Understanding Paper Weights (GSM Explained)
Paper selection is the single most critical tactile factor in any commercial printing run. Using lightweight stock for a high-end corporate brochure cheapens the brand, while using rigid board for multi-fold brochures causes spine cracking.
The Spectrum of Commercial Paper Stocks
- 80–100 GSM Bond/Maplitho: Standard for letterheads, invoices, and multi-page contract documents.
- 130–170 GSM Art Paper: Gloss or matte coated paper used for vibrant promotional flyers, magazine inserts, and folded leaflets.
- 250–300 GSM Card: Sturdy cardstock ideal for booklet covers, presentation folders, and table tent cards.
- 350–400 GSM Board: Rigid packaging board and business cards engineered for structural stability.
Coated vs. Uncoated Stocks
Coated art papers hold ink droplets on the surface, producing crisp photograph reproduction. Uncoated stocks absorb ink into the pulp, yielding warm, muted, bookish tones ideal for reading long text.
