When you are designing the artwork for your next project – make sure you consider the paper stock you may like to use.

Paper choice can completely change how the artwork is printed and therefore viewed by someone. While coated paper offers a professional, smooth finish, uncoated paper has an unrivalled elegance and warmer feel.

So, what is the difference between coated and uncoated paper?

Coated paper

Coated paper whereby the paper has a gloss and silk finish reflects a smooth print quality. When printing on coated paper the colours of the artwork are displayed more vibrantly.

Popular print items which are printed on coated paper include:
Corporate brochures, posters, leaflets, business cards, stickers, presentation folders, wrapping paper and flyers.

Uncoated paper

Uncoated paper is porous, which gives a textured finish, and during printing, absorbs more ink than the coated paper options. The higher absorbency of uncoated paper allows the finished print to look of a warmer quality.

Uncoated paper stocks are also tactile, and therefore convey messages of trust and being environmentally friendly. We have seen more companies considering their green credentials when printing products such as business cards, corporate brochures, and flyers. It is also deemed ‘trendy’ to currently print on uncoated paper and lots of corporate companies are seen to be producing their marketing collateral with this paper stock finish.

Popular print items which are printed on coated paper include:
NCR pads, leaflets, cards, compliment slips, letterheads, memo pads, business cards, booklets, flyers and envelopes.


What is the best option for you?

We will always advise what we feel is the best fit when printing your business stationery, stickers, leaflets, brochures etc. However, the final decision on how you would like your project printed is down to you. Samples of uncoated and coated paper in a range of GSM weights can be supplied to you on request to help you decide.

Officeworx have been a print broker since 1980 which means our team has developed a wealth of knowledge over the years to help you with your print requirements; from design to paper stock choice and print run advice.

View our latest print solutions catalogue: