Paper Stock
Commercial printing paper is divided into two broad categories - - Coated and Uncoated (sometimes referred to as offset stock). Within each of those categories are sub-categories by weight - - Text and Cover stock. Text stock is the lighter weight paper used most frequently for the inside or body of a book or catalog. It is less expensive than cover weight paper. Cover stock is a heavier and more durable paper used for the outside cover of a book or catalog. The heavier the paper's weight with a resulting greater thickness, the more upscale is the look and feel that will be achieved.

Coated Paper Stock Options
Gloss and Matte stock are both coated papers. Most brochures, flyers and others are printed on 80 # gloss text stock but 70# and 100# gloss text can be equally good choices depending on your needs. For an even greater upscale look and feel, you might choose 80# gloss cover stock. Matte is a coated stock with a dull finish. It is often used to make pages easier to read that are text or type intensive. Accordingly, 80# matte text might be appropriate depending on your objectives and how the piece will be used. Gloss stock is a coated paper with shinny or highly reflective finish. It is most often used in full color printing to have full color photographs, images and graphics appear more vivid, real and appealing.

Multi-Page Paper Stock Options
The body or text pages for books are usually printed one color on white offset stock. The most commonly used weights are 50# and 60# white offset text. You might want to consider 60# if you have heavy ink coverage for copy other than typed text such as many black and white photographs. Several different choices are available for the cover of a book. For self-cover books (where the cover paper is the same as that used for the body) 50#, 60#, and 70# offset text are frequently used. For perfect bound books where a heavier offset stock is required (usually above 50 to 80 pages) or for saddle stitched books where a more durable offset stock is needed, 67# white vellum offset cover is a good choice. For that upscale look or when using full color, you might use 80# or 100# gloss cover. There are numerous alternatives in paper and your commercial printer is your best choice when seeking additional information for an alternative that best fits your needs.
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