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Printing paper can be broadly classified according to packaging form and application. This document provides an overview of 11 commonly used types of printing paper.
1. Classification by Packaging Form
Paper produced by mills is primarily available in two packaging forms: roll paper and sheet paper.
1) Roll Paper
Roll paper (also known as web paper) is supplied in continuous rolls and is designed for use in rotary printing presses. It typically has a fixed width and can extend several kilometers in length, enabling uninterrupted feeding during high-speed printing. Roll paper is ideal for large-volume print runs such as newspapers, supermarket flyers, and promotional posters. Figure 1 illustrates roll paper.
2) Sheet Paper
Sheet paper refers to paper cut into rectangular sheets for use in sheet-fed printing presses. In this process, individual sheets are fed into the press one at a time and printed sequentially. Despite high processing speeds, each sheet is handled individually-a method known as "sheet-fed printing." This technique is widely employed in the production of books, magazines, photo albums, and posters. Figure 2 shows stacks of sheet paper.
2. Classification by Application
With advancements in technology, the variety of paper types has expanded significantly. However, there is no universally enforced standard for paper classification. In China, paper is conventionally categorized by use into the following groups: cultural paper (for printing and writing), packaging paper, household paper, technical paper, and specialty (or special-purpose) paper.
Currently, over 500 paper varieties are manufactured domestically. The following section presents a concise introduction and classification of common printing papers.
Type 1: Coated Paper
Coated paper (commonly referred to as art paper) is one of the most widely used papers in commercial printing and is especially prevalent in color printing applications.
The term "coated paper" is informal; its official designation is "printed coated paper." It is primarily used for high-quality printed materials such as premium photo albums, magazine covers, postcards, product brochures, and high-end color labels.
According to national standards, coated paper is classified into four grades: A, B-I, B-II, and C. As the grade decreases, glossiness and smoothness diminish while dust content increases. The whiteness of grades A, B-I, and B-II is 85%, whereas grade C has a whiteness of 80%. Each grade is further divided into single-sided and double-sided variants. Single-sided coated paper is suitable for simple single-sided prints such as calendars, posters, and carry bags, while double-sided coated paper is appropriate for books, magazines, and albums.
Characteristics of Coated Paper:
① Double-Sided Coated Paper
Both sides of the paper are smooth and white, with high gloss and opacity. After color printing, it produces vibrant images with excellent color gradation, making it ideal for high-quality color printing. It is commonly used for books, catalogs, calendars, posters, and covers.
② Single-Sided Coated Paper
One side is coated, while the reverse side undergoes sizing treatment. This results in a bright, smooth surface with uniform ink absorption on the coated side, suitable for single-sided color printing. The untreated back allows for subsequent processes such as gluing. Applications include labels, posters, and release paper for laminating.
Quantitative Specifications:
Although national standards specify basis weights of 70g, 80g, 90g, 100g, 120g, 130g, and 150g/m², high-end color printing in practice often relies on imported or joint-venture brand coated papers. Common weights in this category are 128g, 157g, 200g, 250g, and 300g/m².
Note: Coated paper includes glossy coated paper (high-gloss finish) and matte coated paper (non-reflective finish). It may also be textured (e.g., fabric-finished) and is available in single-sided, double-sided, and specialized surface variants.
Type 2: Lightweight Coated Paper (LWC)
Lightweight Coated Paper (LWC) features a relatively low coating weight and is not necessarily lightweight in basis weight. Its basis weight typically ranges from 50 to 120g/m², with a coating of 7–12g per square meter per side. Thicker LWC grades can serve as lower-grade coated paper for books and picture books, while thinner variants are used for periodicals, advertisements, newspapers, and promotional posters.
Type 3: Offset Printing Paper
Offset printing paper (often shortened to offset paper) is characterized by high strength and excellent printability. It is widely used in offset printing presses and other printing equipment for high-quality color prints such as illustrated magazines, brochures, flyers, color labels, cigarette boxes, greeting cards, and premium books and illustrations. Figure 5 shows a printed sample on offset paper.
Offset paper is available in single-sided and double-sided versions. Single-sided offset paper is suitable for labels, posters, and various graphics, while double-sided offset paper is required for book and magazine inner pages.
