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Weight
This is a measure of the weight of paper or stock, in grams per square metre (gsm), and
is another important consideration in paper selection. Most office papers are around 80
or 90 gsm, and are normally used for correspondence.
Heavier sheets, used for covers and business cards, are often thicker because they
contain more fibres. These papers may sometimes be too thick or rigid to pass through
the paper path of the DocuColor 2060. They may also crack or blister when folded (even
when scored).
The DocuColor 2060 accepts paper between 64 and 280 gsm. This covers the vast majority
of requirements, from office applications to covers, postcards and business cards.
Finish
Finish is the smoothness or roughness of a paper’s surface. Finish may be controlled by
the surface pattern used as part of the basic papermaking process, by adding coatings,
and through the calendaring process which smooths and polishes the paper surface.
Paper is available in a variety of uncoated and coated finishes. Uncoated finishes range
from rough to smooth, where rough textures add dimension, while smooth finishes
enhance print quality. Coated finishes range from premium highly polished, high gloss
cast coated to a gloss, matte, and dull coated.
Why paper doesn’t always work the way it should
Although many papers are now designed for digital printing, most fine printing papers
were originally designed for offset presses. The following sections take a look at the
influence coating, moisture content and texture have on results.
Coated paper and offset
The high gloss papers used in magazines, brochures, and direct mail have long been the
choice of graphic designers and offset presses because the smooth, glossy finish has
reflective qualities which provide an optimum surface for photographs, colour
illustrations and text.
Coated paper and digital printing
Because many of today’s applications have moved from offset to digital, users are
beginning to demand fine papers for their digital prints. Although many offset papers
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selecting paper stock