Summary: Choosing paper for print is a technical decision that has to be weighed alongside surface type (coated, kraft, uncoated), grammage (g/m²) and the printing method itself. Coated paper, with its gloss or matte coating, excels in full-color catalogs and brochures, while kraft paper stands out for packaging and bags thanks to its natural texture and durability. This guide gives B2B buyers a factual overview of grammage ranges, surface differences and press compatibility.
Table of Contents (TOC)
- Why paper choice is never just about "grammage"
- What is coated paper? (matte / gloss / satin)
- What is kraft paper and where is it used
- Grammage (g/m²) guide: which job, which range
- Surface and grammage comparison table
- Paper–printing method compatibility (offset / digital / flexo)
- A note on FSC, exports and sustainability
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why paper choice is never just about "grammage"
A very common mistake is to define paper by grammage alone (e.g. "let's make it 300 grams"). In reality, the outcome of a print job is determined at the intersection of three variables: surface type (is it coated paper, uncoated stock, or textured kraft?), grammage (the weight of the paper per m²) and the chosen printing method. The same 170 g/m² value will give you a vivid brochure on gloss coated stock, but a matte, naturally textured packaging surface on kraft. In B2B production, for agency, corporate and trade-print buyers, the right question is not "how many grams?" but "which surface + which grammage + which press?"
At our production facility in Izmir, Bornova Çamdibi, jobs are planned around this three-part logic; at the sample and firm-quote stage we recommend the paper based on what the project needs to do.
2. What is coated paper? (matte / gloss / satin)
Coated paper is a coated print stock whose surface has been smoothed with a mineral coating. This coating prevents the ink from spreading into the pores of the paper, so colors come out sharper, higher in contrast and more vivid. There are three core surfaces:
- Gloss coated: Reflects light and adds depth to photo-heavy work with high color saturation. Common for catalogs and product showcases.
- Matte coated: Reduces glare and improves readability. Lends a premium feel to text-heavy catalogs and corporate documents.
- Satin / silk (semi-matte): A balanced surface between gloss and matte; preferred for work that mixes visuals and text.
Coated stock is used across a wide range, from magazine interiors and flyers at light grammages to catalog covers and business cards at heavier weights.
3. What is kraft paper and where is it used
Kraft paper is an uncoated paper produced through the kraft pulping process, with high fiber strength. Its characteristic brown/natural tone, matte texture and rough surface carry a "natural" and sustainable perception. Thanks to its high tear and tensile strength, it stands out in particular for packaging, carrier bags, labels and paper-bag applications.
Printing on kraft behaves differently from coated stock: because the surface is absorbent, colors look more "subdued" and matte; for this reason, designs that are low in color, high in contrast and typography-led generally deliver better results on kraft. White kraft is an alternative for jobs that require a white base. For material, grammage and printing-method selection specific to kraft, see our kraft printing solutions page.
4. Grammage (g/m²) guide: which job, which range
Grammage is the weight in grams of one square meter of paper, and it directly affects thickness and durability. The ranges below are common industry reference points (the exact choice can vary with the design and finishing):
- 80–100 g/m²: Flyers, brochure interiors, lightweight magazine pages.
- 115–135 g/m²: Magazine inner pages, multi-page brochure printing, catalog inner signatures.
- 150–200 g/m²: Heavy brochures, catalog covers, posters, quality promotional material.
- 250–350 g/m²: Business cards, postcards, hard covers, premium invitations, packaging.
On multi-page jobs, using different grammages for the inner signatures and the cover is standard practice; for example, a 135 g/m² matte coated catalog interior with a 300 g/m² cover. This balance is the most critical decision between catalog quality and cost; for details, see our catalog printing page.
