Guide to papers and finishes
Paper is something you see, touch and even hear. Choosing it well is half the job.
No print-shop jargon: which paper for which job, and when a finish is worth paying for. And if you'd like to feel them before deciding, ask us for samples and we'll bring them over.
The papers
- Coated matt (silk)
- The all-rounder: smooth, elegant, colours look great and there's no glare. Our default recommendation for cards, flyers and leaflets.
- Coated gloss
- Brighter colours and photos that pop. For offer flyers, posters and anything that has to grab attention.
- Offset (uncoated)
- The feel of good old-fashioned paper, and you can write on it. For duplicate pads, letterheads and cards you jot things down on.
- Recycled
- A light natural tone and a texture with character. Tells your sustainability story without saying a word.
- Kraft
- Natural brown, artisan feel. Perfect for product labels, packaging and brands with a farmers'-market spirit.
- Pearlescent
- A subtle shimmer that shifts with the light. Wedding invitations and cards for upmarket brands.
- Metallic gold / silver
- A true mirror effect. For occasions and brands out to impress; best in details rather than full pages.
- Multi-layer 810 g
- One card with the thickness of three. You feel it in the hand within a second; the card nobody throws away.
- PVC and wood
- For truly stand-out cards: transparent plastic or recycled wood veneer. Few copies, big effect.
The finishes
- Matt lamination
- Soft touch, deeper colours and protection against fingerprints and scuffs. The favourite for business cards.
- Gloss lamination
- Same protection, more shine. For photos and saturated colours.
- Spot UV varnish
- Shine only where you want it: the logo, a word, a shape. It reveals itself as you tilt the card in the light.
- Encapsulation
- The armour of menu cards: wipes clean with a cloth and stands up to terraces, sun and sea air.
- White ink
- For printing on dark or kraft papers: white doesn't exist in normal printing, but it does here.
- Rounded corners
- A small detail, a friendlier card. And the corners don't bend in your wallet.
So which do I choose?
- First time, no strong preferences? Coated matt 350 g with matt lamination. Never fails.
- Artisan or eco brand? Recycled or kraft, and if the budget allows, white ink on top.
- Want to impress at a trade fair? Multi-layer 810 g or spot UV varnish.
- Hospitality? Encapsulation, always. The terrace shows no mercy.
- Still not sure? Tell us the use and the budget and we'll suggest two options.
Ask for a price (or samples)
Tell us what you need, or ask for samples so you can feel the paper before deciding.
Direct: nickymitnick@gmail.com