Choose the Right Paper: A Guide to the Visual Impact of Printed Materials
The weight, texture, and finish of paper can transform a good design into a memorable product. Here's what you need to know.
Choosing the material is essential for the final perception of the product.
While quality design and printing are crucial, the substrate – the paper – is often the decisive factor that communicates the quality and intention of your brand. A wrong choice can undermine an excellent design.
1. Paper Weight (Grammage)
Grammage, measured in g/m², determines the feeling of solidity. For business cards, a weight of 300-350 g/m² offers a premium and durable feel. Flyers and leaflets work excellently between 135-170 g/m², offering flexibility without seeming cheap. Indoor posters can use lighter paper, with a special coating for vibrant colors.
2. Texture and Surface Finish
This is where the material's personality comes in. Glossy paper (coated) offers bright colors and maximum contrast, perfect for photos and images with fine details. Matte paper (uncoated) has a natural, absorbent texture that provides a sophisticated feel and is ideal for long text (catalogs, corporate brochures). There are also options with special texture (lined, laid) for a distinct tactile impact.
Professional tip from our print shop:
For corporate materials for a conference, combine a flyer on glossy paper for attractive images with a product catalog on matte paper, easy to read and write notes on.
3. Special Finishes that Make a Difference
Modern digital printing allows finishes that make the design stand out. Selective UV varnish adds a glossy and textured area over certain elements (logo, title). Matte lamination offers excellent protection against wear and eliminates glare, giving an ultra-professional look. These are small investments with a high visual ROI.
At Urgencias Graficas, we have an extensive library of paper samples. We encourage you to come and feel them and see how CMYK ink reacts on each type, to make the most informed decision for your project.