Paper Stock Guide: Silk, Gloss, Uncoated, and Everything In Between

What Does GSM Mean?

GSM stands for grams per square metre — it's the standard measure of paper weight (technically, paper density). A higher GSM means a thicker, heavier sheet. For context:

80gsm — standard office printer paper
130gsm — lightweight flyer or insert
170gsm — standard flyer weight (feels substantial)
250gsm — thick card, postcard territory
350gsm — heavy card, business card weight
450gsm — very thick card, premium business cards

The GSM you need depends on what you're printing. A lightweight leaflet for letterbox drops doesn't need 350gsm card — 130gsm silk is perfect. A business card that needs to feel premium in the hand wants 350–450gsm at minimum.

Silk Finish

Silk (also called silk-coated or satin) is the most popular finish for commercial printing. It has a smooth, slightly sheen surface that produces vibrant colours and sharp images without being reflective. Text is easy to read, photos look rich, and the paper feels premium to the touch.

Best for: Business cards, flyers, leaflets, booklets, postcards, brochures — essentially any product where you want vivid colour and a professional feel.

Can you write on it? Not easily. Silk-coated paper resists pen ink, which takes a long time to dry and tends to smudge. If your print needs a writable area, choose uncoated.

Gloss Finish

Gloss paper has a shiny, reflective surface that makes colours appear even more vivid and saturated than silk. It's eye-catching and premium-looking, but the reflectiveness can make text harder to read under bright lighting.

Best for: Photo-heavy materials like lookbooks, product catalogues, and promotional flyers where image impact matters more than readability. Also used for poster prints and point-of-sale materials.

Drawback: Shows fingerprints more than silk. Not writable.

Uncoated Finish

Uncoated paper has a natural, textured surface with no coating layer. It absorbs ink more than coated papers, which means colours appear slightly softer and more muted — but it gives a warm, organic, tactile feel. Think of the difference between a glossy magazine and a Moleskine notebook cover.

Best for: Letterheads (must be compatible with office printers), compliment slips, notepads, desk pads, premium stationery, and anything that needs to be written on. Also popular for artisan and eco-conscious brands where a natural aesthetic suits the branding.

Writable: Yes — pen, pencil, and stamps all work well. Ink dries quickly on uncoated paper.

Lamination: Matt, Gloss, and Velvet

Lamination is a thin plastic film applied to the printed surface for protection and a premium finish. It's available on stocks of 250gsm and above and cannot be applied to uncoated paper.

Matt lamination — smooth, non-reflective, sophisticated feel. Resists fingerprints. The most popular choice for business cards and presentation folders.
Gloss lamination — shiny, reflective, colour-enhancing. Makes images pop. Great for promotional materials and POS displays.
Velvet (soft-touch) lamination — a luxurious, suede-like texture that feels unlike any other print finish. Premium and memorable. Costs slightly more but makes a genuine tactile impression.

Quick Reference: Paper by Product

Business cards: 350–450gsm silk with lamination
Flyers: 130–170gsm silk (lightweight distribution), 250–350gsm silk with lamination (premium)
Folded leaflets: 150–170gsm silk (creased above 170gsm to prevent cracking)
Letterheads: 90–120gsm uncoated (inkjet/laser compatible)
Compliment slips: 90–120gsm uncoated
Booklets: 150gsm silk interior, 350gsm silk cover with lamination
Postcards: 350gsm silk with optional lamination
Posters: 150–250gsm silk or gloss
Stickers: 78gsm gloss (standard) or 181gsm premium uncoated

Not sure which paper suits your project? Drop us a message and we'll recommend the best option.