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The tactile quality of a book is determined not only by its cover material but also significantly influenced by the selection of paper used for the interior pages. The choice of paper impacts not only the collectible and aesthetic value of a publication but also directly affects readers' reading experience. High-quality paper contributes to the preservation and enhancement of a book's long-term value, while smooth, fine-textured paper tends to be more appealing to readers. Given that different types of books require different paper specifications, it is essential to understand how to select suitable paper based on the characteristics of the intended publication.
This discussion will examine several commonly used paper types, each with distinct properties suited to specific applications. A comprehensive understanding of these materials enables publishers and designers to make informed decisions that enhance both the physical quality and user experience of printed works.
1. Offset Paper
Offset paper is widely used in traditional offset printing and other conventional printing processes, particularly for high-quality color reproduction. Its key characteristics include low elasticity, uniform ink absorption, high surface smoothness, tight fiber structure, opacity, and strong resistance to moisture. To achieve optimal print results, film-forming offset inks or high-quality lead-based inks are recommended.
The basis weight of offset paper typically ranges from 50 g/m² to 180 g/m², with standard sheet dimensions of 889 mm × 1194 mm. Various formats of flat sheets and roll paper are also available. In recent years, as cultural standards and living conditions have improved, there has been a growing trend toward premium book materials. Due to its bright appearance, stiffness, smoothness, and fine texture, offset paper has become a preferred choice for printing books, periodicals, and notebooks. Publications printed on offset paper exhibit clear typography, dimensional stability, and resistance to deformation. Compared to newsprint, offset-printed materials offer superior quality and are highly favored by readers. It is anticipated that demand for offset paper in book and periodical production will continue to rise in response to market needs.
During the binding process, several considerations must be observed:
- Ensure that the selected paper meets required quality and specification standards.
- Employ appropriate binding techniques to guarantee structural integrity.
- Prioritize environmental safety and sustainability throughout the production process.
Folding operations can be efficiently performed using various folding machines, which deliver clean and precise folds, especially suitable for high-speed processing. When designing layouts for offset paper, it is advisable to limit content to three folds or fewer; four-fold configurations should generally be avoided. Best practice suggests that after two folds (particularly for paper with a basis weight of 80 g/m² or higher), the cover should be applied. Due to the relatively high thickness and grammage of offset paper, excessive folding may result in figure-eight creasing or irreversible dead folds within the spine area, compromising edge neatness and core flatness after trimming.
When wire binding is employed, the wire diameter should be appropriately selected according to the total page count and overall thickness.
⑤ Adhesive viscosity must be higher than usual due to the high grammage and smooth surface of offset paper. Insufficient bonding strength may lead to delamination or adhesive failure post-application.
⑥ Rounding and backing of hardcover spines made from offset paper can be challenging, especially with thicker covers. Because of the paper's smooth surface, flattening into a circular shape may cause individual sheets to protrude, resulting in trapezoidal front edges. Additionally, manual hammering during ridge formation may fail to eliminate internal crease wrinkles, potentially leading to defective products.
Given that offset paper is typically used in higher-grade publications, the cover material should be of equal or superior quality compared to the inner pages, ensuring consistency and premium finish throughout the entire volume.
2. Coated Paper
Coated paper is known for its exceptionally smooth and glossy surface, high whiteness, and excellent ink receptivity and adhesion. It is commonly used for postcards, covers, luxury photo albums, calendars, and high-end books and magazines. The surface finish is achieved through application of ultra-white coating and calendering using super-calendering equipment. However, one limitation is its susceptibility to powder flaking and sticking in humid environments, which may compromise long-term durability.
Basis weights range from 70 g/m² to 300 g/m², with common flat sheet sizes including 648 mm × 953 mm, 787 mm × 970 mm, and 787 mm × 1092 mm. Coated paper is categorized into glossy and matte finishes. While "coated paper" usually refers to the glossy variant, "matte coated paper" denotes the non-gloss version. During binding, the unique properties of coated paper must be taken into account to ensure satisfactory results.
Most folding machines can handle coated paper, though folding should not exceed three times, and cut edges are necessary to release trapped air. Optimal folding methods involve one or two folds followed by covering, minimizing the risk of figure-eight wrinkles inside the cover. For manual folding, double-folding (with additional pasting) or single-folding is recommended. Folding boards should have rounded edges to prevent surface scratching.
In sewing operations, needle holes should be kept minimal in size and depth to avoid misalignment or glue leakage.
When applying adhesive, viscosity should not be excessively high, as this may cause the coating layer to peel off upon drying.
During cutting, stack thickness must be carefully managed due to the paper's high slip resistance, which increases the risk of misalignment. The cutter's α angle is typically set at 23°, consistent with settings used for offset paper.
⑤ Coated paper has limited fold resistance due to its high filler content. Once creased or scratched, it cannot easily regain flatness. Moreover, prolonged exposure to sunlight may cause embrittlement, while high humidity may lead to sticking and mold growth, rendering the material unusable. Therefore, temperature and humidity levels in storage and production facilities must be strictly controlled.
