No Lamination
Retains the original paper surface. It may be easier to write on when uncoated but provides less protection against moisture, scratches and frequent handling.
Paper Guide: GSM, Paper Types, Synthetic Stocks & Lamination
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Image Magic Printing Material Guide
Choose Paper by Purpose, Surface and Performance — Not GSM Alone
Paper weight is only one part of material selection. The surface, thickness, stiffness, colour, texture, grain direction, printing process and finishing all influence how a finished product looks and performs.
Quick Paper Selection Guide
Documents80–100gsm uncoated Simili or selected writing paper.
Flyers and brochuresCommonly 105–157gsm coated art paper.
Cards and coversCommonly 210–350gsm card or specialty stock.
Water-resistant useSelected synthetic material instead of ordinary paper.
These are general starting points. Available stocks depend on product, size, quantity, printing method, supplier availability and finishing.
GSM Is Paper Weight, Not Exact Thickness
GSM means grams per square metre. It describes how much one square metre of a material weighs. A higher GSM normally indicates a heavier sheet, but it does not provide an exact measurement of thickness.
GSM or basis weight
Used mainly to compare the weight of paper and card. For example, 100gsm paper weighs 100 grams per square metre.
Micron or caliper
Used to describe physical thickness. This is especially useful for synthetic sheets, rigid materials and products with the same GSM but different bulk.
Important: Two 250gsm stocks can have different thickness, stiffness and feel. Coating, fibre, compression, texture and manufacturing method all affect the final material.
Common Paper Weight Ranges
| Typical weight | Common material examples | Common uses | Important notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80–100gsm | Simili, writing paper, coloured paper, Conqueror | Documents, letterheads, forms, inserts and section dividers | Usually easier to write on when uncoated |
| 105–157gsm | Coated art paper or selected uncoated text paper | Flyers, brochures, booklet pages and catalogues | Coated surfaces normally reproduce photographs more strongly |
| 170–200gsm | Heavy art paper or light card | Premium flyers, presentation sheets and light covers | May require scoring for certain folds |
| 210–250gsm | Art card, ivory card and specialty card | Booklet covers, postcards, menus and invitation cards | Suitability for folding depends on grain, coating and finishing |
| 260–300gsm | Premium uncoated card, textured card and heavy art card | Business cards, invitations, covers and premium stationery | Creasing may be required before folding |
| 310–350gsm | Heavy card and Kraft Board | Business cards, tags, premium covers and rigid-feel cards | Not suitable for every fold or finishing combination |
These ranges describe common uses, not fixed production rules.
Understanding Paper Surfaces
Uncoated paper
Has a natural, non-coated surface. It is generally suitable for writing and gives printed colours a softer appearance.
Coated art paper
Has a smoother coated surface that usually produces stronger image detail and colour. The surface may be gloss, silk or matt coated.
Textured paper
Includes laid, wove, linen and other tactile surfaces. Fine details and heavy solid colours may reproduce differently on the texture.
Coloured paper
The paper colour becomes part of the design. Standard CMYK printing is not opaque, and unprinted white areas show the paper colour.
Kraft and natural stocks
Have a warm natural appearance. Fibre, shade and surface variation are part of the material character.
Synthetic material
Selected PET or PVC-based sheets offer greater resistance to water and tearing than ordinary paper. Exact performance varies by stock.
Paper and Specialty Stocks Shown by Image Magic
The following are representative material samples. Stock availability, shade, texture, GSM and compatible products must be confirmed at the time of ordering.
Additional samples in the Image Magic collection
80gsm Yellow80gsm Ivory80gsm Pink80gsm Ocean80gsm Lagoon80gsm LavenderGreen Forest 300gsmPET/PVC 200 micron, 280gsmPET/PVC 275 micron, 380gsmFrosted PVC 260 micron, 300gsm
Paper sample photographs are for general reference only. Lighting, monitor settings, camera exposure and production batches can make the actual shade and texture appear different.
