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The tactile quality of a book is determined not only by its cover material but also significantly influenced by the choice of paper for the interior pages. Paper selection plays a crucial role in both the collectible value and longevity of books-appropriately selected, high-quality paper can preserve and even enhance a book's long-term worth. Furthermore, the physical characteristics of paper directly affect readers' reading experience. Smooth, fine-textured paper is generally preferred over rough or ordinary alternatives, offering greater visual and tactile comfort.
This article provides an overview of commonly used printing papers in book publishing, detailing their properties, applications, and suitability for various types of printed materials.
01. Offset Paper
Offset paper is primarily used in offset printing machines and other printing equipment to produce high-quality color prints, including illustrated magazines, photo albums, promotional posters, color-printed trademarks, premium books, book covers, and illustrations.
Key Characteristics: Low elasticity, uniform ink absorption, excellent smoothness, tight texture, high opacity, superior whiteness, and strong water resistance. It is recommended to use film-forming offset inks or high-quality letterpress inks for optimal results.
Basis Weights: 50g, 60g, 70g, 80g, 90g, 100g, 120g, 140g, 160g, 180g/m²
Standard Sheet Sizes: 889mm × 1194mm
Common Flat Paper Dimensions: 787mm × 1092mm; 850mm × 1168mm
Roll Paper Widths: 787mm, 850mm, 1092mm
Due to its higher quality grade, offset paper is typically used for books and periodicals where aesthetic and functional consistency between inner pages and cover is essential. Therefore, when using offset paper for internal pages, it is advisable that the cover material matches or exceeds the quality of the text stock to ensure visual and structural harmony.
02. Coated Paper
Coated paper features a smooth surface, high whiteness, and excellent ink adhesion and absorption properties. It is widely used for postcards, covers, and high-resolution offset or gravure printing, such as luxury photo albums, calendars, and premium books and periodicals.
Key Characteristics: The surface is exceptionally smooth and flat due to coating with fine particles and super-calendering treatment. Whiteness typically exceeds 90%, and smoothness ranges from 600 to 1000 Bekk seconds. The coating ensures uniform distribution of ink and produces a bright, clean appearance.
Disadvantages: Susceptible to powdering and flaking under humid conditions; not suitable for long-term storage.
Basis Weights: 70g, 80g, 105g, 128g, 157g, 200g, 230g, 250g, 300g/m²
Flat Paper Sizes: 648mm × 953mm, 787mm × 970mm, 787mm × 1092mm
Coated paper is available in two main finishes: glossy coated paper and matte coated paper (also known as dull coated paper). While "coated paper" often refers to the glossy variant, matte coated paper is increasingly favored for premium branding applications.
03. Matte Coated Paper
Officially referred to as matte coated paper, this type is generally thinner and whiter than standard coated paper, with higher ink absorption and improved dimensional stability. It is less prone to warping compared to glossy coated paper, making it ideal for publications requiring flat, consistent page alignment.
Key Characteristics: Under natural light, matte coated paper exhibits lower reflectivity than glossy coated paper. Although printed images may appear less vibrant, they convey a more refined and sophisticated aesthetic. Color areas maintain consistent non-reflective properties across the surface.
Currently, while most advertising flyers are printed on glossy coated paper, premium brands (e.g., DHC) often opt for matte coated paper due to its elegant finish and higher cost, reflecting a commitment to quality and brand image.
04. Letterpress Paper
Letterpress paper is specifically designed for use in letterpress printing machines and is commonly employed in the production of books and periodicals.
Classification: Based on raw material composition, letterpress paper is categorized into four grades-No. 1 through No. 4-with lower numbers indicating higher quality.
Key Characteristics: Uniform ink absorption, better water resistance and whiteness compared to newsprint, consistent texture, no pilling, slight elasticity, good opacity, moderate water resistance, and adequate mechanical strength.
Basis Weight: (49–60) ±2 g/m²
Flat Paper Sizes: 787mm × 1092mm, 850mm × 1168mm, 880mm × 1230mm; custom sizes also available
Roll Paper Widths: 787mm, 1092mm, 1575mm
05. Lightweight Paper
Also known as lightweight offset paper, this eco-friendly paper type has gained popularity due to its human-centered design and environmental benefits. Made from chemical pulp without fluorescent brighteners, it contains a high proportion of mechanical pulp, resulting in a soft, natural tone that reduces eye strain-particularly beneficial for children and elderly readers. Its low weight enhances portability and reduces shipping costs.
