Which Paper Weight Should I Choose?

Which Paper Weight Should I Choose?

Paper weight can have a huge impact on printed items.

Thin, flimsy business cards feel low-quality and can look a little unprofessional. On the other hand, thick cards with fancy embellishments can immediately communicate luxury and confidence to their recipient. 

Whilst it's not the most fascinating of topics - (well, it is for us paper geeks!) - it's important to know the basics when ordering a print. Having a handle on the ins and outs of paper products gives you more control over how your printed products will turn out. 

In this guide, we explore paper weight to help you determine which will suit your project. 

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Understanding Paper Weight

Paper weight refers to the weight of a sheet of paper in grams per square meter (gsm). The higher the gsm, the heavier and thicker the paper.

Paper weight affects the feel, durability, and overall impression of your printed materials.

Paper Quality Vs. Paper Weight

Paper weight is an important consideration for any project, but it's not the sole indicator of quality. Paper quality also covers factors such as opacity, coating, texture and brightness. 

Finding the right combination of paper weight combined with these other factors is key to getting the results you’re after. 

Why Does Paper Weight Matter?

Different applications will require different paper weights. Lightweight papers work well for printed products like documents that need to be folded or posted, as well as flyers and brochure pages. Heavier papers are better suited for products like business cards, packaging and postcards. This is because heavier papers are more robust, stand up better to wear and tear and offer a premium feel. 

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Choosing The Right Paper Weight

Here’s a rundown of different paper weights and their typical applications.

‍80-100gsm

Paper with a weight of 80gsm is on the lowest end of the scale. Think standard copier paper. This paper is perfect for everyday printing and is also used for the top sheet of our NCR (no carbon required) pads. 

100gsm paper is slightly heavier and is well-suited to stationery items like letterheads, compliment slips and our Bell Graphics notebooks.

100-120gsm

120gsm paper is a popular choice for products like community and church magazines because it’s sturdy enough to hold up but thin enough to avoid a bulky feel (those walking around delivering them will be grateful for the reduced weight!). 120gsm feels higher quality and works well for higher-end stationery and documents. 

130-170gsm

This range of paper weight balances durability with flexibility, providing a crease-resistant solution for products distributed through letterboxes. 130-170gsm paper is the perfect choice for flyers, posters and brochure pages. 

200gsm

Used commonly for posters, 200gsm paper is sturdy without being overly thick. 

250gsm

A step up in sturdiness, 250gsm paper is typically chosen for brochure covers but may also be selected for low-budget greetings cards.

300-400gsm

300-400gsm weight is a high-quality, thick card stock. It is suitable for high-impact items that require a lot of handling, such as postcards, business cards and premium greeting cards. 350gsm, in particular, marries quality and cost-effectiveness, working well for economy business cards. 

450gsm

The highest weight of our paper range, 450gsm, is thick and sophisticated, ensuring longevity and luxury for your printed products. Many of our clients choose 450gsm paper for their high-end business cards. 

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Paper Stock

Beyond weight, it’s helpful to know that different types of paper can feel different. For example, a 170gsm silk paper can feel lighter than a 170gsm uncoated paper.

Here’s an overview of the paper stocks we use at Bell Graphics…

‍Silk

This versatile coated paper has a velvety finish and a subtle sheen. Silk paper stock works beautifully for a range of print projects, including brochures, flyers, invitations and reports. 

‍Uncoated 

Natural and highly absorbent, uncoated paper stock provides a rustic, matt appearance and is well-suited to notepads and stationery because it is excellent for writing on. 

‍Gloss

Gloss paper stock is, unsurprisingly, glossy! This characteristic helps prints appear more vibrant and sharp, making it a top choice for magazine pages and product catalogues. 

‍Kraft paper 

Kraft paper is distinctively brown and rough in texture. A recycled paper, kraft paper stock can be commonly used in projects looking for a natural or sustainable aesthetic.

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‍Speciality Papers

Sometimes projects require something a little bit different. Luxurious and distinctive, our speciality papers provide a range of different textures, colours and finishes for that extra oomph, elevating your print to the next level.

Our most popular speciality papers include…

GF Smith Accent

GF Smith Accent in Glacier White or Natural Tint are both extremely popular choices for wedding invitations due to their elegant aesthetics. 

Colorplan

Colorplan is another speciality print paper known for its premium quality and vibrant colour options. This paper stock offers a professional, tactile finish and is commonly used for luxury stationery and high end marketing materials.

Metallic Papers

Ideal for festive invitations and celebratory designs, metallic paper stock adds a touch of shimmer and shine to your print. 

Textured Papers

Textured papers, featuring embossed or patterned surfaces, offer a tactile element that draws attention. 

Looking For Something Unique?

Bell Graphics are one of the few printers that can print in white ink onto coloured paper and card stocks, to create a truly unique look and to allow colour print to be printed onto coloured stocks and be seen in full colour.

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From attractive speciality papers to fancy finishes, Bell Graphics can fulfil your print needs. Let us know what your vision is and we’ll get to work!

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Finishes

Adding a finish to your print can increase its thickness and durability and create a premium aesthetic.

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• Gloss lamination enhances colour and adds shine whilst simultaneously protecting your product.
• Matt lamination is a non-reflective finish that offers a softer impression than gloss, leaving you with a sophisticated print. 
• Soft-touch lamination, sometimes known as velvet lamination, provides a smooth, luxurious finish. This is a popular choice for high-end items.
• Spot UV finishes highlight specific areas with a glossy, raised effect, adding depth and contrast. This method can be used to highlight logos on business cards and draw attention to key visuals on brochure covers, for example.

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How Do You Select The Right Paper Weight?

The simplest way? Ask Bell Graphics! 

Professional printers can support you in choosing a paper weight for your print project that balances practicality, appearance and budget.

Here are three important elements to consider when choosing your paper.

‍Print Purpose

The purpose of your printed product is a key consideration when choosing paper weight. A business card should be professional and durable, and brochures often need to be lightweight so that they can be posted cost-effectively.

‍Folding And Finishing

The weight of your chosen paper will affect how malleable it is, as well as how it handles finishing techniques like lamination. Though more robust, heavier papers may crack or crease along folds if not scored properly. Lighter papers are easier to fold but often lack the premium feel many businesses require for higher-end items. 

Cost

Heavier and speciality paper stock is typically more expensive than lighter paper. This means aligning your paper choice with your budget is key. Running a large-scale mail campaign? Lighter paper may work out more cost-effectively. For smaller runs, higher-quality paper may be achievable. 

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The Importance Of Sustainable Paper

The demand for sustainable paper products is increasing, inviting businesses worldwide to consider the environmental impact of their paper choices. Switching to eco-friendly paper improves your carbon footprint and enhances your brand's reputation.

Bell Graphics stocks a range of papers certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) so that our clients can make an informed choice when considering their paper projects. The FSC ensures that paper comes from responsibly managed forests that meet stringent standards, helping to reduce the impact of paper production on deforestation, water usage, and carbon emissions. 

Looking for eco-friendly paper stock? Discuss your needs with us today and contribute to a healthier planet without compromising on high-quality prints. 

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Conclusion

Deciding which paper weight is best suited to your project isn’t simply a technical decision. The weight of your chosen paper is a key contributor to ensuring it communicates quality and functions effectively; without the right paper, your products may not fulfil their purpose. 

Whether you’re designing eco-conscious flyers, robust business cards or premium wedding invitations, Bell Graphics can help. Get in touch today and let us help you find the perfect paper weight and stock for your next exciting project.

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