Which Paper Should You Choose?
| Printed product | Common starting options | Why they are selected |
|---|---|---|
| Office documents and forms | 80–100gsm Simili or uncoated paper | Readable, economical and generally easy to write on |
| Letterheads | 100gsm Simili, Conqueror Wove or Conqueror Laid | Suitable for corporate correspondence and handwriting |
| Flyers and brochures | 105–157gsm art paper | Smooth surface and good reproduction of images and colours |
| Booklet inner pages | 80–120gsm uncoated or 105–157gsm coated | Choice depends on page count, photographs, writing and bulk |
| Booklet covers | 210–310gsm art card or selected uncoated card | Provides greater stiffness and protection |
| Business cards | 250–350gsm card or specialty stock | Provides stronger handling and a more substantial feel |
| Invitations and premium cards | Ivory, Linen, Modigliani, Poladon or other specialty card | Chosen for texture, shade and tactile presentation |
| Menus and frequently handled items | Laminated card or suitable synthetic material | Provides greater surface and moisture resistance |
| Dividers and section sheets | 80gsm coloured paper or selected heavier coloured stock | Helps separate sections clearly |
| Natural or rustic designs | Kraft Board, Conservation or Green Forest | Provides a natural shade and distinctive fibre appearance |
Printing on Coloured, Kraft and Textured Paper
Paper colour affects print
Standard CMYK toner and ink allow some of the underlying material colour to influence the result. Printed colours may look darker, warmer or less saturated.
White areas are normally unprinted
A white object in ordinary artwork normally means no ink is printed. The paper colour will show unless a suitable white-ink process is specifically selected.
Texture affects fine details
Fine lines, small text, gradients and large solid areas can reproduce differently on laid, linen, recycled and heavily textured stocks.
Exact colour matching is difficult
Kraft, recycled and coloured stocks are not ideal when an exact screen or brand-colour match is required.
Read the RGB vs CMYK Colour Guide for more information about colour expectations.
Folding, Binding and Paper Grain
Check the finished product
A suitable stock for a flat card may not be suitable for a folded
brochure or perfect-bound book.
Consider page count
Heavy inner pages increase booklet thickness, spine width, weight and
delivery cost.
Use creasing when required
Heavy coated or laminated card may need creasing before folding to
reduce surface cracking.
Consider grain direction
Folding and binding normally perform better when the paper grain runs
in a suitable direction.
Refer to the Flyer and Brochure Folding Guide before preparing folded artwork.
Lamination Options
Lamination adds a thin film to the printed surface. It can improve handling and moisture resistance, but it also changes the appearance and feel of the paper.
Matt Lamination
Produces a smooth, low-reflection finish. It can create a premium appearance, although colours may appear slightly softer and the surface can show scuffing in some conditions.
Gloss Lamination
Produces a shiny, reflective finish that can make photographs and colours appear more vivid. Reflection and fingerprints may be more noticeable.
Not every paper should be laminated. Textured, highly absorbent, specialty and synthetic stocks may have different compatibility. Lamination can also reduce writability and affect folding.
Environmental and FSC Information
Recycled appearance, natural colour and the word “conservation” do not automatically prove that every order qualifies for an FSC claim or logo. Certification status can depend on the exact paper, supplier, printer and chain-of-custody documentation.
Tell Image Magic before ordering when FSC certification, recycled content or a specific environmental claim is mandatory. The applicable stock and documentation must be confirmed before production.
Paper Selection Checklist
✓Confirm the printed product and final use.
✓Decide whether the surface must be writable.
✓Choose coated, uncoated, textured, coloured or synthetic stock.
✓Consider weight, thickness, stiffness and page count.
✓Check folding, creasing, binding and grain requirements.
✓Confirm whether lamination or another finish is required.
✓Request a physical sample for important shade or texture decisions.
✓Confirm current stock availability before production.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a higher GSM always mean better paper?
No. A higher GSM means a heavier sheet, but the best material depends on the product, printing method, folding, binding, writing and desired appearance.
Why can two papers with the same GSM feel different?
Paper bulk, coating, fibre, compression, texture and manufacturing method can create different thickness and stiffness at the same GSM.
Which paper is easiest to write on?
Uncoated stocks such as Simili, selected Conqueror papers and uncoated card are normally easier to write on than coated or laminated surfaces.
Can I print normal CMYK artwork on coloured paper?
Yes, but the paper colour will affect the result. White areas will normally show the paper colour unless a compatible white-ink process is specifically ordered.
Is synthetic material completely waterproof?
The base material may resist water, but total performance also depends on the printing process, ink, finishing, cut edges, temperature and actual use.
Can every card be folded?
No. Heavy, coated, laminated or textured card may require creasing, and some stock-and-fold combinations may not be recommended.
Will the paper colour look exactly like the website image?
No. Screens, photography, lighting and production batches affect how colour and texture appear. Request a physical sample when important.
Need Help Choosing Paper for Your Printing Project?
Send us your product, size, quantity, printing sides, intended use and preferred finish. Our team can recommend suitable available stocks and explain the differences before production.