This Month's Topic: Paper Finishes Defined

Authors and self-publishers have a lot of details to figure out about their books before ink hits paper. One overlooked aspect is the type and finish of paper you select. It may seem a trivial detail, but paper finish will affect the appearance, printing and folding capabilities and overall “feel” of your book. 

The audience and subject matter of your work will often help determine the finish used for the paper. There are many finishes to choose from and the look and feel will vary with each one:

Glossy – A shiny, high-gloss finish can help make photos pop from the page. There are several types of glossy paper finishes; IGI can help you choose the best one for your application.

Laid – This classic finish is identified by the subtle embossed lines running across the grain of the paper, which provide depth and texture to the paper surface. 

Linen – Another classic paper finish, linen papers are often designed to look like cloth. It is popular for use as a cover stock for soft cover books as it easily accepts foil stamping, embossing and die cutting.

Matte – Matte-coated papers have a smooth, flat finish that’s well-liked for book text pages for its ability to display text and photos equally well. Matte papers are very popular; depending on the details of your book project, they may be more economical to purchase than similar coated papers.

Smooth – Another popular finish, papers with a smooth finish are used for everything from copy paper to writing pads. Smooth papers are a solid all-around choice for single-color (text-only) books as well as those with artwork and photos.

Vellum – This finish is similar to a smooth finish, but vellum papers have a slightly rougher surface that lends texture to the sheet. Vellum papers are versatile enough for use as both text and cover stocks.

Keep in mind that the thickness, brightness/whiteness (or color preference) and cost of each paper will vary based on manufacturer and available stock. Also, many of these paper finishes will have a similar look and feel; if cost is paramount, a smooth paper (for example) may be substituted for a vellum finish, or vice versa. Let IGI help you navigate the sea of paper choices to find the best selection for your tastes and budget.

About IGI
At IGI Publishing, our years of printing and publishing experience are a valuable resource when it comes to selecting the right paper for your books. We understand if paper is essential to conveying your message, or if economy reigns supreme. As with every other aspect of your publishing experience – from typesetting and prepress work to printing, binding and beyond – consider IGI Publishing your single publishing resource.