface. With this kind of paper, ink does not penetrate makes the colors of photos appear very sharp and bright. UV coating is also added to improve its durability. The downside is that it is costly and it cannot be recycled.

Next is the uncoated paper that looks flat and not glossy. The ink easily absorbed by paper fibers which does not work good for colored magazines' having high-resolution pictures but this paper is recyclable. Last, is the recycled paper that is the most popular choice because it is eco-friendly and can produce high quality printing results. However, it is not cheap as it seems to be.

The last thing to examine is the weight of paper. It refers to its physical weight. This is essential in this business because the reader must be comfortable holding the magazine without difficulty and that it will not tire their arms and hands. Normal magazines have fifty-, seventy-, or sixty- pounds in total weight while for the inside pages have one hundred-, or eighty- pounds.

Another thing that matters is the paper grade. This is the trait of paper that enables to respond to light reflections. Grade three is bright, grade four is extra bright, and last grade five is ultra-bright. Select the best and suitable paper to ensure great printing results and profits.




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