Saturday, September 27, 2014

Know 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.

Paper finishing refers to the coat that is applied to the paper sheet during reproduction. The most common paper finishing is the uncoated sheets, glossy, and matte sheets. Cast coated papers offer the highest glossiness of the boards and papers. It is perfect for labels, cards, and covers.

For magazines, it is highly advised to use lightweight coated paper sheets. Aside from magazines, lightweight coated paper is used in making brochures and catalogues. This kind of paper is thin and well-coated. It is light with a weight of forty grams per meter square.

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.

The paper types are composed of the coated paper, uncoated, and recycled sheets. The first one contains enamel coating permitting it to appear glossy and shiny especially when colored pictures are printed. The ink is not absorbed by the paper and applying the UV coat would enhance its durability. But this paper is unrecyclable and expensive.

The second is the uncoated sheets. These appear not glossy and flat. The ink penetrates into the paper fibers that will not work well for high-resolution magazine pages. But the good side of it is that is can be used again. Thirdly, the recycled paper that is by its name eco-friendly since it came from used papers. It is quite popularly used nowadays but the price is not that friendly.

The last consideration to ponder is the paper weight. This refers to the physical weight of the paper itself. You must choose a paper weight that is light and handy for readers. Imagine reading a magazine that is too heavy. For sure, no one will buy it again. Typical magazines use fifty-, sixty-, or seventy- pounds paper while the interior paper pages, eighty- or one hundred- pounds will do.

The paper grade also matters. This refers to the paper trait to react to reflections of light. It is divided into three as bright, four as extra-bright, and five as ultra-bright. Always take into consideration the paper you choose so that you will have good sales everyday.




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