Matte coated paper-officially termed matte coated paper-is generally thinner and brighter than standard coated paper, with enhanced ink absorption. It has a firmer texture and greater dimensional stability. Under sunlight, it exhibits lower reflectivity, giving printed images a refined and sophisticated appearance, albeit less vivid than those on glossy coated paper. Areas with solid color printing can still achieve a sheen comparable to glossy finishes. Despite its higher cost, matte coated paper is frequently used in branding materials-for example, by companies such as DHC-to convey a sense of premium quality.
3. Letterpress Paper
Specifically designed for letterpress printing, this paper is ideal for books and periodicals. It is classified into four grades-No. 1 to No. 4-with lower numbers indicating higher quality. Letterpress paper features uniform ink absorption, superior water resistance and whiteness compared to newsprint, a fine and even texture, no linting, slight elasticity, moderate opacity, and adequate mechanical strength. Its basis weight ranges from (49–60) ±2 g/m². Flat sheets are available in multiple sizes, including standard dimensions such as 787 mm × 1092 mm, 850 mm × 1168 mm, and 880 mm × 1230 mm, along with special sizes. Roll paper widths commonly include 787 mm, 1092 mm, and 1575 mm.
4. Lightweight Paper
Key characteristics of lightweight paper include low density and moderate thickness. Thanks to its high bulk-to-weight ratio, lightweight paper can replace heavier papers while maintaining equivalent thickness, offering significant advantages in reducing transportation and mailing costs.
a. Natural Tones
Lightweight paper is produced from chemical pulp without fluorescent brighteners. Instead, it achieves a natural milky white or light beige hue through specialized dyes. Compared to standard coated or offset papers, its tone is softer and closer to the natural color of wood pulp, providing readers with a simple, organic visual experience that reduces eye strain during extended reading sessions.
b. Smooth and Fine Surface
The uncoated surface of lightweight paper feels soft, fine, and smooth. This enhances ink absorption and provides moderate reflectivity, contributing to sharp and legible print output.
c. Durability and Environmental Friendliness
Lightweight paper is chlorine-free, made entirely from pure chemical pulp without harmful additives like fluorescent agents. Its slightly alkaline nature allows for archival-quality preservation-potentially lasting thousands of years without degradation. As an uncoated product composed primarily of fibers, calcium carbonate, and water, it is biodegradable and considered an eco-friendly, sustainable option.
Additionally, the bulk density of lightweight paper is often expressed as a coefficient (e.g., 1.5, 1.7, 1.8), calculated as thickness divided by grammage. The bulk thickness of lightweight paper can reach up to 1.90 cm³/g, compared to 1.14 cm³/g for offset paper. This means that lower-grammage lightweight paper can effectively substitute higher-grammage offset paper, achieving cost efficiency without sacrificing volume or feel.
5. White Board Paper
Standard-sized white board paper measures 787 mm × 1092 mm, with larger formats available at 889 mm × 1194 mm. It falls into two main categories: printing-grade white board paper and stationery-grade white board paper (commonly referred to as "hanging charts").
6. Printing-Grade White Board Paper
This type of cardboard features a smooth, white front side and a gray backside. It is primarily used for single-sided color printing in packaging applications such as boxes and displays, and is also widely utilized in design and craft projects.
7. Stationery-Grade White Board Paper
Typically supplied in pad form ("hanging charts"), this paper is designed for use in seminars, workshops, and conferences. Slightly smaller than full-sheet size, common dimensions include 560 mm × 850 mm and 600 mm × 900 mm. Characterized by its dense structure and uniform thickness, it ensures smooth writing performance and is highly valued by professionals and educators alike.
8. Embossed Paper
Available in a standard size of 787 mm × 1092 mm, with grammage ranging from 40 g/m² to 300 g/m², embossed paper finds wide application across sectors such as intelligent governance, logistics, transportation, finance, telecommunications, commerce, e-commerce, and real estate. Other specialty papers-including newsprint, book paper, dictionary paper, and copy paper-also serve unique roles based on their respective properties and intended uses.
9. Paper Selection Guidelines
Selecting the appropriate paper involves a comprehensive evaluation of multiple factors, including type, specification, and quality grade. Overemphasizing one aspect while neglecting others may compromise the final outcome. Key considerations include the nature of the printed content and the type of printing equipment used. For instance:
- Color covers, illustrations, or advertising inserts in books and periodicals are best printed on double-sided coated paper or offset paper.
- Single-sided prints such as labels or tags are more suitably produced on single-sided coated or offset paper.
- Reference works such as dictionaries, lexicons, and handbooks benefit from the use of dictionary paper or thin letterpress paper.
- General-purpose books may utilize offset book paper or letterpress printing paper.
Smoothness Comparison
Embossed paper < Offset paper < Coated paper < Matte coated paper < Wax-coated paper
10. Reflectivity Comparison
Embossed paper < Matte coated paper < Coated paper < Wax-coated paper
These comparisons indicate that uncoated or matte-finished papers exhibit minimal glare, whereas wax-coated surfaces are highly reflective and slippery. Matte coated paper offers balanced smoothness and moderate reflectivity.
11. Writing Suitability Comparison
Embossed paper < Wax-coated paper < Coated paper < Matte coated paper < Offset paper
In conclusion, effective paper selection requires careful consideration of multiple attributes-including texture, smoothness, reflectivity, and suitability for writing-to identify the most appropriate material for specific publishing requirements.
