When it comes to paper, the various types, weights, and coatings available can make a difference in the look, feel, and quality of your printed materials. One of the biggest areas you’ll have to evaluate is coated vs. uncoated paper. If you don’t know which to use for your next project, don’t worry. This blog will explore the main differences between coated and uncoated bond paper.
Coated Paper
Coated paper is a type of paper that manufacturers treat with clay, latex, or polyethylene to create a coating. The purpose of this added layer is to make the paper more resistant to smudging, improve color brilliance, and increase durability.
Not sure how to tell the difference between coated paper options? Evaluate the finish and brightness. There are four main types of finish: dull, matte, gloss, and silk. The finish relates to how thick the coating is on the paper. Moreover, brightness refers to the paper’s ability to reflect light; the higher that number is, the shinier the paper appears.
Uses for Coated Paper
Common uses for coated plotter printer paper include making catalogs, printing photos and posters, and crafting brochures.
Uncoated Paper
Uncoated paper refers to paper with no coating or finishing on its surface. This type of paper is porous and absorbent, which makes it an ideal choice for printing materials that require ink to dry quickly and without smudging.
Some of the most common types of finishes for uncoated paper include smooth, linen, vellum, and super smooth. Like coated paper, your option depends on what you need to print.
Uses of Uncoated Paper
This paper option is ideal for printing projects such as books, notepads, and business cards. Some professionals also use it when printing flyers, as it provides a more natural look and is easy to write on.
Knowing Which To Use
Understanding the differences between coated and uncoated bond paper is key to ensuring a superb turnout for your professional projects. When deciding which type of paper to use, consider your task and its desired outcome. For example, if you need to print photos, coated paper is best since it will provide better color brilliance and smudge resistance.
Additionally, coated paper is more durable, so it’s preferred when crafting marketing handouts such as brochures. On the other hand, uncoated paper is ideal for printing written documents because it absorbs ink quickly and provides fantastic results.
Usage Tips
Before putting any type of paper into your printer, review the machine’s user manual to ensure it’s compatible with your paper of choice. Additionally, consider the kind of ink you will use. Dye-based inks look best on glossy paper because they create highly saturated hues. This is ideal for graphic designers, marketers, and digital photographers.
Buy Quality Paper
The Plotter Paper Guys sells coated and uncoated paper in a variety of sizes so that every shopper can buy the right option for their printer. All your projects will look outstanding when you use premium paper!
