What Paper Weight To Use?
Paper weight is important for printing. If you use the wrong paper weight it can be very damaging to your printed materials. For example, if you choose a thin paper for your catalogue. You may be able to see through the sheet which can ruin the print on both side.
On the contrary if you use a thick paper, the catalogue will be very heavy and that will incurred extra space for storage as well as higher cost for delivery especially if you want to mail your catalogue to your customer after printing, it will be more costly.
Some brochures with more than 16 pages. You cannot afford to use thin paper because you are selling an exclusive product. But after you do lamination to protect the paper from smudges, your brochure will become thicker so it will become very bulky and not nice to hold.
Understanding paper weight is important so that when you do special print finishing such as spot UV and hot stamping. The paper will not curl up due to the heat.
How do you measure paper weight?
The term used for paper weight in Malaysia is GSM which mean gram per square metre. It represents the ratio between the weight of the paper and its area. How much a sheet of paper with a surface area of one square metre.
There are many kind of paper in the market which are available in different sizes and weightage (GSM). For example photocopy paper (Xerox paper) which are easily available in stationery shop. These are uncoated paper and are normally use for photocopying and office printer.
Other example we normally can find in stationery shops are paperboards which has a weight ranging from 150 gsm up to 350 gsm.
Paper weights vary. Along with different paper types, it’s a way of distinguishing different papers in the market.
Is thicker paper equal to more weight?
Normally the weight of paper is decided by its thickness of the paper but it can also be affected by other things such as:
The processing techniques:
The type of processing used can affect the density of the paper, hence it will make the paper heavier or lighter. Paper that comes with a higher density pulp will be more durable and less easy to get damage.
Wood fibre content:
Paper are make by compacting fibres from trees. High wood fibre content will increase the thickness of the paper.
Additives:
Some paper maker add certain additives or substances to the pulp so that they can achieve a special feel to the paper texture.
Depending on the type of paper making process and what is the paper’s composition, two sheets of paper with the same weight can have different thicknesses.
Popular weights used for printing
Let’s break down the different paper weights and what they’re good for:
• 50-gsm paper:
Paper with this weight is extremely thin like Newspapers, it is delicate and can be easily damage.
• 90-gsm paper:
This paper is similar with the paper we use for photocopy and office printed. It is an uncoated paper and is not subjected to any chemical treatments. It is ideal for printing large quantities of text such as books and document printing.
• 130-gsm paper:
Thicker paper are more suitable if you have colour images in your printing. This is perfect for printing catalogue, brochure or leaflet with colour images. You can choose to print with matt or gloss paper.
• 210 to 300-gsm paper:
If you prefer a thicker cover so that your catalogue or brochure will look more exclusive, you can choose this paper weight so that it is not easily bent and damage.
• 350-gsm paper:
350gsm is a semi-rigid paperboard normally use for business cards, book covers, presentation folders and invitation cards. Its thickness ensures excellent strength and durability.
• 380-gsm paper
This is a cardboard used for packaging, rigid book covers and POS displays. The advantage of uisng cardboard is it is highly shock and dent-proof.
Paper weight for packaging box printing
We cannot based on GSM alone to choose the paper material for packaging box printing. These are only measures of thickness and weight but other units of volume and density also play an important role in deciding the correct packaging box printing material for you.
Most important is the packaging material must provide protection for your products. How to make your packaging box look unique so customers will feel good about your packaging box.
Some paper materials will have smoother surfaces, which makes the printing job easier. Some are coarser, which you might want to use for your packaging box if you are selling adventure gears or hiking shoes. Your choose the packaging box material pending on what kind of product you are selling and how your customers feel about your product when they touch your packaging box.
Speak with a Packaging Expert
Apart from different types of paper weight, thickness, GSM. How to choose the right balance between durability, thickness and printability must also be consider for packaging box printing.
At Uniquelink, we take great pride in taking the time to understand your vision and your goals for your product. Whether it’s standing out with a unique design or giving your product a sophisticated and elegant look, we have the expertise and know-how to for packaging box printing.
Even if you’re not exactly sure what you want, we have graphic designer who can help bring your vision to life. Once you’ve decided on the design, we can help you choose the right packaging material to protect your product while showcasing it perfectly from every angle.
Interested in learning more about our comprehensive packaging design and printing services? Contact us today for a free, no obligation quote. We’ll take the time to answer any questions you may have.
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