CREOPRINT PRINT GUIDE
Which paper or card should you choose?
Paper choice changes how printed work looks, feels and performs. Weight is important, but it is only part of the decision. The surface finish, stiffness, opacity, whether the piece needs to fold or be written on, and the impression you want to create all help determine the right stock.
QUICK ANSWER
Choose for the job, not simply the highest GSM.
A heavier stock is not automatically better. A leaflet may benefit from a lighter paper that folds and handles well, while a business card needs substantially more rigidity. Finish matters too: silk, gloss and uncoated papers can make the same artwork look and feel noticeably different.
UNDERSTANDING PAPER WEIGHT
What does GSM mean?
GSM means grams per square metre and is the standard way of describing the weight of paper and card. A higher GSM generally means a heavier sheet, but it does not tell you everything about thickness or stiffness because different paper constructions can behave differently at the same weight.
100–120gsm
Lighter paper commonly associated with documents, letterheads and other everyday printed material.
130–170gsm
A popular range for quality leaflets, flyers, brochure pages and promotional print.
200–250gsm
Heavier paper or light card for covers, invitations, menus and print that needs more substance.
300–350gsm+
Substantial card commonly used for business cards, postcards, invitations and heavier covers.
CHOOSING THE FINISH
Silk, gloss or uncoated?
SMOOTH & VERSATILE
Silk
Silk-coated paper has a smooth finish with less shine than gloss. It is widely used for leaflets, brochures and other commercial print where strong colour reproduction and a professional feel are wanted without a highly reflective surface.
BRIGHT & SHINY
Gloss
Gloss-coated paper has a more reflective surface and can give photographs and colourful graphics a bright, polished appearance. It can work particularly well for image-led promotional print where a glossy finish suits the design.
NATURAL & TACTILE
Uncoated
Uncoated stock has no smooth coating over the paper surface, giving it a more natural and tactile character. It is commonly chosen for stationery and designs where writing, a softer appearance or a less commercial coated-paper feel is preferred.
NEED TO WRITE ON IT?
Consider the surface as well as the weight.
If the finished piece needs to be written on regularly, an uncoated stock is usually the natural starting point. This is one reason uncoated papers are widely used for letterheads, forms and stationery. Coated stocks can be less suitable for handwriting depending on the pen and surface.
COMMON PRINT PRODUCTS
A practical starting point.
| Printed item | What matters | Typical starting point |
|---|
| Leaflets & flyers | Handling, distribution, folds and desired feel | 130–170gsm coated or uncoated depending on the design |
| Brochure pages | Page count, images, weight and binding | Often around 130–170gsm for internal pages |
| Letterheads | Writing, office printing and professional feel | Typically uncoated paper around 100–120gsm |
| Business cards | Rigidity, handling and finish | Substantial card, often 300gsm or heavier |
| Invitations | Feel, design, writing and presentation | Heavier paper or card selected to suit the design |
| Menus | Handling, durability and whether finishing is required | Heavier stock appropriate to the format and use |
FOLDING & FINISHING
Heavier isn't always easier.
If a printed piece needs to fold, bind or perform a particular function, paper weight needs to work with the finishing method. Heavier stocks can require creasing before folding to help produce a cleaner result and reduce cracking around the fold. Booklets also need a sensible relationship between the cover, internal pages, page count and binding method.
PREMIUM DOESN'T JUST MEAN THICKER
Feel comes from the complete specification.
Paper weight, surface, colour reproduction and finishing all contribute to how premium a printed piece feels. A well-chosen uncoated stock can feel more appropriate for one brand than a heavier gloss card, while lamination or specialist finishing can completely change another product. Choose the specification around the intended result rather than simply selecting the heaviest option available.
SPECIALIST & TEXTURED PAPERS
Sometimes the paper is part of the design.
For premium and bespoke print, paper choice can go far beyond standard silk, gloss and uncoated stocks. Specialist papers can introduce texture, colour, subtle surface patterns or pearlescent finishes that become part of the overall look and feel of the finished piece.
Textured papers
Stocks such as Tintoretto Gesso can add a tactile, textured surface particularly suited to invitations, stationery and premium printed pieces.
Pearlised papers
Pearl and metallic-effect surfaces can introduce a subtle shimmer and are often considered for invitations, celebrations and other presentation-led print.
Coloured papers
Using the colour of the paper itself as part of the design can create a very different result from simply printing a background colour onto white stock.
Designer paper ranges
Specialist ranges from paper makers and suppliers such as GF Smith give access to distinctive colours, textures and finishes for suitable bespoke projects.
Specialist stocks are generally sourced for suitable bespoke orders rather than offered as standard options across every product. Availability, minimum quantities, print compatibility and finishing requirements vary, so speak to Creoprint if you have a particular paper or finish in mind.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Paper & card FAQs
Is a higher GSM always better?
No. Higher GSM means a heavier sheet, but the right weight depends on the product. A very heavy paper can be unnecessary for a leaflet and may be unsuitable for some folds or bindings. The intended use should determine the weight.
What GSM should I use for a leaflet?
Many quality leaflets fall around the 130–170gsm range, but there is no single correct weight. Distribution method, folds, quantity, budget and the feel you want should all be considered.
Is silk or gloss better for leaflets?
Neither is automatically better. Silk provides a smooth, professional finish with less reflection, while gloss produces a shinier appearance that can suit bright, image-led designs. The best choice depends on the artwork and the impression you want.
What paper is easiest to write on?
Uncoated paper is generally the most straightforward choice when handwriting is important because it has a more absorbent, natural surface. This makes it particularly useful for letterheads, forms and other working stationery.
What GSM is a business card?
Business cards are normally printed on substantially heavier card than leaflets or stationery. 300gsm and above is common, although the finished feel also depends on the card construction, surface and any lamination or specialist finishing.
Does uncoated paper print differently from silk?
Yes. The different surfaces affect the appearance of printed colour and images. Coated papers tend to give a smoother, sharper appearance, while uncoated paper produces a softer, more natural result. That difference can be part of the design rather than a disadvantage.
STILL NOT SURE?
Choose the paper around the finished job.
Tell Creoprint what you're producing, how it will be used and the kind of finish you want. We can help you choose an appropriate paper or card, including specialist stocks for suitable bespoke projects, rather than simply choosing by GSM.
Business PrintingAsk CreoprintPRACTICAL PRINT ADVICE
Creoprint produces business stationery, leaflets, brochures, booklets, cards, invitations and other printed materials for businesses, organisations and individuals. Alongside standard paper and card options, specialist stocks and finishes can be sourced for suitable bespoke projects.