Catalogs remain an integral marketing medium for many businesses today. Unlike fleeting digital communications, print catalogs provide a tangible way for brands to showcase products that customers can hold in their hands and leisurely peruse.
With striking visuals and detailed product information, print catalogs enable compelling storytelling that brings brands to life. However, realizing the full potential of catalogs requires careful consideration of paper selection. After all, paper impacts everything from image reproduction to the overall look, feel, and durability of the catalog.
So what type of paper works best for bringing catalogs to life while aligning with marketing objectives? This definitive guide explores common paper options for catalog printing, equipping companies with the insights needed to make a strategic choice.
Key Paper Specifications for Catalog Printing
When evaluating paper for catalogs, core specifications like weight, thickness, opacity, and finish play an instrumental role. Here’s an overview of key paper attributes for catalogs:
- Basis Weight: The weight of paper expressed in pounds (lb). Typical catalog paper weights range from 60lb text stock for interior pages to 100lb cover stock for external pages. Heavier paper feels more substantial.
- Caliper: Paper thickness measured in thousandths of an inch (points). A thicker paper stands up to repeated handling.
- Opacity: The degree to which paper resists show-through on double-sided pages. High opacity ensures crisp text/images on every page.
- Finish: The texture and sheen of the paper surface (gloss, matte, silk, etc.). Finish impacts aesthetics and function.
- Brightness: Percentage of light reflected from paper. Most catalog papers have a brightness rating of 80 or above.
Most Popular Catalog Paper Options
With key technical considerations covered, let’s explore the two major categories of paper that brands use for catalog printing: coated and uncoated.
Gloss Coated Paper
Gloss coated paper features an ultra-smooth finish with a shiny reflective quality. The coating creates a slick surface that allows vibrant inks to sit atop the paper rather than absorbing in. This makes gloss coated paper ideal for reproducing high-quality photographic images in catalogs.
- Popular weights: 80-100lb text, 100-130lb cover
- Best for: Showcasing products with photography
Matte Coated Paper
With a smooth, non-reflective finish, matte coated paper delivers exceptional clarity and contrast without the shine factor. Matte coatings provide good ink holdout while reducing glare, making this paper suitable for catalogs with both images and heavy text content.
- Popular weights: 60-80lb text, 80-100lb cover
- Best for: Balancing great readability and image reproduction
Uncoated Paper
As the name implies, uncoated paper does not have an applied coating. This gives uncoated paper a more natural, tactile feel resembling traditional text or book paper stock. While image vibrancy suffers slightly, uncoated papers offer exceptional durability and an understated, elegant aesthetic.
- Popular weights: 60-80lb text, 80-100lb cover
- Best for: Text-heavy catalogs or eco-friendly production
Key Considerations for Choosing Catalog Paper
With an overview of the most common paper options covered, companies can zero in on materials aligned with catalog purpose, distribution plans, brand values, and budget. Considerations include:
- Imagery prominence: Gloss papers make product photos pop; matte enhance readability.
- Distribution method: Thicker paper increases mailing costs.
- Production budget: Coated papers cost up to 30% more than uncoated.
- Brand ethos: Eco-friendly companies like Gobookprinting will prioritize recycled papers.
- Catalog longevity: Durable heavyweight stock sustains frequent handling.
By carefully weighing these key factors, brands can select paper specimen that check all the boxes for their catalog application while conveying quality and reinforcing brand identity. Partnering with knowledgeable print vendors and requesting paper samples close the information gap between marketing expectations and printing realities.
Ultimately, paper constitutes far more than a mere canvas or vehicle for catalog content. Rather, it serves as a vital touchpoint impacting user experience. Companies that recognize paper’s potential to make sensory connections and influence brand perception will reap dividends from a meticulous yet imaginative paper choice that captures customer attention and fuels engagement.