Paper Stock

Here is some paper stock information that will help guide you through your ordering experience.

Coatings

We offer quite a few different finishing options for our various paper stocks.

Aqueous Coating:
Aqueous Coating is a non-toxic, smooth water based coat that gives the paper a slight shine and makes colors more vivid. It also deters dirt and fingerprints. It is done in line flood coated on the press.

UV Coating:
(You cannot write on UV-coated surfaces - see below) Our most popular coating! UV Coating is a high-gloss lamination that is applied to the printed sheet and dries instantly by exposure to ultraviolet light. It is applied as a separate finishing operation as a flood coating or (applied by screen printing) as a spot coating. UV Coating improves durability (scuff and dirt resistance) and look (vibrant colors, sharper graphics) and makes for an all around sturdier product. UV Coating gives more protection and sheen than either varnish or Aqueous Coating. Keep in mind that this thick coating may crack when scored or folded.

Spot UV Gloss Coating:
Spot UV is a partial UV gloss coating which is applied to enhance special elements of your design, or can be used or achieve additional special effects. The printed item will have a matte finish and only the areas you assigned this UV coating to will appear glossy. For this type of print enhancement, you need to submit a PDF file and prepare your print files accordingly to match the requirements for spot UV printing. Please see our instructions for file preparation with Spot UV for help.

Raised Spot UV Gloss Coating:
Raised Spot UV is a partial UV gloss coating which is applied over strategic areas of the printed piece to make them pop. This UV mask is applied over a laminated suede base product such as business cards, postcards, Greeting Cards, and Hang Tags.

Writing on Coated Surfaces:
If writing is absolutely necessary, then typically, the best solution is to go with an uncoated stock, especially for business cards or postcards. If writing and a High Gloss UV finish is preferred, then go with UV on the Front Only. This leaves a writable surface on the back of the product. You should use permanent markers or at least ballpoint pens. We recommend to write on coated prints with permanent markers like Sharpie's Fine Point or Ultra Fine Point Permanent Marker which come in various colors. A standard ballpoint pen may also do a good job on dull covered stock, although it may dry slower. UV Coating is the hardest to write on.

Text/Book Paper Stocks

Stock that is closer in weight to copy paper and is typically used for lightweight brochures, interior booklet pages, and posters.

100 lb Gloss Book with Aqueous Coating (C2S):
100 lb Gloss Book is a medium weight paper that can be easily rolled, unlike the more rigid 100 lb Gloss Cover. It is coated on both sides with Aqueous Coating and is often used for Booklet, Catalogs and lightweight Door Hangers.

100 lb Gloss Book with Satin Aqueous Coating (C2S):
Same as the 100 lb Gloss Book but with a duller satin finish as opposed to a high gloss finish.

100 lb Gloss Book with UV (C2S):
100 lb Gloss Book is a medium weight paper commonly used for brochures, flyers and posters. It is coated on both sides with an ultraviolet finish that resists scuffs and dirt, improves durability and makes graphics pop.

80 lb Gloss Book with Aqueous Coating (C2S):
As Gloss Book cover stocks above, but thinner and lighter. This paper is a popular stock for flyers, brochures and posters.

70 lb Premium Stock:
An uncoated, smooth and silky, yet strong and solid paper with a bright white smooth finish paper stock is available for letterhead and envelopes.

70 lb Sticker with UV:
This is a glossy stock used for indoor use only. Think crack and peel. Not water resistant or printable on the backside.

70 lb Linen:
Made form 30% recycled material, This timeless classic, uncoated stock has a unique texture and feel and is available for letterhead, envelopes, and notepads.

Cover and Card Stocks:

Stock that is heavier in weight and produces an impressive finished product. Typically used for business cards, postcards, door hangers, sell sheets, and most higher end printed products.

100 lb Gloss Cover with Aqueous Coating (C2S):
Similar to the 100 lb Gloss Book, but thicker and heavier. It is coated on both sides with Aqueous Coating. Often used for durable, heavy Brochures, Catalog covers, Flyers, Door Hangers.

100 lb Gloss Cover with Aqueous Coating (C2S):
The dull equivalent to above paper stock. We offer this paper stock for heavy Brochures and Flyers.

100 lb Linen Cover :
Just like the 70 lb linen above but in a heavier cover stock. Commonly used for lightweight business cards and postcards.

14 pt Cover with UV Coating (C2S):
A Business Card baseline standard with a glossy ultraviolet coating for scuff resistance and durability. Commonly referred to a "Standard" stock by our competitors.

14 pt Matte Cover (C2S):
Same as above but with a dull matte finish instead of the glossy finish.

14 pt Pearl Metallic Cover (C2S):
Metallic Pearl paper shimmers in the light when held at different angles. This stock is embedded with Pearl fibers giving it its smooth pearlescent radiance. Great for making an impression with your Business Cards, Hang Tags, Greeting Cards, or Pearl Postcards.

14 pt Natural Cover:
Made from partially recylced paper, Natural Cover is smooth finish stock that has a a light cream natural white color.

14 pt Premium Uncoated/Offset Cover:
High quality, heavy weight card stock with a high brightness factor. Uncoated paper has a more natural feel and a good surface for handwriting. Often used for Business Cards, Brochures, Flyers, and Postcards.

16 pt Cover with UV Finish (C2S):
While designated as "Premium" by the competition, this is our standard go to stock. It is thicker and much more impressive than the 14 pt stock. Coated in a high gloss UV or Spot UV finish makes a printed piece that truly impresses. You are judged by your marketing materials which is why we use this as a standard. It is that good. Often used as a staple, most of our products such as Business Cards, Postcards, Rack Cards, Presentation Folders, Greeting Cards can be found with this stock.

16 pt Cover with Matte Finish (C2S):
Same as above except with a dull matte finish instead of the high gloss. The matte finish still provides for sharpness, but without the shiny surface.

16 pt Cover with Silk Laminated Finish (C2S):
Silky smooth to the touch, this stock is laminated on both sides enhancing their tear and water resistance and finishes out at a durable and impressive 19 pt thickness . Combined with our foil options make a card to stands out against most others. Commonly used for Business Cards, Postcards, Rack Cards, and Greeting Cards but can be found in a wide array of products.

16 pt Cover with Suede Laminated Finish (C2S):
A 1.5 mil layer of soft velvet applied to a laminated base much like the silk cards leaving a soft look and a supple velvety feel. These cards finish out to be an impressive 19 pt thickness and are also resistant to water and tearing.

18 pt Uncoated Brown Kraft Card (C1S):
100% Recycled and eco-friendly, this light brown kraft paper has visible flecks and natural fibers that render a natural, organic feel. Can be printed with white ink and is typically used for Greeting Cards and Announcement Cards.

20 pt Plastic Stock:
Available in either solid (opaque) white, clear (see through) or frosted (semi-transparent), these heavy weight cards are truly modern and impressive.

32 pt Laminated Cover:
Two layers of 9 pt bright white premium uncoated stock laminated together over a 14 pt solid core for an ultra thick, sleek, modern finish that truly stands out. These cards are uncoated and can be written on.