Design for Print // Research

While researching I came across this website and have found it very helpful in informing me of different stock types and printing as it is written in a really simple way and is well designed which is always a plus.  http://designpink.com.au/paper-types-and-paper-stocks/

Paper Weight / Paper Density

“The paper density of a type of paper or cardboard is the mass of the product per unit of area. The term density here is used somewhat incorrectly as density is mass by volume. “Paper density” is more precisely a measure of the area density. Paper products that let little or no light pass through (e.g. poster board) are considered dense or heavy. Paper products that allow some light to pass through (e.g. tissue paper) are considered lightweight.” – from Wikipedia

When it comes to printing one of the first thing you need to decide is which paper you choose. The thickness of the paper is quite important. Thicker paper is more durable, conveys different message and of course in most cases more expensive. To find an optimum solution look at the list of the general usage of different paper density:

90 - 100 gsm - used for stationery, text for magazines and booklets, flyers and brochures.

120 - 170 gsm - used for text booklets, flyers and brochures.  The heavier the weight, the more "upmarket" the feel.

200 - 250 gsm - ideal for magazine and booklet covers

280 - 420 gsm - used for cards of all sorts and book and booklet covers

Lamination / Celloglazing

Lamination offers a substantial protection to your printed materials.  It’s waterproof and makes the paper more durable. As a finishing option you can choose from matt or gloss celloglazing to give your designed cards or brochures something extra.

Raised Printing / Embossed Printing / Foil Stamping

The raised print is a specialised process which involves applying a fine  powder to the wet ink and passing it through a heat tunnel which instantly creates the raised effect. Yyou can feel the text on the card, rather than just see it. Raised print can only be applied to one side of the card or paper.

Embossed printing will add elegance to fine patterns you want to  integrate into your corporate image. By adding an extra dimensions to your imagery it will change the nature of the material you present to your viewers. By giving it a quaint look your image is enhanced by a blank impression onto paper.

Foil stamping uses heat and metallic foils to create a shiny metallic eye catching finish on goods such as packaging, wedding stationery, invitations, personalised stationery, corporate stationery, gift cards, brochures and presentation folders. You can choose from different foils including black, gold, hologram and silver foils.

Premium Textured and Metallic Papers

For your printing products you can choose from a wide selection of specialty papers to give that extra something to your printed collaterals. Take a look at some of the specialty papers we recommend:

Linen paper stock - This is a sensible paper characterized by a subtle, calm grid woven fabric pattern, and the material has a sturdy surface with a soft color.

Tant paper stock - Unevenly embossed – only front side

Nouveau paper stock – Neat, warm, and simple looking

Silky Matte paper stock - bright white surface,  excellent color results,  excellent text legibility

Particles paper stock - Natural heavy environmental friendly paper, antique and lightly textured

Vintage Craft paper stock - Natural heavy environmental friendly paper, antique and lightly textured

Star Dream paper stock - Metallic glitter two-sided coating, elegant and luxurious look.

Star Gold paper stock - Gold glitter pattern with metallic and pearlescent two-sided coating.

Light Gold paper stock - balance of soft gold and pearl. Metallic light gold with gold shimmer.

Light Silver paper stock - Quality smooth uncoated with subtle silver glitter.

Chameleon paper stock – The sublte metallic color changes depending on the angle of the light.

Concept paper stock - Mystic metallic feel.