Key Features:
- High bulk and low density: Lightweight paper offers greater thickness per unit weight, allowing lower grammage paper to replace heavier alternatives. For example, 50g/m² lightweight paper with a bulk of 1.90 cm³/g achieves the same thickness as 80g/m² offset paper (bulk: 1.14 cm³/g), reducing material usage and transportation expenses.
- Natural coloration: Appears milky white or light beige due to special dyes, closely resembling unbleached wood pulp. This warm tone minimizes glare and visual fatigue during prolonged reading.
- Surface quality: Smooth and soft to the touch, with strong ink absorption despite being uncoated. Reflectivity is low, enhancing readability.
- Durability and sustainability: Chlorine-free, made from 100% pure chemical pulp, free of fluorescent agents. Slightly alkaline, ensuring preservation for over 1,000 years without degradation. Composed mainly of fibers, calcium carbonate, and water, it is fully recyclable and environmentally friendly.
Bulk Index Examples: 1.5, 1.7, 1.8, up to 1.90 cm³/g
Cost Efficiency Example: At 8,000 yuan per ton, lightweight paper effectively replaces premium offset paper at a cost equivalent to 4,800 yuan per ton (based on volume efficiency). One ton of 50g/m² lightweight paper yields the same print area as 1.6 tons of 80g/m² offset paper.
06. White Board Paper
Available in two distinct types:
1. White Board Paper (Printing Grade): A rigid cardboard with a white, smooth front and gray back, used primarily for single-sided color printing in packaging boxes, crafts, and design projects.
Standard Size: 787mm × 1092mm
Large Format: 889mm × 1194mm
2. Whiteboard Paper (Stationery Type): Designed for writing on whiteboards or flip charts, typically used in seminars, workshops, and meetings. Common sizes include 560mm × 850mm and 600mm × 900mm (slightly smaller than full-sheet formats).
General Characteristics: Dense texture and uniform thickness, providing durability and stability for both printing and writing applications.
07. Embossed Paper
A specialty decorative paper used for book covers, featuring subtle concave patterns on the surface. Available in colors such as gray, green, beige, and pink, it is typically used for single-color printing.
Characteristics: Brittle and card-like in feel, embossed paper is prone to spine cracking during binding. It exhibits high elasticity, leading to feeding difficulties in printing presses and reduced operational efficiency.
Flat Paper Size: 787mm × 1092mm
Basis Weight Range: 40–300 g/m²
Additional Less Common Paper Types:
- Newsprint (or "white paper"): Supplied in roll or sheet form, with a basis weight of approximately 51 g/m². Primarily used for newspapers and periodicals.
- Book Kraft Paper: Basis weight range: 80–120 g/m². Used for book and periodical covers, available in multiple colors.
- Dictionary Paper: Classified into No. 1 and No. 2 grades, with a basis weight of 25–50 g/m². Ideal for dictionaries, encyclopedias, and handbooks. Highly hygroscopic-prone to wrinkling when exposed to moisture.
- Carbonless Copy Paper: Semi-transparent, used for multi-part forms and carbon copies. In book printing, occasionally used for portrait inserts or overlays.
Summary and Recommendations
Paper selection in publishing involves careful consideration of type, specification, and quality grade. A balanced approach is essential-focusing solely on one aspect may compromise overall product quality.
Guidelines for Selection:
- For color covers, illustrations, or inserts: Use double-sided coated paper or offset paper.
- For single-sided prints (e.g., trademarks): Choose single-sided coated or offset paper.
- For reference books (dictionaries, handbooks): Opt for dictionary paper or thin letterpress paper.
- For general books: Select offset book paper or letterpress printing paper.
Smoothness Comparison (ascending order):
Embossed paper < Offset paper < Coated paper < Matte coated paper < Wax-coated paper
Reflectivity Comparison (ascending order):
Embossed paper < Matte coated paper < Glossy coated paper
Note: Non-waxed coated paper reflects minimal light; wax-coated variants exhibit high gloss and strong reflectivity. Matte coated paper offers smoothness with minimal glare, making it suitable for extended reading.
Suitability for Writing (ascending order):
Embossed paper < Wax-coated paper < Glossy coated paper < Matte coated paper < Offset paper
