Know Your Paper: A Guide to Paperweights
Let’s talk paper.
No, not the kind piling up in your inbox labeled “URGENT,” “REVISED,” or “Definitely Final_v3_FINAL.pdf” — we mean real paper. The kind that makes your flyers fabulous, your business cards bold, and your postcards practically beg to be read.
At Empire Printing, we deal with all kinds of paperweights and finishes, and trust us — choosing the right one can be the difference between “Wow!” and “Why is this so flimsy?” Let’s break it down in terms that won’t require a TPS report.
🧻 The Paperweight Breakdown (No Crying Required)
Paper is measured in pounds (lb) or GSM (grams per square meter). We’ll stick to the pound system here — the office doesn’t need more acronyms today.
20 lb Bond / 50 lb Text
Nickname: "Office MVP"
Think standard printer paper. Great for everyday printing, internal documents, and passive-aggressive notes to coworkers about cleaning the microwave.
📝 Usually Uncoated – perfect for writing, highlighting, and doodling in meetings.
24–28 lb Bond / 60–70 lb Text
Nickname: "Fancy Pants Office Paper"
A bit thicker than standard copy paper. Used when you're printing something just a little more official — like proposals, resumes, or those certificates of participation.
✍️ Uncoated or Matte Coated – still writable but feels a tad more professional.
80–100 lb Text
Nickname: "Flyer’s Best Friend"
This is premium-feel paper used for brochures, inserts, event programs, and those flyers pinned in the breakroom that everyone pretends not to see.
✨ Often Coated (Glossy or Satin) – colors pop, text shines, your event looks legit.
65–80 lb Cover
Nickname: "Postcard Strong"
Now we’re getting sturdy. This is the go-to for postcards, small invitations, and greeting cards.
📬 Coated or Uncoated – uncoated if you need to write on it, coated if you want that glossy, “look how expensive this looks” feel.
100 lb Cover and Up
Nickname: "The Brick"
This is thick, heavy-duty cardstock used for business cards, premium postcards, booklet covers, and anything you want to survive the bottom of someone’s bag.
💪 Typically Coated for durability, but can be uncoated if you're going for that classy, soft-touch matte vibe.
☁️ Coated vs. Uncoated: The Paper Personality Test
Uncoated Paper
No shiny finish
Easy to write on with pen or pencil
Ideal for forms, note cards, or anything where someone’s going to scribble
Gives a soft, elegant look — like the paper equivalent of a handwritten thank-you note
Coated Paper (Gloss, Satin, Matte)
Slick surface, less absorbent
Colors look brighter and sharper
Great for photographs, promotional pieces, and anything you want to say “Look at me!”
May smudge if written on with the wrong pen (we’ve all been there)
🖨️ So, What Should You Use?
Here’s your cheat sheet — because who has time to remember all this?
| Product | Suggested Weight | Finish |
|---|---|---|
| Letterheads | 24–28 lb Bond | Uncoated |
| Flyers | 80 lb Text | Gloss or Satin |
| Postcards | 100 lb Cover | Gloss Coated or Uncoated |
| Business Cards | 100–130 lb Cover | Matte or Gloss Coated |
| Notecards | 80 lb Cover | Uncoated |
| Brochures | 100 lb Text | Gloss Coated |
| Booklets | 80 lb Text (inside), 100 lb Cover (outside) | Coated |
🧃 In Summary (Because You’ve Scrolled Far Enough)
Picking the right paper isn’t just about thickness — it’s about the impression you want to leave. Whether you're sending a heartfelt card, a killer promo, or an office memo that actually gets read, Empire Printing has the paper to match your project (and your personality).
Need help deciding what’s best for your job? That’s what we’re here for.
Our team of in-house designers and print experts can guide you through it faster than your boss can say, “circle back.”
👉 Submit your project here and let’s get it started!
