Paper Stocks

Understanding Paper Types, Weights, and Finishes — A Guide for Everyday Printing

If you’ve ever ordered business cards, flyers, or brochures and found yourself staring at options like 80 lb Gloss Text or 100 lb Cover Matte, you’re not alone. Most people don’t spend much time thinking about paper until it’s time to print something important — and that’s when all the options can get confusing.

At Classic Graphics, we want to make it simple. Whether you’re printing marketing materials for your business or invitations for an event, understanding paper types, weights, and finishes will help you make the right choice for your project.

🧾 Paper Weight Basics (And What They Actually Mean)

Paper weight doesn’t refer to how much a single sheet weighs — it’s how much 500 sheets of that paper would weigh in its base size. That’s why an “80 lb” sheet can feel lighter or heavier depending on whether it’s text stock or cover stock.

Think of it like clothing:

  • Text weight is like a T-shirt — flexible and lightweight.

  • Cover weight is like a sweatshirt — thicker, sturdier, and made to last.

Here’s a quick breakdown in plain English:

Paper WeightTypeTypical UsesFeels Like
20 lb / 50 lb TextStandard copy paperEveryday printingThin notebook paper
60–70 lb TextLetterheads, flyersLightweight brochure paperMagazine page
80–100 lb TextPremium brochures, postersHeavier & more professionalHigh-end magazine or catalog
80–100 lb CoverBusiness cards, postcardsSturdy card stockGreeting card
12–16 pt CoverPremium cards, menusRigid, durablePostcard or thin cardboard


💡 Pro tip: The same paper weight can feel different depending on the size of the sheet. For example, a 100 lb cover stock on a business card feels much thicker than that same stock used on a large 8.5×11 flyer, simply because of the way you hold it. Smaller sizes feel sturdier.

🌟 Paper Finishes: Gloss, Matte, and Satin

Once you’ve chosen your paper weight, the next big decision is finish — and it makes a huge difference in how your design looks and feels.

Gloss Finish

Glossy paper has a shiny coating that enhances color vibrancy and contrast.
Perfect for:

  • Product flyers

  • Postcards

  • Full-color brochures

  • Photos

✅ Pros: Makes images pop and looks vibrant.
⚠️ Cons: Can cause glare under lighting and show fingerprints more easily.

Think of it like: the shiny pages in a fashion magazine or the finish on a photo print.

Matte Finish

Matte paper has a smooth, non-reflective surface that feels soft and elegant.
Perfect for:

  • Professional business materials

  • Invitations

  • Certificates

  • Minimalist designs

✅ Pros: Easy to read, no glare, upscale feel.
⚠️ Cons: Colors appear slightly softer and less “shiny.”

Think of it like: the texture of a nice book cover or a luxury greeting card.

Satin (or Silk) Finish

Satin finish is the best of both worlds — not too glossy, not too dull.
It has a subtle sheen that enhances color without the glare of gloss.
Perfect for:

  • Brochures

  • Catalogs

  • Presentation materials

✅ Pros: Balanced look, smooth feel, versatile.
⚠️ Cons: Slightly more expensive, but worth it for premium projects.

Think of it like: the finish on a high-end magazine — smooth but not reflective.

📏 Paper Sizes: From Business Cards to Posters

While paper comes in all shapes and sizes, most U.S. print jobs use standard measurements:

Common SizeDescriptionTypical Use
3.5″ × 2″Business CardThe classic handout
4″ × 6″PostcardMailers or small handouts
5.5″ × 8.5″Half SheetEvent flyers or inserts
8.5″ × 11″LetterStandard document or flyer
11″ × 17″TabloidBrochure or small poster
24″ × 36″+Large FormatPosters, signage, banners