KShs 0.00

Some of the Technical Paper Terms Demystified

Need Something Printed?

Worry not about the paper terms! We’ve got you covered with our printing solutions. Explore what we print here, request for a quote or place your printing order online.

Order Online

Below are some terminologies used in describing paper. These terms will help you in placing an online printing order with us or even requesting for a quote.

Brightness: this refers to the amount of blue-white light that a paper reflects. This might be indicated on some types of paper you buy especially plain paper. On the label, it might indicate ‘warm’ for a yellow-white or ‘cool’ for a blue-white. You may prefer to use the former on skin colour and food.

Smoothness: refers to the texture and feel of the paper. A smoother paper is good for printing images as it spreads ink better. Smoothness is measured using air leak methods hence the lesser the rate of air leakage (at a specific air pressure, from under a cylindrical knife placed on the surface) the smoother the surface.

Weight: refers to how heavy a paper is. It is normally measured in grams per square metre (GSM). The higher the number, the heavier the paper e.g. plain paper weighs 80 GSM while business car paper normally weighs 300 GSM.

Coated and Uncoated: coated paper usually has a smooth texture to it and is good for printing business cards and business cards e.g. art board. Uncoated paper has a rough finish and is rugged in look e.g. Bristol paper, or bond paper.

Whiteness: a paper is truly white if it ideally reflects all wavelengths of visible light.

Glossy: a shiny finish on the paper e.g. Art Gloss Paper

Matte: a non-shiny finish on the paper e.g. Art Matte Paper

Need Something Printed?

Worry not about the paper terms! We’ve got you covered with our printing solutions. Explore what we print here, request for a quote or place your printing order online.

Order Online

Share this resource:

Our Popular Resources

Print.ke is part of Pulsar Limited, our Branding Agency. We are based in Nairobi, Kenya and we offer companies quality commercial printing services. Our scope covers marketing collateral, books and publications, business stationery and more. Get it printed with us today.