Guide to choosing the right type of paper: glossy vs. matte, paper weight, etc.
Choose glossy paper for photos and vivid color, matte for text-heavy pieces and an elegant, glare-free look, and uncoated paper for a natural feel you can write on. Heavier paper feels more premium and lasts longer.
Two printed pieces with identical artwork can look and feel completely different depending on the paper. Finish and weight affect color, readability, durability and the impression people get when they hold your piece.
This guide explains the main options so you can choose with confidence, or bring your project to our shop and feel the samples in person.
Glossy paper
Glossy stock has a shiny coating that makes colors look deep and saturated. It is a great match for photo-heavy brochures, product flyers and menus where images are the star.
The trade-off is glare and fingerprints, and it is harder to write on with a pen.
- Best for: photos, catalogs, promotional flyers
- Look: bright, vivid, high contrast
- Watch out for: glare and smudges
Matte paper
Matte stock has a smooth, non-reflective finish. Text is easy to read from any angle, and the surface feels refined. It is a popular choice for business cards, letterheads, invitations and brochures with a lot of copy.
- Best for: text-heavy pieces, business cards, invitations
- Look: soft, elegant, glare-free
- Watch out for: colors look slightly less intense than on gloss
Uncoated paper
Uncoated paper has no coating, so it feels natural and absorbs ink. You can write on it easily, which makes it ideal for notepads, forms, letterhead and cards where people may add a handwritten note.
Understanding paper weight
Paper weight tells you how thick and sturdy a sheet is. Lighter text-weight paper is used for flyers, newsletters and inside pages. Heavier cover-weight stock is used for business cards, postcards and brochure covers.
A heavier card feels more substantial and holds up better in a wallet or on a counter. If you are unsure, ask us to show you two or three weights side by side.
How to decide
Start with how the piece will be used. Will people read a lot of text? Hold it in their hands? Leave it outside? Then choose the finish that supports that goal. Our team can recommend the best stock for your project when you request a quote.
Pick gloss for color and photos, matte for text and elegance, uncoated for a natural, writable surface, and go heavier when you want a premium feel.
Discount Printing Team
Frequently asked questions
Is glossy or matte better for business cards?
Matte is popular because it is easy to read and write on, while glossy makes colors and logos stand out. Many businesses choose based on their brand style.
What does paper weight mean?
It describes how thick and heavy the paper is. Heavier stocks feel sturdier and more premium, and are typically used for covers and business cards.
Can I touch paper samples before ordering?
Yes. Visit our shop in Dania Beach and we will show you available stocks and finishes.
Need printing for your project?
Tell us what you need and we will prepare a no-obligation quote. Call (954) 709-8309, email sales@discountprintinggroup.com or send us a message. You can also visit our shop at 1249 Stirling Rd Store #10, Dania Beach, FL 33004.
Ready to start your order?
Get a no-obligation quote from our print shop in Dania Beach.