Characteristics of Offset Paper:
Offset paper is categorized into super-calendered and ordinary calendered grades. It is considered an advanced paper type for book and journal printing, with strict requirements for contrast, dot gain, and surface strength. Its pH level should be close to neutral or slightly alkaline to prevent adverse chemical reactions during printing.
This paper exhibits low elasticity, minimizing deformation during multi-color registration and ensuring precise color alignment. Its surface is smooth with moderate ink absorption, preserving dot integrity and color fidelity, resulting in fine printing detail.
Quantitative Specifications:
Available basis weights include 50g, 60g, 70g, 80g, 90g, 100g, 120g, 150g, and 180g/m².
Type 4: White Card Paper
White card paper is a thick, rigid paper with a high basis weight, commonly used for business cards, certificates, invitations, and covers. Historically, in Shanghai, thick white paper around 220g/m²-smooth, calendered, and stiff-was referred to as "heavyweight paper," which was essentially a form of cardstock. The most common variant is uncolored, known as white cardstock; colored versions are termed colored card paper based on hue.
(1) Characteristics of White Card Paper
White card paper exhibits high whiteness, stiffness, burst resistance, and surface smoothness (excluding embossed varieties). The surface is flat, free from streaks or spots, and resistant to warping or deformation.
(2) Quantitative Specifications
Common basis weights are 200g, 220g, 250g, 270g, 300g, and 400g/m².
Type 5: Letterpress Paper
Letterpress paper, originally developed for letterpress (movable-type) printing, remains one of the most widely used papers in the printing industry, particularly in small to medium-sized print shops. It is primarily used for printing books and magazines. Common publications such as general-interest books, science magazines, corporate brochures, mid-to-low-tier journals, academic periodicals, and textbooks are typically printed on letterpress paper.
(1) Characteristics of Letterpress Paper
Letterpress paper has a uniform fiber structure, filled with fillers and sizing agents, and undergoes bleaching. These properties enhance its print adaptability. It offers consistent ink absorption, good water resistance, and high whiteness, though it is not recommended for offset printing.
(2) Quantitative Specifications
Standard basis weights are 52g, 60g, and 70g/m².
(3) Additional Note
A thinner variant, known as lightweight letterpress paper, is available with a lower basis weight. It is used for dense, content-heavy publications such as dictionaries, encyclopedias, and large-format albums.
Type 6: Lightweight Publishing Paper
Lightweight publishing paper is a bulky, porous type of offset paper used in book and journal printing. While similar to conventional offset paper, it is lighter in hand feel and higher in bulk. It comes in various specifications and generally has high whiteness (some with a slight warm tone). Books printed on this paper are lightweight yet durable. It is primarily used for text pages in books and periodicals, with basis weights ranging from 30 to 80g/m². Lower-weight lightweight paper can substitute higher-weight offset paper-for example, 60g/m² lightweight paper (with a bulk of 1.8 cm³/g) matches the thickness of 90g/m² offset paper when both are sized at 850 mm × 1168 mm.
(1) Characteristics of Lightweight Publishing Paper
This paper offers high opacity, strong tensile strength, high bulk, and excellent ink absorption. With high whiteness and a light feel, it is ideal for long-form printed texts and enhances reader comfort.
(2) Quantitative Specifications
Available weights: 30g, 40g, 50g, 70g, and 80g/m².
Type 7: Newsprint
Newsprint (commonly known as "white newspaper") is the primary paper used for newspapers, periodicals, and textbooks. It is mainly employed for the body text of newspapers, magazines, comics, and educational materials.
(1) Characteristics of Newsprint
Newsprint is lightweight, elastic, and highly absorbent, ensuring good ink adhesion. After calendering, both sides are smooth and lint-free, resulting in clear, sharp print on both sides. It possesses adequate mechanical strength and opacity, making it suitable for high-speed rotary printing. However, newsprint degrades over time-becoming yellow and brittle-and has poor water resistance. It is not suitable for writing. When printing on newsprint, low-viscosity newspaper or book ink must be used.
(2) Quantitative Specifications
Basis weight: (49–52) ± 2 g/m².
Type 8: Carbonless Copy Paper (Typing Paper)
Carbonless copy paper (referred to as typing paper) is primarily used for multi-part forms, receipts, invoices, and internal book inserts. It is available in various colors, including white, yellow, red, blue, and green.
