Uncoated: uncoated paper has no coating and is therefore a little rougher and bulkier than coated stocks. It is usually whiter and is particularly suited to being written on, for this reason it is used for items such as letterheads. Uncoated papers aretypically those used in photocopiers. Weights of uncoated papers used by the University range from 80gsm to 300gsm (see below for explanation of weights).
Silk Coated: the paper has a coating with a slight sheen. It is smooth but less bulky than uncoatedpapers. It is not easy to be written on, so it lesssuited for forms etc. The coating has a tendency of yellowing the paper so it is less white than uncoated paper. Weights of silk coated papers used by the University range from 90gsm to 350gsm (see below for explanation of weights).
Gloss Coated: the paper has a coating with a mid-sheen.It is smooth but less bulky than both uncoated and silk papers. It is difficult to be written on sois unsuitable for forms etc. The coating has a tendency of yellowing the paper so it is less white than uncoated paper. Weights of gloss coated papers the University can use range from 90gsm to 350gsm (see below for explanation of weights), though only 170gsm is ever kept in stock. .
Speciality: in addition to the papers specified above, there are a number of papers which are for specialist use, some of these are details below:
Synthetic: plastic based papers which are waterproof and tear resistant. Whilst not the best environmental option, sometimes a wood-based paper would not be fit for purpose. Please think about choosing this option if the requirement is single use
Acetate: clear plastic, usually used for the covers of wire-bound booklets. We urge not to use this if at all possible as alternatives offer better environmental credentials. Occasionally there is no alternative to acetate
High Gloss: an alternative to acetate of covers. This stock has a high gloss surface and can be printed on
Labels: label stocks are available in a large range of sizes and stocks. These are available on A4 and (to a lesser extent) on A3 sheets. Labels are easily removed from the backing sheet and are particularly suited for larger quantities. Options are available for uncoated, coated and synthetic.
Paper is usually defined in terms of weight and is measured in grammes per square meter (gsm). Whilst there is a loose correlation between paper weight and thickness, some papers are thicker than others at the same weight. Uncoated papers are always thicker than a corresponding weight in a coated paper.
Paper weights are generally defined as between 80gsm – 150gsm, while thicker papers are referred to as boards. Board weights range from 160gsm to 350gsm and are typically used for items such as business cards, covers and postcards
Please follow this Printing Paper Weights (PDF, 776kB) for example weights for different uses.
