Types of Paper Used in Printing

Transfer Paper

Transfer paper allows an image printed on paper to be ironed onto fabric. With the heat of the iron, the image easily transfer to the fabric. The paper will specify the level of heat needed. If the iron isn’t hot enough, the image won’t transfer. Test the paper before using, as the heat application can change the colors once the image has been transferred. Transfer paper is available to transfer images onto white, light- and dark-colored fabrics.

Matte Paper

Matte paper is used when light reflections off the paper pose a problem. If the paper is displayed high up on the wall with overhead lighting, glare from lighting can prevent people from clearly seeing the picture. Matte paper has a flat, or dull, surface. In photography, matte paper is often used for panorama photographs.

Semigloss & Glossy Papers

Semigloss and glossy papers have shiny surfaces. These types of papers are used for printing photographs for art exhibits or photographs in published materials. Glossy papers offer higher resolution and color ranges. However, glare from lights can be a problem. Glossy paper is very durable, as fingerprints and smudges can easily be wiped from the paper. Semigloss paper, also known as luster paper, is a compromise between matte and glossy paper.

Cover or Stock Paper

Cover paper, also known as stock paper, is very stiff, resembling card stock or picture postcard material. Cover paper can come as glossy, for photographs, or uncoated, for business cards and bookmarks. Cover paper comes in varying thicknesses. Paper weight comes in a variety of thickness. The thickness is measured in pounds and refers to the weight of 500 sheets of that paper. For example, cover paper that has a thickness of 22 lbs. refers to 500 20- by 26-inch sheets of that paper. Therefore a single sheet weighs 0.044 lbs.

Aqueous-Coated Paper

Aqueous coating is a type of clear coating that protects the paper and printing. This is a high-gloss surface that prevents fingerprints and dirt from sticking to the paper. This coating makes the paper more durable as it provides additional protection. An aqueous coating is more environmentally friendly for food packaging and labels while ultraviolet, or UV coatings, are not. UV coatings produce toxic residues due to solvents and chemicals, while aqueous coatings are water based.


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