5. Surface and grammage comparison table
| Paper / surface | Typical grammage | Standout feature | Typical B2B use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gloss coated | 90–350 g/m² | Vivid color, high contrast | Product catalog, photo brochure |
| Matte coated | 115–350 g/m² | Glare-free, legible, premium | Corporate catalog, text brochure |
| Satin/silk coated | 130–300 g/m² | Balance of visuals + text | Mixed-content catalog |
| Uncoated wood-free | 70–120 g/m² | Natural, writable surface | Letterhead, book interiors |
| Kraft | 70–300 g/m² | Natural texture, high durability | Packaging, bags, labels |
6. Paper–printing method compatibility (offset / digital / flexo)
Paper choice is not independent of which press the job runs on:
- Offset printing: Delivers the most economical and consistent result on coated and uncoated stocks at medium-to-high volumes. Our Heidelberg Speedmaster XL 106 and Komori fleet handle high-volume catalog/brochure work across a wide grammage range. For the logic of the method, see our offset printing page.
- Digital printing: Advantageous for low volumes, personalization and fast turnaround. With the HP Indigo 12000 we achieve color consistency on proofs and short-run coated work.
- Flexo / web: Comes into play for kraft and label materials, in packaging and reel-fed label work; the Bobst line supports these processes.
In other words, the same design is routed to a different press depending on volume and paper. As a manufacturer working exclusively B2B (agencies, corporate, trade printers, distributors) since 1 September 2000, we plan the paper-to-method match on a job-by-job basis.
7. A note on FSC, exports and sustainability
FSC-certified versions of both kraft and coated options matter for brands and export jobs that require a sustainable forest management declaration. Our facility produces under ISO 9001:2015 and FSC; for export-bound packaging and catalog work, requests for certified paper can be met. The recyclability and natural perception of paper are becoming increasingly decisive on the brand side, especially for kraft-based packaging.
For the right paper–grammage–method combination, share the purpose of your job with us (volume, use, budget, export); without making up a price, we will get back to you with factual specifications and a firm quote within 24 hours: contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is coated paper and why is it preferred?
Coated paper is a coated print stock whose surface has been smoothed with a mineral coating. The coating keeps the ink on the surface, making colors appear sharper and more vivid. For this reason it is preferred for photo- and color-heavy catalogs, brochures and promotional work. It comes in gloss, matte and satin surface options.
What is the main difference between kraft paper and coated paper?
Coated is a coated, smooth paper with high color saturation; kraft is uncoated, naturally textured and high in fiber strength. Coated is used for printed work with vivid visuals, while kraft is used for work where durability and a natural perception matter, such as packaging, bags and labels.
Which grammage is suitable for which job?
As a general reference, flyers/brochure interiors fall in the 80–135 g/m² range, catalog covers and quality brochures in the 150–200 g/m² range, and business cards and hard covers in the 250–350 g/m² range. On multi-page jobs, the inner signatures are planned with a lighter grammage and the cover with a heavier one. The exact value is determined by the design and finishing.
Should I choose matte coated or gloss coated?
For text-heavy work where readability and a premium look matter, matte coated; for visual-heavy work where photographs and color saturation take center stage, gloss coated delivers better results. For mixed-content catalogs that want a balance between the two, a satin/silk surface is suitable.
Can color be printed on kraft paper?
Yes, but because the kraft surface is absorbent and naturally toned, colors look more matte and subdued than on coated stock. The best results come from high-contrast, typography-led designs. When a white base is required, white kraft or coated alternatives are considered.
Does paper choice affect the printing method?
Yes. High-volume coated catalog/brochure jobs are economical and consistent on offset printing (Heidelberg, Komori); low volumes and personalization are advantageous on digital (HP Indigo 12000); and kraft and label materials are routed to flexo/web (Bobst) lines. Paper and volume are evaluated together.
Can I request FSC-certified paper?
Yes. FSC-certified versions of both coated and kraft papers can be supplied for export and sustainability-declaration jobs. Our facility produces under ISO 9001:2015 and FSC; we evaluate your request on a job-by-job basis and get back to you with a firm quote.