Paper stocks
The choice of paper stock can have a significant impact on the look, feel, and effectiveness of your printed materials. From everyday marketing literature to luxury business stationery, selecting the right stock helps ensure your message is presented in the best possible way.
Silk Paper
Silk is one of the most popular paper stocks for commercial printing. It offers a smooth finish with a subtle sheen that enhances colour reproduction while remaining easy to read.
Best for: Brochures, flyers, leaflets, catalogues, and marketing materials.
Gloss Paper
Gloss paper has a highly reflective finish that makes colours appear vibrant and photographs stand out.
Best for: Product brochures, magazines, promotional flyers, and photo-heavy designs.
Uncoated Paper
Uncoated paper has a natural, non-reflective surface that provides a more traditional and premium feel. It is also easy to write on.
Best for: Letterheads, compliment slips, stationery, notebooks, and luxury print projects.
Matt Paper
Matt stocks offer a smooth, elegant appearance with minimal glare, creating a sophisticated finish.
Best for: Corporate brochures, premium marketing materials, and high-end publications.
Recycled Paper
Produced using recycled fibres, these stocks provide an environmentally conscious option without compromising on quality.
Best for: Sustainable brands, corporate literature, and environmentally focused marketing campaigns.
Kraft Paper
Kraft stock features a distinctive brown appearance and natural texture, creating an authentic and rustic feel.
Best for: Packaging, swing tags, menus, invitations, and artisan brands.
Textured Paper
Textured stocks feature embossed surfaces that add character and tactile appeal.
Popular options include:
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Linen
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Laid
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Hammered
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Felt-marked
Best for: Premium stationery, invitations, certificates, and luxury branding.
Board Stocks
Heavier paper and card stocks provide rigidity and durability for products that need a more substantial feel.
Common weights include:
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250gsm
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300gsm
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350gsm
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400gsm
Best for: Business cards, postcards, presentation folders, invitations, and packaging.
Premium and Luxury Stocks
For projects that need to make a lasting impression, specialist papers offer exceptional texture, colour, and finish.
Popular premium brands include:
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Colorplan
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GF Smith
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Fedrigoni
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Conqueror
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Mohawk
Best for: Luxury branding, premium stationery, packaging, and high-end marketing materials.
Understanding Paper Weight (GSM)
Paper thickness is measured in grams per square metre (gsm):
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90–120gsm – Letterheads and everyday stationery
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130–170gsm – Flyers and leaflets
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200–250gsm – Premium brochures and covers
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300–350gsm – Business cards and postcards
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400gsm+ – Luxury cards and packaging
Not sure which stock is right for your project? We can advise on the most suitable paper, weight, texture, and finish to ensure your printed materials achieve the perfect balance of quality, durability, and impact.
Product finishes
The right print finish can transform a standard printed piece into something memorable. Whether you're producing business cards, brochures, invitations, packaging, or marketing materials, a premium finish can enhance both the appearance and durability of your print.
Lamination
Lamination adds a protective film to the printed surface, improving durability and appearance.
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Gloss Lamination – Creates a shiny, vibrant finish that enhances colours.
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Matt Lamination – Provides a smooth, sophisticated, non-reflective finish.
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Soft Touch Lamination – Offers a luxurious velvet-like texture that feels premium to the touch.
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Anti-Scuff Lamination – Designed to reduce marks and scratches on dark-coloured prints.
Spot UV
Spot UV applies a high-gloss coating to selected areas of a design, creating contrast and highlighting key elements such as logos, images, or text. It is particularly effective when combined with matt lamination.
Foil Blocking
Foil blocking uses heat and pressure to apply metallic or coloured foil to specific areas.
Popular options include:
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Gold Foil
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Silver Foil
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Rose Gold Foil
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Copper Foil
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Holographic Foil
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Coloured Foils
Foiling creates an eye-catching and luxurious finish that is ideal for premium marketing materials and invitations.
Embossing and Debossing
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Embossing raises elements above the paper surface to create a tactile effect.
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Debossing presses elements into the paper to create depth and texture.
These finishes are often used for logos, monograms, and premium stationery.
Die Cutting
Die cutting allows printed products to be cut into custom shapes rather than standard rectangles. This is ideal for unique business cards, invitations, packaging, and promotional materials.
Letterpress
A traditional printing technique that presses inked designs into the paper, creating a distinctive textured impression. Often used for luxury stationery and wedding invitations.
Edge Painting and Edge Foiling
The edges of thick business cards or invitations can be coloured or foiled to create a striking premium appearance.
Perforation
Perforated lines allow sections of a printed piece to be easily detached, making them ideal for vouchers, tickets, reply cards, and coupons.
Folding Options
Creative folds can enhance both functionality and presentation.
Popular styles include:
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Half Fold
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Roll Fold
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Z Fold
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Gate Fold
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Cross Fold
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Accordion Fold
Speciality Finishes
For truly unique projects, additional options include:
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White Ink Printing
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Metallic Inks
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Fluorescent Inks
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Scented Varnishes
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Glitter Varnishes
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Textured Papers
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Recycled and Kraft Stocks
