Why Choose Coated Paper?

Coated paper is a popular choice for high resolution picture and poster printing. The coated finish helps the colors stand out and is more resistant to dirt and wear.

It has a smooth buffed/calendered surface, which means the ink dries on the surface rather than being absorbed into the paper interior. This results in much better image clarity, especially with areas of heavy solids and fine details.

Glossy Surface

The glossy surface of coated paper provides a bright appearance that helps to make printed materials pop. This is ideal for brochures, flyers, booklets and other print projects with full color images or photos.

Generally, the higher the sheen level, the more light it will reflect. The coating also restricts how much ink the paper absorbs, making it an excellent choice for high-resolution graphics and photographs.

Coated paper can be purchased with a variety of finishes including matte, dull or silk, depending on your preference and budget. It is important to work with your print consultant to ensure that your design is properly matched with the right paper type.

In addition to sheen level, coated paper is often categorized by its weight or caliper, measured in pounds or points. Pounds measure the weight of a ream (500 sheets) and points are the thickness of one sheet. A higher pound number typically means the paper is thicker.

Reduced Ink Absorption

While uncoated paper has a natural feel to it, coated papers are typically smoother to the touch and can be glossy or matte depending on your preference. This makes them a great choice for projects that involve images and photographs and need to look sharp.

In printing, coated paper doesn’t absorb as much ink like uncoated paper, and the coating limits how the ink is printed. This gives coated paper a brighter and more colorful look, and it also allows the ink to dry faster. This is why coated paper works best for leaflets and full color prints.

On the other hand, coated paper doesn’t allow pens and ballpoints to write on it very well, and can smudge easily. For this reason, it’s not the best option for forms or letters that need to be filled out. However, it’s an excellent choice for marketing materials and brochures. It’s also more durable than uncoated paper and is less likely to be damaged by water or other liquids.

Less Durability

A major difference between coated and uncoated paper is durability. Coated papers are much more durable because the coating fills in some of the pits found naturally in the paper’s surface - kind of like putting varnish on a deck. This makes the surface smoother and less porous, which helps to reduce smudging or staining.

This also means that the ink dries on the surface rather than soaking through the fibers of the paper, which gives you a sharper image with more vibrant colours. This is why we recommend coated stock if you want to print something with lots of photos or graphics.

However, because the coating is more durable, coated paper tends to feel a little rough and isn’t as good for handwriting as uncoated stock. This may affect your ability to use it for forms that need to be filled out. This isn’t necessarily a problem, but it can be something to keep in mind when making your choice.

High Resolution Printing

Coated paper undergoes a specific treatment during production. This process allows for a high level of printing quality, including in terms of screen and colour reproduction. Its smooth surface and less willingness to absorb ink allow for high definition prints that are faithful to the original subject.

As such, coated papers are the most commonly used for print projects where photos or images are important. This includes portfolios of artwork, coffee-table books and high-end product catalogues. Dull-coated paper is also suitable for these kinds of applications, as it reduces glare and helps with text readability.

Uncoated paper, on the other hand, is ideal for projects where a more natural look is required. This is the type of stock most often used for business cards, compliment slips and letterheads. It is also perfect for gig and club advertising material.