Stock

Stock has a huge effect on the final outcome of a design and with so many types its defiantly an area that I want to include in my print manual.

Coated - Gives more vibrant colours

Uncoated - Allows for reader to feel its tactile qualities, gives a natural and softer feel.

Woodfree stock - MAKE NOTE

Paper Qualities

GSM - Grams per square meter is a weight measurement that is part of a paper specification based on the weight of a square meter of the stock. An A0 page is equal to one meter square, meaning the GSM equates to the weight of a single A0 sheet.

Paper Grain

Paper produced on a paper machine has a grain because the fibres from which its made line up during the manufacturing process in the direction that is passes through the paper making machine. The grain is the direction in which most fibres lay. This characteristic means that paper is easier to fold, bend or tear along its grain direction.

Direction

The direction of fibres in paper for laser printers typically has a grain that runs parallel to the long side of the paper to allow it to pass more easily through the printer.

Paper Types and print quality

Paper characteristics that effect the print quality are smoothness, absorbency, opacity and ink holdout.

Smoothness - The smooth surface of certain stocks is obtained through the use of filter elements that may be polished with calendaring rollers. They are typically glossy as well.

Absorbency - Stocks have a variety of different absorbency levels, which is how much the ink soaks into the page. Printing inks tend to dry quicker on absorbent stocks but it may cause problems such as dot grain.

Opacity - Opacity is used to describe how much what ever is printed on the page shows through to the other side. High opacity papers have no show through

Ink Holdout - This is the degree to which a stock resists ink penetration due to lack of absorbency. Coated stocks may be more prone to ink holdout because it rests on the surface in turn increasing the drying time.