Paper Types Explained – A Simple Guide to Choosing the Right Stock

Choosing the right paper for your print job can make a big difference to the final result. At Now Print, we offer a wide range of paper types and finishes to suit everything from flyers and business cards to booklets and posters.

Here’s a simple guide to the most common paper types and what they’re best for:

Gloss

Gloss paper has a shiny, reflective coating that makes colours pop. It’s perfect for high-impact flyers, posters, and photo-heavy prints.

Best for: Promotional flyers, leaflets, posters, photo prints
Finish: Smooth, shiny
Feels like: Magazine pages

Silk

Silk paper is a smooth, semi-matte stock. It offers vibrant colours without the glare of gloss, making it a popular choice for professional-looking prints.

Best for: Business cards, booklets, menus, brochures
Finish: Smooth, low sheen
Feels like: High-end brochure paper

Matt

Matt paper has no shine and gives a more natural, understated look. It’s ideal for text-heavy designs and prints that need to be easy to write on.

Best for: Letterheads, forms, price lists, menus
Finish: Flat, no shine
Feels like: Premium office paper

Uncoated

Uncoated paper has a more textured feel and no coating at all, making it perfect for writing. It’s commonly used for stationery and notepads.

Best for: Notepads, compliment slips, forms
Finish: Natural and writable
Feels like: Traditional printer paper, but thicker

Recycled

Eco-conscious and textured, recycled paper is made from post-consumer waste. It gives a natural, slightly rough finish and is a great option for environmentally friendly brands.

Best for: Sustainable brands, green campaigns, stationery
Finish: Textured, uncoated
Feels like: Raw, natural stock

Kraft

Kraft paper has a rustic brown look and is made from recycled fibres. It’s ideal for earthy, handmade, or vintage-style branding.

Best for: Product tags, packaging inserts, rustic-style menus
Finish: Natural, fibrous
Feels like: Cardboard-like, but thinner

Card Weights (GSM) – What Do the Numbers Mean?

Paper thickness is measured in GSM (grams per square metre). The higher the GSM, the thicker and sturdier the paper.

  • 90–120gsm – Standard paper (great for letters or invoices)

  • 130–170gsm – Lightweight flyers or folded leaflets

  • 200–250gsm – Posters or quality leaflets

  • 300–400gsm – Business cards, postcards, luxury menus

Need Help Choosing?

Not sure which paper is right for your job? Get in touch and we’ll recommend the best stock based on what you’re printing and how it’ll be used.

📧 hello@nowprint.co.uk
📞 0151 324 5556
📱 WhatsApp: 07423 118489