(1) Characteristics of Typing Paper
This is a thin, flexible paper that resists tearing when written on with hard-tipped pens, making it suitable for carbonless duplication.
(2) Quantitative Specifications
Basis weight typically ranges from 24 to 30 g/m².
Type 9: Kraft Paper
Kraft paper derives its name from its brownish-yellow hue-the natural color of sulfate wood pulp-and its exceptional toughness, resembling leather in durability. It is widely used for packaging industrial goods, hardware, auto parts, textiles, and daily necessities due to its strength and resistance to tearing.
Additionally, kraft paper can be processed into file folders, envelopes, record sleeves, and alternative book covers (see Figure 10).
National standards specify a basis weight range of 40–120 g/m², though heavier variants (e.g., 175g, 250g, 300g/m²) are commercially available. It is offered in single-sided and double-sided forms, with double-sided kraft paper further classified as calendered or uncalendered. Standard sheet sizes include 787 mm × 1092 mm and 889 mm × 1194 mm.
Type 10: Corrugated Board
Corrugated board is one of the most widely used materials in packaging. Invented in 1871 by American Albert Jones, it was later improved in 1874 by Austrian Louis Fran who added linerboard to stabilize the fluted structure. By bonding flat linerboards to both sides of the corrugated medium, a robust, arch-supported structure is formed, offering strength and elasticity under compression.
Due to its lightweight nature and cost-effectiveness, corrugated board is favored for replacing wooden, plastic, or metal containers in shipping and storage, effectively protecting goods.
Performance depends not only on flute profile (e.g., U, V, or UV shape) but also on flute type-defined by size and density.
(1) Characteristics of Corrugated Board
It exhibits high strength, elasticity, and ductility. Its popularity stems from its favorable strength-to-weight ratio and affordability.
(2) Quantitative Specifications
The basis weight of corrugated medium ranges from 112 to 200 g/m². While six standard grades exist, custom weights in 5g increments (e.g., 110g, 120g, 127g, up to 240g/m² and beyond) are produced to meet specific packaging machine requirements.
Type 11: Specialty Paper
Specialty papers encompass a wide range of textured or uniquely finished papers. When used appropriately, they add distinctive visual and tactile appeal to printed materials. They are particularly effective in enhancing minimalist designs and adding vibrancy to otherwise plain layouts.
These papers are generally expensive and are rarely used throughout entire publications. Instead, they are typically reserved for select pages such as covers, endpapers, or title pages. Due to their high ink absorption, they are unsuitable for reproducing intricate, color-rich images. For logos requiring strict color accuracy, printing on specialty paper is not recommended. Additionally, some specialty papers have dark backgrounds; printing light-colored, transparent inks on such surfaces should be avoided.
Commonly Used Specialty Papers:
(1) Sulfate Paper (Glassine)
Produced by treating base paper with sulfuric acid, sulfate paper becomes semi-transparent. It can be further processed via waxing, coating, embossing, or wrinkling. Simple text or patterns can be printed on it. It is often used as a translucent backing sheet in high-end books and albums, allowing underlying content to show through.
Sulfate paper is dense, firm, and resistant to oil and moisture penetration.
Available basis weights: 45g, 60g, and 75g/m².
(2) Embossed Paper
Embossed paper is created by mechanically pressing patterns into the surface of regular paper, producing raised or recessed textures. Embossing can be applied before or after printing. Common patterns include fabric weaves, diagonal lines, lotus nets, sack textures, checks, and leather grains.
Embossing enhances decorative appeal and texture, making it popular in flexible packaging where visual impact is critical.
Basis weight ranges from 40 to 300 g/m².
(3) Cellophane
Cellophane is a thin film made from regenerated cellulose, not actual paper. It is available in clear or colored transparent forms and is widely used for outer wrapping of gifts, pharmaceuticals, cigarettes, food, and cosmetics.
It is soft, smooth, non-porous, and impermeable to air, water, and oil. It possesses moderate stiffness, high tensile strength, excellent gloss, and good printability.
Available basis weights: 30g, 35g, 40g, 45g, 50g, 55g, and 75g/m².
