Coated Papers in Comparison

Coated papers are everywhere in the printing industry. With a variety of available finishes, coated papers allow for all kinds of applications.

We’ve previously talked on this blog about the differences between uncoated and coated papers. These are the two major families of paper that we use in the printing industry. The advantage of coated paper is that it reduces dot gain and helps make details appear crisper. Coated papers are often used for things like photographic images and bright graphics.

Coated paper is called ‘coated’ because it is made by applying a sealant to the surface of the paper. Often this sealant is made with a layer of clay that is polished into one of many types of finishes. The most popular of these finishes include gloss, matte, dull, satin, and silk.

Each of these finishes or sheens allows for different effects in the final print. For the most part the various finishes are similar to those you might be familiar with in house paint.

Gloss is the shiniest and most reflective of the coated papers. Ink jet photo paper is a gloss sheet that most everyone is familiar with. You will also hear of a cast coated paper. This is a highly glossy sheet such as Mohawk’s Chromolux, which is made by pressing the sheet against a hot metal plate before the coating has dried.  Gloss paper is often used in magazines or other periodicals or catalogs.

Matte paper has very little to no shine and can be said to have a flat appearance. It is often used to boost the appearance of colors without the risk of glare that can come from a gloss paper.

Silk or satin sheets are somewhere between a gloss and matte sheet. It has some of the characteristics of each, and is a good choice when you are looking for a balance of both gloss and matte finishes.

A dull is somewhere between matte and silk. A dull sheet often has a very smooth and consistent surface, whereas a matte sheet is often more dappled in appearance. This refined finish makes the dull sheet the most expensive option among coated papers.

You’ll notice we’re using a lot of conditional expressions– is often, can be said, etc. The reason for this is simple. All of these terms for the various finishes of coated paper are not a specific standard. The meaning of gloss or matte for one manufacturer can be very different for another. The terms are a good starting point for thinking about what paper you want for a print project, but to really see the difference between coated papers or any paper you need to get your hands on some samples.

With that in mind, you are always welcome to come by the shop and take a look at the many papers we have in stock and available. And if you have any questions, feel free to ask below.

cutpasteandprint Printing, graphic design, binding, and promotional product specialists in Huntingdon Valley, PA. We proudly serve the Bucks and Montgomery County areas with superior quality, great customer service, and a commitment to getting you and your the best possible printed materials. Our services include: Digital Printing, Offset Printing, Graphic Design, Promotional Items, Bindery, and Copying.