Choosing the right paper for your print job is not a simple decision; it is a crucial factor that influences the final result, the product’s feel, and the recipient’s perception. The right paper can enhance your design, while the wrong one can degrade the quality, even if the design itself is flawless. Here are the key steps and factors you should consider.

This is the first and most important question. What is the printed material and how will it be used?

Business Cards/Invitations: These require paper with sturdiness and a luxurious feel, often with special finishes.
Brochures/Catalogs: Depending on their lifespan and the quality you wish to convey, these can range from thin to thicker, matte or glossy.
Posters/Flyers: These often require paper that enhances colors and images, and is durable for outdoor use if necessary.
Books/Notebooks: The interior pages must be legible and suitable for writing, while the cover should be more durable and impressive.
Letterheads/Envelopes: These typically require uncoated paper to be easily written on and to convey a classic, professional feel.
Packaging: This requires durability, the ability for special die-cuts, and often waterproofing or other protective coatings.

What is the desired “feel” you want the printed material to convey?

Elegance & Seriousness: Matte (velvet) or uncoated paper in heavier weights is usually chosen, possibly with texture.
Vibrancy & Dynamism: Glossy paper enhances colors and photographs vividly.
Naturalness & Ecological Awareness: Recycled or uncoated paper provides a more organic and “green” feel.
Luxury & Uniqueness: Consider specialty papers with texture, heavy weights, or papers that allow for special applications (e.g., hot foil stamping, embossing).

Photographs & Vibrant Colors: Glossy paper will enhance them best, making colors more vivid and images clearer.
Text & Simple Graphics: Matte (velvet) or uncoated paper is more reader-friendly and provides a more subtle result.
Logos & Minimalism: A thick, high-quality paper, possibly with embossing or spot UV on the logo, can make a huge difference.

Lightweight (60-120 gsm): Ideal for interior book pages, letterheads, and large runs of brochures.
Medium (130-170 gsm): Suitable for posters, flyers, brochure covers, where some sturdiness is required.
Heavyweight (200-350+ gsm): Essential for business cards, invitations, book covers, and any printed material that needs to be particularly durable and convey a sense of luxury.

Naturally, cost plays a role. Specialty papers and heavier weights are more expensive. It is important to find the right balance between quality and cost, so you do not exceed your budget without compromising quality.

At IONAS PRINT, we possess extensive experience and knowledge of materials. Do not hesitate to contact us. We would be pleased to show you paper samples, discuss your needs, and recommend the ideal solution that will enhance your print job and fully meet your expectations. Choosing the right paper is the first step towards an impressive result!