papertype

Papertype refers to the category or class of paper defined by its physical properties and intended use rather than its color. In printing and publishing, papertype influences ink absorption, color reproduction, durability, and handling.

Key properties include weight (grammage), thickness (caliper), opacity, brightness, color, and fiber content (wood pulp, recycled, cotton). Finish options range from uncoated to coated (gloss, satin, matte), and surface textures can be smooth, vellum, or felt. Coatings and surface treatments affect ink holdout and image sharpness. For digital printing, compatibility with inkjet or laser technologies is important, while offset printing uses different paper grades. Archival quality often requires acid-free or pH-neutral formulations with long-term stability.

Classification commonly follows finish and use. By finish: uncoated vs coated (gloss, matte, satin). By weight: text weights (roughly 60–120 gsm) and cover weights (above 160 gsm). By use: office paper, book text, magazine or newspaper grades, art papers, photography papers, and packaging boards. By fiber content and recyclability: virgin wood pulp, recycled content, or specialty fibers like cotton. Some papertypes are optimized for specific processes (offset, rotogravure, inkjet, or laser) and color reproduction.

Selection of papertype balances ink interaction, readability, durability, and cost. Considerations include grain direction, expected print run length, folding and binding requirements, and finishing needs. Industry standards such as brightness scales and archival certifications (acid-free, archive-grade) may apply for long-term projects. The term encompasses a broad range of products from inexpensive office papers to high-end art and photographic media.