Choosing the right paper for your book
Paper changes how a book looks, feels and costs. Here is a plain-English guide to the papers we print on most often — what each one is, how it behaves, and what it is best for. Not sure which to pick? Email us your book type and we will recommend one.
Four regular papers we print every day
These are the workhorses of book printing. Pick by how your pages should look and feel.
Offset Paper · Woodfree
Uncoated, smooth writing-grade paper. The classic “book paper” — natural, no shine, easy on the eyes for long reading.
Characteristics
- No surface coating; matte, soft feel
- Ink sits on the surface slightly, so text is crisp
- Writes easily with pen or pencil
Best for
- Novels, textbooks, manuals, notebooks
- Any text-heavy interior where readability matters
Typical weights: 70 / 80 / 90 / 100 / 120 gsm
Glossy Art Paper · Coated 2-side
Coated on both sides with a shiny finish. Makes photos and colours pop with high contrast and a smooth, reflective surface.
Characteristics
- Clay-coated both sides → sharp, bright images
- Glossy, reflective surface
- Slightly prone to fingerprints
Best for
- Photo books, catalogues, magazines, brochures
- Image-heavy pages and vibrant colour printing
Typical weights: 105 / 128 / 157 / 200 gsm
C1S Art Paper · Coated 1-side
Coated and glossy on one side, plain on the back. A stiff board used where one printed face needs to shine — usually covers and packaging.
Characteristics
- Coated on the front, uncoated (matte) back
- Heavier and more rigid than text paper
- Holds its shape for stands and boxes
Best for
- Hardcovers, dust jackets, packaging boxes
- Hang tags, cards, any one-sided premium print
Typical weights: 200 / 230 / 250 / 300 gsm
Matte Coated Paper · Matte Art Paper
Coated like art paper but with a soft, non-glare finish. Also called matte art paper or dull coated paper. Elegant and fingerprint-resistant.
Characteristics
- Coated but non-reflective, smooth velvety feel
- Colours are rich but softer than glossy
- Handles handling better than glossy paper
Best for
- Premium photo books, art portfolios, annual reports
- Covers and any piece wanting a refined, glare-free look
Typical weights: 105 / 128 / 157 / 200 gsm
Specialty papers
Specialty papers are a huge, varied family — far too many to list fully. Below are the types we are asked about most. Most affect cost and lead time, so tell us your idea and we will confirm what is possible.
Kraft Paper
Natural brown recycled-looking paper. Rustic and sturdy.
Best for
- Notebooks, journal covers, eco branding
- Wrapping, tags, packaging
Linen / Textured
Embossed surface with a fabric-like feel. Adds instant class.
Best for
- Hard covers, invitations, certificates
- Premium business books
Pearlescent / Metallic
Shimmering coated paper that catches the light. Eye-catching.
Best for
- Covers, greeting cards, event print
- Limited editions and gifts
Translucent
Semi-transparent vellum-like sheet. Great as an overlay.
Best for
- Chapter dividers, inserts, flyleaves
- Wedding and keepsake books
Recycled / FSC
Eco papers with recycled content or forest certification.
Best for
- Sustainable brands, mission-driven books
- Sourced on request — ask us
Coloured / Washi
Solid-colour stocks in many shades for accents and ends.
Best for
- Endpapers, dividers, covers
- Brand-colour matching
This is only a sample — the specialty paper world includes dozens more textures, weights and finishes. If you have a specific look in mind, send a reference and we will match it or suggest the closest option.
Paper FAQ
What paper is best for a photo book?
We recommend coated art paper. Glossy art paper gives the most vivid, high-contrast images; matte coated paper gives a softer, non-glare finish that resists fingerprints. Uncoated offset paper is not ideal for photos because ink soaks in and images look flatter.
What is the difference between coated and uncoated paper?
Coated paper (art paper) has a surface clay coating that makes prints sharper and colours brighter, with less ink absorption. Uncoated paper (offset / woodfree) has no coating — it feels more natural and is easy to write on, but images are less crisp. Coated is common for covers and image-heavy pages; uncoated is common for text pages and notebooks.
What paper weight (GSM) should I choose for my book?
Typical ranges: 70–100 gsm offset paper for inner text pages; 105–157 gsm art paper for photo pages and lighter covers; 200–300 gsm board (often C1S or matte) for hard covers and packaging. Heavier paper feels more premium but costs more and adds bulk. Tell us your book type and we will suggest a weight.
Can I use specialty paper for my book?
Yes. Specialty papers — kraft, linen/textured, pearlescent, translucent, recycled and many more — are available and popular for covers, journals, invitations and premium editions. They usually affect cost and lead time, so let us know your idea and we will confirm what is possible.
Do you offer recycled or FSC-certified paper?
Eco options such as recycled and FSC-certified papers can be sourced on request for most projects. Share your requirement and we will confirm availability, lead time and any price difference before production.
What paper is best for a novel or text-heavy book?
Uncoated offset (woodfree) paper, usually 70–100 gsm, is the standard choice for novels, manuals and workbooks. It is easy on the eyes, doesn’t glare under light and takes pen or pencil well. Cream-shade offset is popular for fiction; bright white suits reference and technical titles.
Can I get paper samples before I decide?
In most cases yes — we can arrange reference samples or a printed dummy so you can feel the stock and weight before production. Tell us the papers you’re considering and we’ll confirm what’s available and any cost or lead time involved.
Not sure which paper to pick?
Tell us your book type and how you want it to feel — we will recommend a paper and quote it, no minimum order.