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A thorough understanding of paper properties-particularly surface characteristics, grammage (basis weight), ink receptivity, and mechanical strength-is essential for informed material selection in professional design and print production. The following overview details key paper types used in commercial printing, including their structural features, functional attributes, standard grammages, and principal applications.
I. Coated Paper
Coated paper features a smooth, glossy surface achieved through the application of a mineral-based coating (e.g., calcium carbonate or kaolin) to one or both sides of the base sheet. This coating enhances ink holdout, color fidelity, and image sharpness. It is categorized as single-sided coated (SC) or double-sided coated (DC); DC paper-coated on both surfaces-is the most widely employed variant. It is the substrate of choice for high-quality offset lithography, commonly used in picture books, calendars, promotional brochures, hardcover book covers, rigid packaging (e.g., color boxes), and premium shopping bags.
Standard grammages: 80 g/m², 105 g/m², 128 g/m², 157 g/m², and 200 g/m².
II. Double-Coated Paper
Double-coated paper is synonymous with standard double-sided coated paper (as defined above). Historically referred to as "Dawin paper" in certain regional markets, it remains the dominant substrate for offset printing. Economical grades begin at 60 g/m²-the lightest commercially viable coated stock-while premium fully bleached chemical pulp variants reach up to 120 g/m², representing the highest grammage currently manufactured in China using 100% chemical wood pulp. Higher grammages (180–300 g/m²) are classified as heavyweight coated board and are typically used for rigid packaging or specialty applications requiring enhanced stiffness.
Standard grammages: 60 g/m², 70 g/m², 80 g/m², 90 g/m², 100 g/m², and 120 g/m².
III. White Cardboard (White Board)
White cardboard exhibits high tensile strength, dimensional stability, and moderate ink absorption. It typically features a coated (smooth, bright) front surface and an uncoated (dull, fibrous) reverse side. Its rigidity and printability make it suitable for business cards, book covers, restaurant menus, folding cartons, gift boxes, calendars, product tags, greeting cards, and other short-run premium printed goods.
Standard grammages: 210 g/m², 250 g/m², 300 g/m², 350 g/m², and 400 g/m².
IV. Metallic (Gold/Silver) Cardstock
Metallic cardstock incorporates a metallized (aluminum-laminated or vacuum-metallized) layer beneath or within the surface coating, yielding a reflective, lustrous finish and distinctive tactile quality. It supports fine-detail printing and conveys luxury and sophistication. Due to its elevated cost and specialized handling requirements, it is predominantly utilized in high-end packaging-including cosmetic boxes, wine labels, and limited-edition product packaging.
Standard grammages: 125 g/m², 250 g/m², 270 g/m², 320 g/m², 370 g/m², and 420 g/m².
V. Matte Coated Paper
Matte coated paper employs a low-gloss, micro-roughened coating formulation that reduces specular reflection while preserving tonal richness and texture definition. Compared to gloss-coated alternatives, it delivers a refined, tactile aesthetic and superior readability-making it ideal for premium photo books, art monographs, luxury magazines, and corporate annual reports. Its production cost is generally higher than that of standard coated paper.
Standard grammages: 105 g/m², 128 g/m², 157 g/m², 200 g/m², 250 g/m², and 300 g/m².
VI. Lightweight Coated (LWC) Paper
Lightweight coated paper receives approximately one-third the coating mass applied to standard coated paper. As a result, it offers reduced color saturation, lower contrast, and diminished gloss-but at a significantly lower cost. It is appropriate for medium-to-low visual-impact applications such as internal catalogs, newsletters, educational handouts, and promotional inserts where budget constraints outweigh premium reproduction requirements.
Standard grammages: 48 g/m², 50 g/m², 58 g/m², 64 g/m², 70 g/m², and 80 g/m².
VII. Pearl-Coated Paper
Pearl-coated paper features a specialized coating containing pearlescent pigments (e.g., mica-based interference particles), producing a soft, iridescent sheen and enhanced surface reflectivity. Its thickness and dimensional stability support high-resolution imaging and embossing. It is frequently selected for luxury photo albums, coffee-table books, premium packaging, gift boxes, greeting cards, and branded tags.
Standard grammages: 120 g/m², 250 g/m², and 280 g/m².
VIII. Tracing Paper (Sulfuric Acid Paper)
Tracing paper-also known as parchment or vegetable parchment-is a semi-transparent, highly durable sheet produced via sulfuric acid treatment (sulfurization) of cellulose fibers. This process imparts grease resistance, dimensional stability, and translucency. Primary applications include book endpapers, garment care labels, archival document overlays, technical drafting, and overlay proofs.
Standard grammages: 70 g/m², 80 g/m², 100 g/m², and 120 g/m².
IX. Kraft Paper
Kraft paper is a strong, resilient, unbleached or semi-bleached packaging paper manufactured via the kraft pulping process. Characterized by its natural brown hue, high tear resistance, and moisture tolerance, it serves extensively in industrial and retail packaging-including shipping sacks, envelopes, wrapping paper, and carry bags. Recycled content variants are widely available to support sustainability objectives.
Standard grammages: 100–400 g/m².
X. Grey-Backed White Board (Greyboard)
Grey-backed white board consists of a white-coated front surface laminated over a grey or brown core layer. While cost-effective and structurally sound, its aesthetic appeal is limited due to visible core color bleed-through on cut edges and lack of brightness uniformity. It is commonly specified for single-wall corrugated inserts, folding cartons, point-of-sale displays, paper tags, and non-premium packaging components.
Standard grammages: 250 g/m², 300 g/m², 350 g/m², 400 g/m², and 450 g/m².
XI. Corrugated Board
Corrugated board is a composite packaging material comprising one or more fluted (wavy) inner layers bonded between flat linerboards. Engineered for exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, impact resistance, and stackability, it is lightweight, economical, easily die-cut and printed, and highly efficient for storage and logistics. It forms the basis of most shipping containers, retail-ready packaging, and protective transit solutions.
This technical reference is intended to support evidence-based decision-making in print design and production planning.
