How to Choose Paper Stock
Stationary and office supply stores each carry a dizzying array of paper types and styles. Color, size, thickness, brightness and finish options combine to make literally thousands of possible choices. Choosing the paper that's right for you and your specific need depends on understanding what each of these options mean and then choosing the combination that will best bring your printed materials to life.
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Instructions
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Identify what size of paper your project needs. From invitations and note cards to newsletters and over-sized projects, a well-stocked stationary store will carry a wide range of paper sizes. Of course, 8 1/2 by 11-inch pages are the most common paper size and provide ample space to shape and custom as well as "normal" printing projects.
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Choose the best weight for your project. Paper weight is measured in pounds---typical copy paper or "bond" paper is 20 pound weight, resume paper is usually 24 pounds, and heavier "card stock" ranges from 60 pound to 115 pound weights.
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Choose the color and brightness for your paper. Brightness is especially important when considering white papers. The brightness scale ranges from 92 for low-end copy paper to 98 for maximum whiteness. (Hold a piece of each brightness level up together to see the difference in contrast.)
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Evaluate the finish you'd like to use for your printing project. Most papers have a "flat" finish (like standard copy or printer paper), but there are also semi-glossy and high-gloss options (like photo-printing paper.) You may have to experiment with semi-gloss or high-gloss papers to gauge the end quality of your printing based on your own printer's performance.
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Buy the final paper product in small quantity if possible so you can test its suitability for your needs before buying quantities of a ream or more.
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References
- Photo Credit paper image by max blain from Fotolia.com
