Printing is often thought of in terms of design, colour and layout; but the final look of your print depends on another essential factor – paper. Selecting an appropriate type and size can give your business cards, brochures, posters or flyers more professional appeal and attractiveness.
At Elixir Print, we understand that every print job requires only top-grade paper types to ensure optimal printing results. That’s why we help our clients select their ideal size and finish for their printing projects – this blog provides everything they need to know about printing papers and sizes easily and simply.
Why Paper Choice Matters in Printing
Paper selection plays a pivotal role in how printed material feels, looks, and lasts. Imagine passing out an imperceptibly thin business card; that won’t leave much of an impression; in contrast, thick glossy cards feel luxurious while projecting professional status.
Here’s why choosing the right paper matters:
- It affects the look and feel of your prints.
- It helps your design colours stand out.
- It improves durability, especially for items like menus or posters.
- It shows your brand’s quality and personality.
At Elixir Print, we can assist in selecting the ideal paper for any purpose – be it marketing materials, event tickets, invitations or stationery.
Common Types of Printing Papers
Let’s examine some of the most widely used papers used in printing, along with their intended uses:
1. Gloss Paper
Gloss paper features a glossy surface that makes its colors look vivid and vivid, perfect for flyers, posters and brochures to grab people’s attention quickly and draw them in quickly.
Best for: Flyers, posters, leaflets, product catalogs.
2. Matte Paper
Matte paper offers an elegant and sophisticated appearance, making it an excellent choice for professional documents or reading materials.
Best for: Reports, menus, business stationery, and booklets.
3. Silk Paper
Silk paper features a luxurious surface – a mix between gloss and matte. It is fashionable yet practical; providing a premium appearance without too much shine.
Best for: Brochures, magazines, and high-quality prints.
4. Bond Paper
Office workers tend to favor this type of paper because it’s lightweight, smooth, and easy to write on.
Best for: Letterheads, invoices, and standard documents.
5. Recycled Paper
Recycled paper is an eco-friendly option with great quality.
Best for: Businesses that want to show environmental responsibility.
6. Textured Paper
Recycled paper is an eco-friendly option with great quality.
Best for: Invitations, certificates, and greeting cards.
Paper Weight – GSM Explained
When purchasing paper, GSM (grams per square meter) may come up. This refers to its thickness or weight.
Here’s a simple guide:
- 80-100 GSM: Standard office paper, ideal for everyday printing.
- 120-170 GSM: Slightly thicker, used for leaflets or flyers.
- 200-300 GSM: Heavier stock for covers, menus, and postcards.
- 350-450 GSM: Very thick paper, commonly used for business cards and premium invitations.
The higher the GSM, the thicker and more durable the paper will feel.
Standard Printing Paper Sizes
Different projects require various paper sizes. Here are the most frequently utilized paper sizes and the applications where they work best:
A Series (Most Common in the UK and Europe)
- A0: Very large, great for posters and banners (841 x 1189 mm).
- A1: For display boards and big signs (594 x 841 mm).
- A2: Medium posters or presentation charts (420 x 594 mm).
- A3: Used for large flyers, menus, or small posters (297 x 420 mm).
- A4: Standard size for documents, letters, and brochures (210 x 297 mm).
- A5: Half of A4, great for small flyers and booklets (148 x 210 mm).
- A6: Ideal for postcards and small handouts (105 x 148 mm).
Other Common Sizes
- DL (99 x 210 mm): Used for envelopes and mailers.
- Square formats: Trendy options for modern designs and invitations.
- Custom sizes: At Elixir Print, we can print in any size you prefer.
Finishes That Make Your Prints Stand Out
Finishes for paper add an aesthetic finishing touch that can make any print project stand out. Some popular finishes are:
- Gloss Finish: Shiny and vibrant for attention-grabbing designs.
- Matte Finish: Smooth and classy, suitable for text-heavy materials.
- Laminated Finish: Adds durability and a professional look, available in gloss or matte.
- Spot UV: Highlights specific areas like logos or text for a stylish effect.
These finishing options can transform the appearance of printed materials to give them a more premium aesthetic.
Choosing the Right Paper and Size for Your Needs
Every print job serves its own specific purpose. Here are just a few examples:
- Business cards: 400 GSM silk or matte paper in standard 85 x 55 mm size.
- Flyers: 130-170 GSM gloss paper in A5 or A4.
- Brochures: 150-200 GSM silk paper in A4 or A5.
- Menus: 250 GSM laminated paper for durability.
- Posters: A2 or A3 in gloss finish for bright colours.
Elixir Print’s team can assist in selecting the appropriate combination for your project.
Why Choose Elixir Print
At Elixir Print, we value your brand and its message. That is why we utilize premium printing papers, innovative technologies and expert knowledge to produce exceptional results every time.
- High-quality materials for lasting impressions.
- Fast and reliable service, even for urgent printing needs.
- Custom sizes and finishes to match your exact requirements.
- Friendly support team ready to help you choose the perfect paper.
No matter the medium you need printed — flyers, booklets, posters or business cards — we make sure your prints look professional and elegant.
Final Words
Finding the appropriate paper and size can completely transform how printed materials appear and feel, not only regarding what’s printed but also how it’s presented. Elixir Print offers everything you need – thick glossy flyers or smooth matte brochures – under one roof.
Make your next print project the best it can be – professional, attractive and affordable.
Contact us today at +44 (0)20 7193 7756
Email: hello@elixirprint.co.uk
Visit our website: Elixir Print
