Journal · 30 July 2026 · 3 min
Paper matters more than you think
Weight, coated or uncoated, white or natural: three choices that change everything, often for little extra cost.
Weight
A 350 gsm business card doesn’t feel like a 600 gsm one. You notice it in the hand before you even read the name. For cards, we rarely recommend less than 400 gsm.
Coated or uncoated
Coated paper is smooth and gives photos plenty of contrast. Uncoated paper absorbs a little ink, colours are softer, and you can write on it with a pen. For a menu or stationery, it’s often the best choice.
Ask for samples
Printers and paper merchants send swatch books for free. Spend an hour with them in daylight. It’s the surest way to avoid surprises on delivery.