In stark contrast to what happened in the past, nowadays the graphic industry offers a wide range of solutions in terms of printing papers. The choice of paper type will depend a lot on several criteria, namely cost, the brand's environmental sustainability policy and even the way it intends to position itself in the market.
In this article we will, very succinctly, explain what some of the most used types of paper in the graphic universe consist of.
Offset Paper
Today, offset paper, whose weight normally varies between 56 and 240g per square meter, is the most commonly used paper by the graphic industry as it has the advantage of offering great resistance against moisture. Furthermore, because it is a raw paper, that is, a paper without any type of coating (uncoated), it absorbs more ink than other types of paper.
Offset paper is very versatile because it is possible to print a wide variety of graphic works, namely posters, envelopes, business cards, letterheads, brochures, among many others.
Recycled paper
Increasingly popular and in the intentions of people and companies with ecological concerns/values, recycled paper could not fail to be mentioned in this article.
In fact, recycled paper is made from scrap paper and it also offers high resistance against moisture (contrary to what many people think).
Como referido acima, esse papel é normalmente usado por empresas que querem agregar valores de sustentabilidade ambiental às suas práticas. De facto, tem sido uma tendência cada vez mais evidente, a adoção do papel reciclado em muitos dos consumíveis e dos suportes de comunicação de muitas empresas, mormente blocos de notas, cartões de visitas, envelopes, etc.
Coated Paper (Couche Paper)
Because it is a relatively cheap paper, coated paper, like offset paper, is also one of the most used types of paper in the graphic industry.
It is a very smooth paper and, unlike offset paper, it has an adhesive backing layer.
Coated paper is available in gloss, semi-gloss and matte (matte) variants. The glossy variant is usually used in graphic projects where more vivid colors and, of course, a glossier finish are desired.
The matte variant, that is, without gloss, has been gaining many adepts and is usually chosen to give greater sobriety and elegance to the communication support that will be produced and also when the gloss can compromise the reading of what is printed since it reflects a lot of light.
Regardless of the variant chosen, coated paper is also very versatile as it is possible to print book covers, flyers, brochures, cards, badges, among many other communication materials.
With regard to grammage, in coated papers it can vary from 90 to 350 grams per square meter.
Kraft Paper
This is another type of paper that is also very much in vogue these days. As Kraft paper is not subjected to any bleaching process, it preserves its original color. It is, however, possible to find kraft paper in the most diverse colors.
Many brands are choosing to produce their packaging and other branding materials in Kraft paper as this helps to create and consolidate a more ecological and bio perception. This is one of the reasons why Kraft paper is widely used today in the production of packaging, bags and boxes.
Aspen Paper
Aspen paper is widely used in printing wedding invitations or other types of luxury invitations because it has a more sophisticated concept.
É um papel brilhante e liso e tem um aspecto quase metalizado (branco perola) e as suas superfícies mudam de cor e tom em função da forma como a luz incide nas suas faces.
It is a glossy and smooth paper and has an almost metallic appearance (pearl white) and its surfaces change color and tone depending on the way the light reflects on its surfaces.
Photographic paper
As the name suggests, photo paper is the paper commonly used in photo printing. Photo paper comes in non-gloss (matte), gloss and micro porous variants.
In fact, this paper is made of the same material as coated paper (which we have already mentioned) with the difference that the photographic paper is coated with a layer of photosensitive chemicals that gives it greater strength and shine.
Printing on photographic paper can be done on both sides, is waterproof and it’s also fast drying.
This type of paper is normally used for printing photographs, invitations and even product catalogues.
Diamond Paper
Also known as eggshell paper, Diamond is a textured paper that gives it a porous touch and a differentiated effect.
In the graphic industry, Diamond paper is used in the production of invitations, folders, catalogs and even business cards when what is intended is a result that differs from the ordinary.
Tracing Paper
Produced with pure cellulose fibers and without the use of chemicals, the tracing paper has a soft and satiny feel.
This type of paper is often used in invitation designs and finishes because it is partially translucent.
See also: Tipos de Impressão
