Choosing The Right Paper For
Printing Jobs
Choosing the right
paper for a printing job is a very complicated undertaking.
It should not be that way though. You have overwhelming options.
All you have to do is to be specific. Paper influences all the
aspects of a print project, together with overall perception,
reproduction quality, durability and mailing cost. Choose defectively,
and you can spoil an otherwise great project.
To be specific is
to consider a lot of aspects. First the surface of the paper
because it affects its look, feel and printability. It matters
because people are influenced by the appearance of the paper,
it’s that simple.
Second aspect is
the paper color. Color is the most important characteristic
since it controls the hues and shades of the ink. At present,
white is the most popular color and is generally optimal for
conventional uses. Off-white paper produces fewer glares. It
is usually used in publications such as novels and manuals.
Brightness is another
aspect that needs to be considered. It measures the percentage
of light that it reflects. Most papers reflect 60-90% of incoming
light. It is important because it affects readability. High
level of brightness can cause eye strain. Conversely, low brightness
can cause blurring effect.
The fourth aspect
is opacity. It is the degree to which other printing is visible
through the page. High level of opacity minimizes the visibility
of printing on succeeding pages, as a result, it enhances readability.
Opacity is influenced by the other factors such as bulk and
weight of paper, paper color, ink color, coatings, chemicals
and coverage.
Grain, on the other
hand, describes the direction or alignment of its component
fibers. It is either grain short or grain long. When fibers
run parallel to the width it is grain short. Grain direction
determination is critical to paper strength, flexibility, tack
and versatility.
The basis of weight
of paper is premeditated in pound of one ream or five hundred
sheets. Paper is sold by pound and understanding paper weight
is essential to a triumphant cost control programs.
Caliper means thickness.
It is measured in thousandths of an inch and referred to as
point size (.001 inch = 1 point).
The eighth aspect
is the bulk. It denotes thickness relative to its basis weight.
Uncalendared paper will have a higher bulk than gloss coated
paper. Keep in mind though, that paper may be bulkier or thicker
than another grade but may still have the same basis weight.
The size of the
paper depicts its physical dimensions. Ask your supplier for
specific information concerning the range of paper sizes to
ensure proficient usage.
The tenth aspect
is the paper quantity. It refers to the number of sheets. A
ream is equivalent to 500 sheets. Cartons of paper are typically
weighing 150 pounds.
In purchasing paper,
work side by side with us. We can help you in picking the best
paper in terms of possible weight, texture, tear strength and
color for the printing surface. Always discuss your paper needs
with your printer at the earliest possible opportunity.
The above article was written by Maricon Williams
July
2007 Newsletter
