There are many types of paper, making it possible for suppliers to meet all wishes (including the most critical) of the users. This ranges from paper for a simple notepad to paper that is suitable for art printing. Naturally, the appearance of that paper is very different. This appearance is partly dependent on the quality of the paper, which is determined by, among other things, the thickness, but also the color. In addition, paper is available in many sizes.
Classification of paper by properties
Paper has three properties that can be classified. Those properties are weight, surface and dimensions. With the large supply of paper, it is logical that there are many differences in those properties. Depending on this, a choice will be made by the user with regard to the purpose for which the paper should serve.
Weight
Paper is supplied in various weights, the strength of which is determined by the weight of the weight. The heavier, the firmer, which results in a more professional appearance when used for printing. The weight is expressed in grams per square meter. For example, a common paper type for simple printing is 80 grams paper.
Surface
There is a clear difference in the types of paper due to the treatment of the surface. For example, the surface can be smooth, but also matte or grainy and can contain a structure.
Satin finish
Smooth paper is called satin paper. The smoothness is obtained by applying heat, pressure and friction during the production process. There are different types of satin-finished paper, such as matt mc (little satin), semi-mat mc (partially satin) and satin mc (completely satin).
Coated paper
Coated paper has a special coating on both sides, also known as an ironing layer. Properties such as printability and color are influenced by the coating layer.
Dimensions
Paper comes in a number of sizes. Common are A sizes, but there are also B sizes, DIN sizes and square sizes.
A sizes
A well-known format of paper belongs to the A series and is the A4 format (popularly: an A4 size). That format is derived from a sheet of paper with the dimensions 118.9 x 84.1 centimeters, which is called A0. By folding this sheet in half, a new format A1 is created. By repeating this over and over, a series from A0 to A10 is created. The dimensions of the latter are 26 by 37 millimeters.
B sizes
In addition to A sizes, there are also the slightly different B sizes, which are based on a sheet with dimensions of 141.4 by 100 centimeters. Ten sizes can also be found here by folding in half each time.
DIN formats
DIN sizes differ from A and B sizes in that they are narrower and more elongated. These formats stand out especially when they are used for brochures, flyers or leaflets. The format is also popular for entrance tickets and menus.
Carré formats
Sizes do not always have to be elongated, but can also be square, such as the square format. These formats are available in four sizes, namely: Carré S (98 x 98 mm), Carré card (135 x 135 mm), Carré M (148 x 148 mm) and Carré L (210 x 210 mm).
Examples of weight and use
Partly depending on the weight of paper, an application can be selected for use. Examples of 80, 100, 160 and 300 grams paper include.
80 grams paper
80 grams paper is generally white paper with a matt appearance. This paper type can be used for various purposes. The choice of 80 grams is often suitable for normal printing of documents, but also for making manuals, for example. Color prints (with the exception of photos, etc.) are usually acceptable on this paper but not brilliant. Incidentally, transparency is created during printing because the paper is thin.
100 grams paper
Print work on 100 grams paper has a more luxurious appearance than on 80 grams and also feels smoother. Because it is smoother, any color printing on this type of paper will look better. The paper is also very suitable for the production of dissertations, theses and various types of papers. The sturdiness makes it easier for certain workpieces to pass from hand to hand.
160 grams paper
This type of paper is extremely suitable for printing cover work, for example around a workpiece or the like. Flyers are also often made from this thicker paper. 160 grams paper is also suitable for folders (portfolios) in which, for example, drawings are stored. Due to the strength of the files, the drawings will not wrinkle. Due to the thickness of the paper, there is no transparency during printing.
300 grams paper
An even more luxurious type and very sturdy paper is 300 grams paper. It can be used for special documents such as certificates and will usually only be used on one page due to its thickness. The paper has a slight shine but it is not glossy. It is a sustainable type of paper.
Choice of endless colors
In principle, paper is available in all colors because the color is obtained by adding pigment during the production process. In sales practice, however, there are a number of main colors, namely: red, orange, yellow, green, cyan, blue, indigo and violet. But color can also be obtained in the printing process, which also allows an endless number of colors.
