What does “pt” mean in reference to paper weight?

Geoff Pick2023-01-23T17:54:28+00:00January 23rd, 2023|

What’s the difference between lb, #, gsm, and g/m2?

Geoff Pick2023-01-23T17:38:19+00:00January 23rd, 2023|

What’s the difference between gloss and matte paper?

Geoff Pick2023-01-23T17:55:01+00:00January 23rd, 2023|

What is the difference between Text and Cover Papers?

Geoff Pick2023-01-23T17:55:23+00:00January 23rd, 2023|

What is spot UV coating?

Geoff Pick2023-01-16T19:58:05+00:00January 16th, 2023|

What is overall UV coating?

Geoff Pick2023-01-16T19:53:23+00:00January 16th, 2023|

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Q: What does "pt" mean in reference to paper weight?

"Sometimes I see "10 pt" or "12 pt" paper stock listed. Is this a paper weight?" Sometimes the thickness of Cover stock (also called Card stock) is used instead of its weight. It’s also often used in addition to its weight. In North America, paper thickness can be displayed in points. 1 point (1 pt.) is one thousandth of an inch (1/1000" or .001"). For example, a 10 pt. Card stock is 0.010" thick (about the weight of a 140lb Index stock) while 12 pt. Card stock is 0.012" thick (about the weight of a 100lb Cover stock). Thickness is a critical factor in printing for various reasons. Postcards and self-mailers, for example, require minimum thickness paper to quality for USPS mailing. Paper thickness also determines whether a job can be folded by machine or needs to be folded manually. Paper board thickness is a factor in product packaging and folding cartons (unit cartons.) When in doubt, contact us to discuss the appropriate paper thickness for your job.

Q: What's the difference between gloss and matte paper?

Paper with a gloss finish is shiny (it reflects a lot of light) while matte paper is flat and dull in appearance with little shine or light reflection. Gloss stock makes colors look smoother, deeper, richer, with great color-contrast. Photos and graphics tend to look better on gloss stock, while text heavy documents and artwork generally are more visually appealing on matte papers. Text is also easier to read on a matte finish. The softer dull surface of matte paper offers good color contrast and clarity.

Q: What is the difference between Text and Cover Papers?

Paper is typically grouped into two main grades based on weight and thickness: Text and Cover. Description of Text Papers "Text" is a generic name for a variety of light, thin paper stocks that includes Book, Bond, Writing, Ledger, Offset paper. Text paper is flexible, is easily rolled and folded, and is used for flyers, handouts, letterheads, and books. For example, the paper used in ink jet printers is considered Text. Description of Cover Papers "Cover" is a generic name for a variety of heavier and thicker paper stocks that includes Bristol, Index, Tag, and Card paper. It is more substantial and durable than Text paper. Cover paper is more rigid and must be scored (creased) before it can be folded. Cover papers are typically smooth but there are textured variations. It can have either a matte or glossy appearance. Cover or Card stock is often used for mass mailed postcards, business cards, playing cards, invitations, program covers, greeting cards, door hangers, catalogue covers, presentation covers, scrapbooking, folding cartons, packaging, retail displays, and more.

Q: What is spot UV coating?

A matte, silk, satin or glossy finish can be applied to specific spots of the printed piece such as photographs or other graphic images. Spot UV coating, like overall UV coating, is also rapidly dried and cured via ultraviolet light. Print files must be prepared in advance to show the areas that will receive the coating. For example, in the illustration below, the black indicates where a spot UV coating is to be applied on a printed sheet.

Q: What is overall UV coating?

In overall UV coating, a matte, silk, satin, or glossy finish is applied to the entire printed sheet. The coating is applied and then exposed to an ultraviolet light which rapidly cures it and bonds it to the paper.

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FAQs

What does “pt” mean in reference to paper weight?

What’s the difference between lb, #, gsm, and g/m2?

What’s the difference between gloss and matte paper?

What is the difference between Text and Cover Papers?

What is spot UV coating?

What is overall UV coating?

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