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Paper is complicated- no one sheet fits every project. Here at Omega, choosing the correct paper stock for our projects is crucial. There are many reasons why choosing the wrong kind of paper can impact the project in a negative way. It is imperative to choose the correct paper for a project, because in some instances, choosing the wrong kind can lead to a reprint. This inevitably results in lost time, money, physical labor and the trust of your client.
Appropriate Quality Over Highest Quality
Going out of your way and picking the most expensive paper is not always the best idea. Our advice would be to pick a paper function, first. Don’t focus solely on how you want the piece to look, but also think about what you’re going to use the final piece for and who’s going to be handling it. It won’t matter that your piece looks great if it doesn’t perform, hold up or hits you with hidden mailing or shipping costs, due to weight. Finding the appropriate quality can be tricky, so here at Omega, we have an extensive selection of paper. This allows us to be prepared for any project thrown our way, especially with the supply & demand crisis we’re currently facing.
Finish
When thinking about the kind of paper you want to use for a project, you have to keep in mind the finish you want. Some projects require gloss or matte finishes, while others require no finish at all. When producing a project that requires four-color process printing, the natural surface of uncoated paper is ideal for these projects. This process creates a soft and understated image usually sought out for larger corporations. If the project requires a more crisp and colorful image, using a gloss, matte, or silk finish is typically preferred.
The Printing Process
If your project requires any special printing processes, such as foil stamping, letterpress, or embossing, make sure the paper you use is compatible with such services. One of the most important things to remember is the difference between digital printing paper and offset paper. Digital printing paper is designed to perform under high heat and low moisture, while on the other hand, offset paper is designed to work with low temperatures and liquid inks.
Distribution
When choosing the correct paper for a project, you must think of how it will be distributed to your clients and intended audience. If this project is being distributed by mail, you will want to select a lightweight paper in order to account for extra weight that will be added through the postal process. In cases where these projects would be distributed by hand, you might want to consider the durability of the paper. With hand to hand distribution, there is a lot of room for human error and opportunities for the project to be damaged. If the project could be damaged by fingerprints, a coating or varnish would help protect against this.
As we have seen, many variables can factor into how you would go about choosing your paper for a project. Things like weight, process, distribution, and even quality of paper can all have an effect on your final product. Choosing the right type of paper can really make or break the outcome of a project!
Looking for a printing company near you that can make your custom designs come to life? Omega offers an array of printing services that are guaranteed to get the job done right, every time. Contact us, today!
Written by Omega High Impact Print Solutions’ Digital Marketing Intern, Ryan Lombardi